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. Most banks post holiday schedules on their homepage, usually under "Hours" or "Locations". If you need to know right now, a phone call takes 30 seconds.
If you want to know ahead of time, the Federal Reserve publishes the official list of federal holidays when banks close. These are the same nine days every year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Some banks also close on the day after Thanksgiving.
Not all banks close on all federal holidays. Credit unions, smaller regional banks, and online-only banks sometimes stay open on days when major banks close. Your specific bank's schedule is the one that matters for your account.
Key Takeaways
- Federal banks close on nine official holidays each year, but your bank may have a different schedule.
- Your bank's website or phone line will confirm whether they are open today.
- Online banks and credit unions often stay open on days when traditional banks close.
- If you need to deposit or withdraw cash on a holiday, ATMs work 24/7 regardless of bank hours.
- Wire transfers and ACH payments may process slower on or around bank holidays, even if your bank is open.
The nine federal bank holidays
These are the days when the Federal Reserve closes and most major banks do not process transactions:
| Holiday | Date (varies by year) |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January |
| Presidents' Day | Third Monday in February |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May |
| Juneteenth | June 19 |
| Independence Day | July 4 |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September |
| Thanksgiving | Fourth Thursday in November |
| Christmas | December 25 |
When a holiday falls on a weekend, the Federal Reserve observes it on the nearest weekday. For example, if Christmas falls on a Saturday, banks close on Friday instead. Your bank will follow the same rule.
What stays open on bank holidays
ATMs work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even when your bank's branches are closed. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, or transfer money between your own accounts at any time.
Online banking platforms stay open. You can log in, view your account, and set up transfers or bill payments on a holiday. However, those transactions may not process until the next business day. A wire transfer you send on Thanksgiving will usually not reach the other bank until Friday.
Credit unions and online-only banks often stay open on federal holidays. If you bank with one of these, check their specific hours before assuming they are closed. Some credit unions close only on Christmas and Thanksgiving, while others observe all nine federal holidays.
When transactions process around holidays
Transactions you send on a bank holiday typically process the next business day. If you send a wire transfer on a Monday holiday, it will not move until Tuesday. ACH transfers (like direct deposits or bill payments) follow the same rule — they queue up and process when the Federal Reserve reopens.
Some banks process transactions faster than others, and some charge fees for expedited processing. Check with your bank about their specific timeline if you need money to arrive by a certain date.
If a holiday falls on a Friday, transactions sent that day will not process until Monday. Plan ahead if you need funds over the weekend.
Checking your specific bank's holiday schedule
Visit your bank's website and look for "Holiday Hours", "Branch Hours", or "Holiday Schedule". Most banks list the full year's closures in one place. If you cannot find it online, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card.
If you use multiple banks or accounts, check each one separately. A bank holiday for one institution does not mean all banks are closed.
What to do if you need banking services on a holiday
Use an ATM to withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), or transfer money between your accounts. ATMs never close.
If you need to speak to someone, call your bank's customer service line. Many banks staff phone support on holidays, even if branches are closed. The number is usually on your bank statement or debit card.
If you need to deposit a check and your ATM does not have a deposit slot, wait until the next business day. Checks deposited on a holiday will not process any faster than those deposited the day before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my direct deposit come through on a bank holiday?
Direct deposits scheduled for a bank holiday will usually process the next business day instead. If your paycheck is set to deposit on a Monday holiday, it will arrive on Tuesday. Check with your employer or payroll provider if you are unsure of the exact timing.
Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?
Yes. Debit cards work at merchants and ATMs on bank holidays. Your bank's branch may be closed, but the payment network stays open. Transactions may take longer to post to your account if the bank is closed, but the purchase will go through.
Do online banks close on bank holidays?
Most online banks stay open on federal holidays because they have no physical branches. However, transactions may still process slower because the Federal Reserve is closed. Check your bank's website to confirm their holiday schedule.
What if I need to wire money on a holiday?
You can initiate a wire transfer online or by phone on a holiday, but it will not process until the next business day when the Federal Reserve reopens. If you need the money to arrive urgently, send it the business day before instead.
Are credit unions open on bank holidays?
Some credit unions close on all federal holidays, while others stay open. A few close only on Christmas and Thanksgiving. Contact your credit union directly to find out their specific holiday schedule.