How to learn about your bank is closed right now
The fastest way is to call your bank's main number or check their website — most banks post holiday closures on their homepage or in the mobile app. You can also look at the Federal Reserve's official holiday calendar, which lists every day U.S. banks close for federal holidays. If your bank observes a holiday that day, branches will be closed and you won't be able to withdraw cash, deposit checks, or speak to a teller in person.
Online banking and ATM access usually stay open on bank holidays, even when branches are physically closed. Transfers between your own accounts, bill payments, and balance checks typically work the same way. What stops is anything requiring a person — deposits at the teller window, loan applications, wire transfers to other banks, and customer service calls to a live representative.
If you need cash or have a time-sensitive transaction, check today's date against the federal holiday list below, then call your bank to confirm their specific closure schedule. Some banks close on different holidays than others, and a few stay open on certain federal holidays depending on state law.
Key Takeaways
- Federal banks close on 11 federal holidays each year, and most commercial banks follow the same schedule.
- Your bank's website or mobile app will show whether branches are open today, and you can call their main line to confirm.
- ATMs and online banking usually work on bank holidays even when physical branches are closed.
- Some transactions like wire transfers and loan applications require a live banker and cannot be completed on holidays.
- A few states observe additional holidays beyond the federal list, so regional banks may have different closure dates.
The federal holidays when most banks close
The Federal Reserve recognizes 11 holidays each year when member banks must close. Most commercial banks follow this same list, though some add extra closures or observe different dates based on state law.
| Holiday | Typical Date |
|---|---|
| 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 federal holiday falls on a weekend, banks typically close on the nearest weekday instead. For example, if Christmas falls on a Saturday, most banks close on Friday. Check your bank's website to confirm the exact date they observe, since some banks close on the observed date and others close on both the observed date and the actual date.
What you can and cannot do on a bank holiday
Online banking platforms stay open 24/7 on holidays, so you can check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills online, and set up automatic payments. ATMs work normally and dispense cash whenever you need it. Mobile check deposit (taking a photo of a check through your bank's app) usually processes on holidays, though the funds may not clear until the next business day.
What requires a closed branch: depositing cash or checks at a teller window, applying for a loan or credit card, ordering a cashier's check, disputing a transaction with a live representative, and sending wire transfers to other banks. If you need to wire money on a holiday, some banks allow you to initiate the transfer online, but it won't actually send until the next business day when the Federal Reserve processes it.
If you have a time-sensitive need — like a wire transfer that must leave today — contact your bank before the holiday to see if they can process it early or if you have other options. Some banks offer limited holiday hours or emergency services for urgent situations.
Regional and state-specific bank holidays
A handful of states observe additional holidays beyond the federal 11, and banks in those states may close on dates that other banks stay open. For example, some Southern states observe Confederate Memorial Day, and a few states have their own regional holidays. Texas banks may close on different dates than California banks.
If you bank with a regional or state-chartered bank, check their website for their full holiday calendar. National banks (those with "National" in the name or "N.A." after the name) typically follow the federal schedule, but state-chartered banks sometimes add closures. Your bank's customer service line can tell you their exact schedule for the year.
What to do if you need banking services on a holiday
Plan ahead: if you know you'll need cash or need to make a deposit, do it the business day before. Withdraw extra cash before the holiday if you think you'll need it. Set up automatic bill payments or online transfers before the holiday so they process without your involvement.
If you have an urgent transaction that cannot wait, call your bank's main number on the holiday itself — some banks staff a limited line for emergencies, and they can tell you whether your situation qualifies for after-hours help. Credit unions sometimes have different holiday schedules than banks, so if you're a member of both, check whether your credit union is open.
For wire transfers, international payments, or other time-sensitive moves, contact your bank the day before the holiday and ask whether they can process it early or what your options are. Some banks charge a fee for holiday processing, so ask about that too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all banks close on the same holidays?
Most banks close on the 11 federal holidays, but some regional and state-chartered banks observe additional holidays specific to their state. Call your bank or check their website to see their full holiday schedule. National banks almost always follow the federal list.
Can I use my ATM on a bank holiday?
Yes. ATMs work 24/7 on holidays and weekends. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks using mobile deposit through your bank's app, though the funds may not clear until the next business day.
What happens if I try to wire money on a holiday?
If you initiate a wire online, the transfer may appear to process, but it won't actually leave your bank until the next business day when the Federal Reserve opens. If you need the money to arrive on a specific date, contact your bank before the holiday to arrange early processing or to confirm the timing.
Can I deposit a check at the ATM on a holiday?
Yes, most ATMs accept check deposits on holidays. The check will be deposited into your account, but it typically won't clear and become available until the next business day or later, depending on the check amount and your bank's policy.
Will my automatic bill payments process on a bank holiday?
Yes. Automatic payments and transfers you've already scheduled will process normally on holidays. The transaction posts to your account on the holiday, but if the payment goes to another bank, it may not arrive at the destination until the next business day.