How to learn about today is a bank holiday
The fastest way is to check your bank's website or call their customer service line—they will tell you immediately whether they are open. If your bank is closed, it is a federal bank holiday. You can also search "federal holidays 2024" or "federal holidays 2025" on any search engine and compare today's date to the official list.
The U.S. federal government recognizes 11 permanent bank holidays each year, plus occasional special holidays declared by Congress. Not all banks observe every federal holiday the same way—some stay open on certain days, and some close on additional days based on state law or company policy. The only way to know for certain whether your specific bank is closed is to check with them directly.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank or check their website to see if they are open today; if they are closed, it is a federal bank holiday.
- The 11 permanent federal bank holidays occur on the same dates or days each year, though some banks may observe them differently.
- State banks and credit unions may close on additional holidays that national banks do not observe.
- Bank holidays affect when deposits clear, when wire transfers process, and when customer service is available.
The 11 permanent federal bank holidays
These holidays are observed by the federal government and most banks nationwide. The dates are fixed or fall on a specific day of the week each year:
| Holiday | Date or Day |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. | Third Monday in January |
| Presidents' Day | Third Monday in February |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May |
| Juneteenth National Independence Day | June 19 |
| Independence Day | July 4 |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday in October |
| Veterans Day | November 11 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday in November |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
When a holiday falls on a Saturday, most banks close on Friday instead. When it falls on a Sunday, most banks close on Monday. However, this rule varies by bank and state, so checking directly remains the most reliable method.
Why bank holidays matter for your money
On a bank holiday, your bank's physical branches are closed and customer service lines may not be staffed. More importantly, deposits do not clear and wire transfers do not process. If you deposit a check on a bank holiday, it will not be credited to your account until the next business day. If you send a wire transfer, it will not leave your account until the following business day.
Automatic bill payments and direct deposits scheduled for a bank holiday usually process on the next business day instead. ATM withdrawals and online transfers between your own accounts still work on bank holidays, since those do not require bank staff to process them. If you need cash or need to move money between your accounts, you can do so without waiting.
State and regional differences in bank holidays
Some states observe additional holidays that the federal government does not. For example, Texas banks may close on Confederate Memorial Day, and some banks in Hawaii close on Kamehameha Day. Credit unions and state-chartered banks are more likely to follow state holidays than national banks are.
If you bank with a credit union or a state bank, ask them which holidays they observe. Their website usually lists their holiday schedule, or you can call and ask. National banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically close only on the 11 federal holidays, but it is worth confirming with your specific branch.
What to do if you need banking services on a holiday
ATMs work on bank holidays, so you can withdraw cash or check your balance anytime. Online banking—checking your account, paying bills, transferring money between your own accounts—also works on holidays. Mobile apps function the same way.
If you need to deposit a check or speak to a banker, you will have to wait until the next business day. If the holiday falls on a Friday, you will not be able to deposit until Monday. Plan ahead if you know you will need access to funds over a holiday weekend.
How to plan around bank holidays
If you are expecting a deposit or need to send money, check the federal holiday calendar before the date. If a holiday falls on the day you need the transaction to process, do it the day before instead. This is especially important for bill payments—if your payment is due on a bank holiday, send it at least one business day early to avoid a late fee.
For large transactions or time-sensitive transfers, call your bank ahead of time and ask when they will process. Some banks process certain transactions on holidays even though branches are closed. Knowing your bank's specific policy saves you from missed deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my direct deposit come through on a bank holiday?
Direct deposits scheduled for a bank holiday usually process the next business day instead. If your paycheck is due on a Friday that is a bank holiday, it may not appear in your account until Monday. Contact your employer or your bank to confirm the exact timing.
Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?
Yes. Debit card transactions, ATM withdrawals, and online purchases work on bank holidays because they do not require your bank to process them in real time. Your bank's systems are running even though branches are closed.
Do all banks close on the same holidays?
Most banks close on the 11 federal holidays, but some state banks and credit unions observe additional state holidays. Call your bank or check their website to see their full holiday schedule. A few banks stay open on certain federal holidays, though this is uncommon.
What happens if I deposit a check on a bank holiday?
The check will not clear until the next business day. If you deposit on a Friday that is a bank holiday, the check will not be credited until Monday. Mobile check deposits and ATM deposits follow the same rule.
How do I know if my bank is open today?
Call your bank's main number or check their website—both will show their hours for today. You can also search the federal holiday calendar online and compare today's date to the list of 11 permanent holidays.