How to learn about this Friday is a bank holiday
The fastest way to know is to check the Federal Reserve's official holiday calendar at federalreserve.gov, which lists every day the banking system closes. You can also call your own bank — they will tell you in seconds whether they are open Friday. If you need to know the specific holiday name and why it matters for your money, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management maintains a complete list at opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays.
Bank holidays and federal holidays are not always the same thing. Some federal holidays (like Veterans Day) do not close banks. Some bank holidays (like Good Friday in some regions) are not federal holidays. Your bank's schedule depends on where it is located and which holidays its parent company observes.
Key Takeaways
- The Federal Reserve publishes the official bank holiday schedule each year, and you can check it online or call your bank directly.
- Bank holidays differ from federal holidays — a day off for government does not automatically mean banks close.
- If you need money on Friday and it might be a holiday, contact your bank before Thursday to confirm their hours.
- Transfers and bill payments scheduled for a bank holiday may not process until the next business day.
The federal bank holidays that close most U.S. banks
There are ten federal bank holidays each year when most U.S. banks close: 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), Columbus Day (second Monday in October), Veterans Day (November 11), and Christmas Day (December 25).
Not every bank closes on every one of these days. Regional banks, credit unions, and online banks sometimes stay open on holidays that larger national banks close. Some banks in specific states observe additional holidays — for example, some banks in the South close on Confederate Memorial Day, which is not a federal holiday. The only way to be certain about your bank is to check their website or call their customer service line.
Why bank holidays matter for your money
If you transfer money, pay a bill, or deposit a check on a bank holiday, the transaction usually does not process until the next business day. This matters if you are trying to pay a bill before a deadline or waiting for money to arrive. A transfer you send on Friday (if Friday is a holiday) will not clear until Monday, which can trigger late fees or overdraft charges if you were counting on the money arriving sooner.
Direct deposits and automatic bill payments scheduled for a bank holiday are typically processed the day before or the day after, depending on your bank's system. Check your bank's website or call ahead if you are unsure when a scheduled payment will go through.
How to check your specific bank's holiday schedule
Your bank's website usually has a holiday hours page, often under "Locations" or "Customer Service." Search for "holiday hours" on their site. If you cannot find it online, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card — they can tell you whether branches and online services are open Friday.
Online banks and credit unions sometimes operate on different schedules than brick-and-mortar branches. An online bank might process transfers on a holiday even though physical branches are closed. Ask specifically whether online transactions, transfers, and bill payments will go through on Friday if it is a holiday.
What to do if you need money on a bank holiday
If Friday is a bank holiday and you need cash, withdraw money on Thursday. ATMs usually work on holidays, but some may run out of cash if the bank is closed for several days. If you need to make a payment or transfer, do it before the holiday closes. If you miss the deadline, contact the person or company you owe money to and explain the bank holiday — many will accept a payment that arrives the next business day without penalty.
If you are waiting for a refund or payment to arrive and Friday is a bank holiday, assume it will not clear until Monday or Tuesday. Plan your budget accordingly.
State and regional bank holidays you might not know about
Some states observe holidays that are not federal bank holidays. For example, some banks in Hawaii close on Statehood Day (August 21), and some banks in Alaska close on Alaska Day (October 18). A few banks in Southern states close on Confederate Memorial Day, which falls on different dates depending on the state. These closures vary by bank and location, so a bank in one part of the country might be open while a branch in another state is closed.
If you bank with a national chain, check whether your specific branch observes regional holidays. If you bank with a local or regional bank, their website should list all the days they close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do ATMs work on bank holidays?
Most ATMs work on bank holidays because they are automated machines. However, if an ATM runs out of cash and the bank is closed, it will not be refilled until the bank reopens. If you need cash on a holiday, withdraw it the day before.
Will my direct deposit come through on a bank holiday?
Direct deposits scheduled for a bank holiday usually process the day before or the day after, depending on your employer's payroll system and your bank. Check with your employer or bank if you are unsure when a holiday deposit will arrive.
Can I make transfers or pay bills on a bank holiday?
You can usually initiate transfers and bill payments online on a bank holiday, but they will not process until the next business day. Some banks process transactions submitted before a certain time on the day before the holiday.
What if my bank is open but the Federal Reserve is closed?
Your bank might be open to customers, but certain transactions that require Federal Reserve processing (like wire transfers or check clearing) may be delayed. Ask your bank which services are affected when the Federal Reserve is closed.
How do I know if Good Friday is a bank holiday?
Good Friday is not a federal bank holiday, so most banks are open. However, some regional banks and credit unions close on Good Friday. Check your bank's website or call to confirm whether they observe it.