How to learn about today is a bank holiday right now

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. Banks observe federal holidays on the day the federal government observes them, which is not always the calendar date of the holiday itself. For example, if Independence Day falls on a Sunday, the federal government observes it on Monday, and most banks close on Monday instead of Sunday.

If you need to know whether a specific holiday is observed today, search "[your bank name] holiday hours" or look at their mobile app — most banks post their full holiday schedule online and update it each year. You can also call the main number and listen to the automated message, which usually states holiday status in the first few seconds.

The federal government publishes its official holiday calendar each year on the Office of Personnel Management website. That calendar shows which days federal offices will be closed, and banks follow the same schedule.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks close on the same days the federal government observes holidays, not necessarily on the calendar date of the holiday.
  • When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, the government and most banks observe it on the nearest weekday instead.
  • Your bank's website or mobile app shows their specific holiday schedule and hours for today.
  • The Office of Personnel Management publishes the official federal holiday calendar each year, which banks use to set their closures.
  • Not all banks close on every federal holiday — some regional or smaller banks may have different schedules.

The federal holidays when banks close

Banks in the United States close on ten federal holidays each year. These are New Year's Day (January 1), Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (third Monday in January), Washington's Birthday (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), and Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November).

Christmas Day (December 25) is also a federal holiday when banks close. Some banks may also close on the day after Thanksgiving, though this is not a federal holiday — it depends on the individual bank's policy.

When any of these holidays falls on a Saturday, the federal government observes it on Friday. When it falls on a Sunday, the government observes it on Monday. Banks follow this same rule, so the day they close may not match the actual calendar date of the holiday.

How to check your specific bank's holiday schedule

Each bank sets its own holiday schedule within the federal framework. Most major banks close on all ten federal holidays, but some regional banks, credit unions, or smaller institutions may have different policies. The only way to know for certain is to check with your bank directly.

Visit your bank's website and look for "holiday hours," "branch hours," or "holiday schedule." Most banks post this information prominently during November and December and update it each year. If you use a mobile app, the app often shows branch hours and holiday closures. You can also call your branch or the main customer service number — the automated message usually states whether the bank is closed for a holiday.

If you bank with an online-only bank, check their website or contact their customer service. Online banks may have different holiday policies than brick-and-mortar banks, and some may process transactions on federal holidays even though they do not have physical branches.

What happens if you need banking services on a holiday

If your bank is closed today and you need to move money or check your account, you can use your bank's mobile app or website — most online banking platforms stay open 24/7, even on federal holidays. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, or check your balance without visiting a branch.

If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash, you will have to wait until the bank reopens. Checks deposited through a mobile app or ATM on a holiday will usually be processed the next business day. ATMs work on holidays, so you can withdraw cash even if the branch is closed.

If you need to speak to a person, most banks offer holiday customer service lines. Call the number on the back of your debit card or check your bank's website for holiday support hours — some banks staff customer service on holidays, while others do not.

How the observed date differs from the actual holiday date

The federal government observes holidays on specific weekdays to avoid closing on weekends. This means the day your bank closes may not be the actual date of the holiday. For example, if Independence Day (July 4) falls on a Saturday, the federal government observes it on Friday, July 3, and banks close on Friday instead of Saturday.

The same rule applies when a holiday falls on a Sunday. If Thanksgiving falls on a Thursday (which it always does), but Christmas falls on a Sunday, the federal government observes Christmas on Monday, December 26, and banks close on Monday instead of Sunday.

This matters because you need to know when your bank will actually be closed, not when the holiday calendar says the holiday is. Check your bank's posted schedule to see the observed date, not just the calendar date.

State and local holidays that may affect your bank

Some states and cities observe additional holidays beyond the ten federal holidays. Banks in those areas may close on state or local holidays even though the federal government does not. For example, some banks in Texas close on Texas Independence Day (March 2), and some banks in Hawaii close on additional state holidays.

If you live in a state with additional holidays, your bank's website will show these closures in their holiday schedule. Call your branch or check online to see whether your specific bank observes state holidays in addition to federal ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card or ATM on a bank holiday?

Yes. ATMs work 24/7, and you can withdraw cash on any holiday. You can also use your debit card to make purchases at stores. Online banking through your bank's website or app also works on holidays, so you can transfer money or pay bills without visiting a branch.

Will my check deposit process on a holiday?

No. Checks deposited on a holiday through a mobile app, ATM, or at a closed branch will be processed the next business day. If you deposit a check on Friday before a Monday holiday, it will not process until Tuesday.

Do all banks close on the same federal holidays?

Most major banks close on all ten federal holidays, but some credit unions and regional banks may have different schedules. Check your specific bank's website or call them to confirm their holiday hours.

What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on a holiday?

Some banks offer customer service phone lines on holidays, while others do not. Call the number on the back of your card or check your bank's website for holiday support hours. Online chat support may also be available through your bank's website or app.

Does my bank close if a holiday falls on a weekend?

The federal government observes holidays on the nearest weekday when they fall on a weekend. Your bank will close on the observed date (Friday if the holiday is Saturday, Monday if it is Sunday), not on the weekend. Check your bank's schedule to confirm the exact date.