Check the Federal Reserve's holiday calendar or call your bank directly
Banks close on 11 federal holidays each year. The fastest way to know if your bank is closed today is to call the number on the back of your card or visit your bank's website — most post holiday hours the night before. If you need to know right now, the Federal Reserve publishes the full list of closure dates each year, and you can cross-check today's date against it.
Not all banks close on the same days. While federal holidays are standard, some banks also observe state holidays or regional observances. A bank in New York might close on a day when a bank in Texas stays open. Your specific branch may also have its own schedule. The only reliable source is your own bank.
If you're trying to deposit a check, transfer money, or handle something time-sensitive, knowing the closure schedule matters because transactions posted on a holiday won't clear until the next business day.
Key Takeaways
- The 11 federal bank holidays are New Year's Day, MLK Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
- Your bank's website or the phone number on your card will show today's hours and whether the branch is open.
- Some banks close on additional state or regional holidays beyond the federal list, so federal holidays are not the only days banks may be closed.
- Transactions submitted on a holiday typically don't process until the next business day, even if you submit them online.
The 11 federal holidays when most banks close
Banks observe these closures every year on the dates set by federal law. Some holidays fall on a fixed date; others move to a specific day of the week.
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| MLK 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 |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday in October |
| Veterans Day | November 11 |
| Thanksgiving | Fourth Thursday in November |
| Christmas | December 25 |
When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, most banks close on Friday instead. When it falls on a Sunday, they close on Monday. This shift means the actual closure day can vary slightly from year to year.
Why your bank might be closed on a day that is not a federal holiday
Many states observe holidays that the federal government does not. For example, some Southern states close banks on Confederate Memorial Day. Some states close on Thanksgiving Friday or the day after Christmas. If your bank is part of a regional chain, it may honor state holidays even though federal offices remain open.
Individual banks can also set their own closure policies beyond what the law requires. A bank might close for a local observance or a company-wide event. This is why checking your specific bank's calendar is the only way to be certain.
How to check if your bank is open today
The fastest method is to call the phone number on the back of your debit or credit card. A recorded message will tell you branch hours and whether the location is open today. Most banks update this information by the evening before a holiday.
You can also log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a "branch locator" or "hours" section. Many banks display today's status prominently on the homepage. Some apps show a green "open" or red "closed" indicator next to each branch location.
If you use an online-only bank with no physical branches, the bank is typically open for online transactions even on federal holidays. However, transfers to other banks and deposits may not process until the next business day.
What happens to transactions submitted on a bank holiday
Checks you deposit on a holiday are not processed until the next business day. The same applies to wire transfers, ACH transfers, and bill payments submitted through your bank's website or app. The transaction sits in a queue and moves forward once the bank reopens.
This delay matters if you're counting on money arriving by a specific date. If you submit a payment on a holiday, plan for it to process the day after the bank reopens, not the day after the holiday. For example, if you submit a payment on Thanksgiving Thursday, it will not process until the Friday after Thanksgiving at the earliest.
Debit card purchases and ATM withdrawals usually work on holidays because they do not require the bank to process them in real time. However, the funds may not be reflected in your account balance until the next business day.
State and regional holidays that affect banking
Some states observe holidays that federal banks do not. Texas, for example, does not have a statewide holiday beyond the federal list, but individual banks operating there may close for regional observances. California banks may close on Cesar Chavez Day (March 31). Some banks in the South close on Confederate Memorial Day, which varies by state.
If you live in a state with unique holidays or you bank with a regional institution, check your bank's website for a full closure calendar. Most banks publish their holiday schedule for the entire year in advance, usually by November of the prior year.
What to do if you need banking services on a holiday
If you need to deposit a check or transfer money on a federal holiday, use your bank's online platform or mobile app. Most transactions can be submitted online even when branches are closed, though they will not process until the next business day.
ATMs are typically available 24/7, even on holidays. You can withdraw cash or check your balance without visiting a branch. Some banks also allow you to deposit checks through an ATM or mobile app, which may process faster than a branch deposit.
If you need to speak to someone, call the customer service number on your card. Many banks maintain phone support on holidays, even if branches are closed. For urgent issues, some banks have emergency services available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all banks close on the same federal holidays?
Yes, all banks close on the 11 federal holidays set by law. However, individual banks may also close on additional state or regional holidays, so your bank might be closed on a day when other banks are open. Check your specific bank's calendar to be sure.
Will my check deposit process if I submit it on a holiday?
No. Checks deposited on a holiday are not processed until the next business day. If you deposit on a Friday holiday, the check will not process until the following Monday. Plan accordingly if you need the funds by a specific date.
Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?
Yes. Debit card purchases and ATM withdrawals work on holidays because they do not require the bank to process them immediately. However, the transaction may not appear in your account balance until the next business day.
What if a holiday falls on a weekend?
If a federal holiday falls on Saturday, most banks close on Friday. If it falls on Sunday, they close on Monday. The bank observes the holiday on the nearest business day.
Do online banks close on federal holidays?
Online-only banks typically remain open for online transactions on federal holidays. However, transfers to other banks, check deposits, and other services may not process until the next business day, just as they would at a traditional bank.