Who said “A banker is a fellow who lends his umbrella when the sun is shining and wants it back…”?

Misattributed

Not Mark Twain. It's commonly credited to them, but the evidence shows it isn't theirs.

What the research foundNot by Mark Twain. Earliest known source: Anonymous; circulating by 1930.

Evidence: Quote Investigator · Wikiquote · How we check

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“A banker is a fellow who lends his umbrella when the sun is shining and wants it back the minute it begins to rain.”
MisattributedNot by Mark Twain. Earliest known source: Anonymous; circulating by 1930. · evidenceBankers and Banking

Cite this quote

APA

“A banker is a fellow who lends his umbrella when the sun is shining and wants it back the minute it begins to rain.” [Quotation attributed to Mark Twain]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/2402-a-banker-is-a-fellow-who-lends-his/

MLA

“A banker is a fellow who lends his umbrella when the sun is shining and wants it back the minute it begins to rain.” Attributed to Mark Twain. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/2402-a-banker-is-a-fellow-who-lends-his/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“A banker is a fellow who lends his umbrella when the sun is shining and wants it back the minute it begins to rain.” Attributed to Mark Twain. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/2402-a-banker-is-a-fellow-who-lends-his/.