Monday is a bank holiday only if it falls on one of the federal holidays the U.S. government observes

Whether Monday is a bank holiday depends entirely on which Monday you mean. The federal government recognizes 11 permanent holidays each year, plus one floating holiday (Juneteenth, observed on June 19 unless that date falls on a weekend). If the Monday you're asking about matches one of those dates, banks will be closed. If it doesn't, they won't be.

The confusion usually comes from the fact that some federal holidays move around. Memorial Day is always the last Monday in May, for example, so every Memorial Day is automatically a Monday. Presidents' Day is the third Monday in February. But Independence Day (July 4) and Christmas (December 25) fall on whatever day of the week they land on that year—sometimes Monday, sometimes not.

The fastest way to know: check the Federal Reserve's holiday calendar for the current year, or call your bank directly. Most banks post their holiday schedule on their website or in their mobile app.

Key Takeaways

  • The 11 permanent federal holidays are New Year's Day, Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
  • Some federal holidays always fall on Monday (Memorial Day, Presidents' Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day), while others move around depending on the calendar year.
  • Banks close on federal holidays, but not all businesses do—check with your specific bank rather than assuming.
  • Your bank's website, mobile app, or a phone call to customer service will show you which Mondays are bank holidays for the current year.

Which federal holidays always land on Monday

Four federal holidays are permanently scheduled for a Monday, so if you're asking about one of those dates, the answer is yes. Memorial Day is the last Monday in May. Presidents' Day is the third Monday in February. Labor Day is the first Monday in September. Columbus Day is the second Monday in October.

These were moved to Mondays by Congress in 1968 to create three-day weekends. If you know the month and the pattern, you can figure out the date without looking it up. This also means banks will definitely be closed on these four Mondays every single year.

Federal holidays that might or might not fall on Monday

Seven federal holidays fall on fixed calendar dates, which means they land on different days of the week depending on the year. New Year's Day is January 1. Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. is January 15. Independence Day is July 4. Veterans Day is November 11. Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday in November (so never Monday, but included for completeness). Christmas is December 25. Juneteenth is June 19.

When one of these falls on a Monday, your bank will close. When it falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal government observes the holiday on the nearest weekday—usually the Friday before or the Monday after. This means a Monday bank closure can happen even if the actual holiday date is on a different day.

For example, if Christmas falls on a Saturday, the federal government observes the holiday on Friday, December 24. If Christmas falls on a Sunday, the observed holiday is Monday, December 26. Banks follow the observed date, not the calendar date.

How to learn about a specific Monday is a bank holiday

The most reliable source is your own bank's website or mobile app. Most banks publish their holiday schedule for the full year, often under a heading like "Hours" or "Holiday Schedule." You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask directly.

If you need a government source, the Federal Reserve publishes an official holiday calendar at federalreserve.gov. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management also maintains a list at opm.gov under "Holidays." These show which days federal offices will be closed, and banks follow the same schedule.

Do not assume that because one business is closed, your bank will be. Some private companies observe different holidays or have their own schedules. Always check with your bank directly.

What happens if you need banking services on a Monday bank holiday

If the Monday you need to use your bank is a federal holiday, you have a few options. Most banks offer online banking 24/7, including transfers, bill payments, and balance checks. You can also use ATMs to withdraw cash or deposit checks (though some deposits may not post until the next business day).

If you need to speak to someone or handle something that requires a teller, you'll have to wait until Tuesday. Some banks have branches in different time zones or operate limited Saturday hours, but this is rare. Plan ahead if you know you'll need in-person service.

State and local holidays that might affect your bank

A few states observe additional holidays that federal banks may or may not close for. For example, some states observe Robert E. Lee's birthday or Cesar Chavez Day. Most national banks stay open on state-only holidays, but regional banks or credit unions in those states might close.

If you live in a state with additional holidays and use a regional bank, check their schedule. If you use a national bank (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, etc.), they typically close only on the 11 federal holidays plus Juneteenth, regardless of state holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all banks close on the same federal holidays?

Yes. All banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System close on the same 11 federal holidays. Some credit unions or smaller regional banks may have different policies, so check with your specific institution if you're unsure.

If a federal holiday falls on Saturday, is the following Monday a bank holiday?

Only if the federal government officially observes the holiday on that Monday. When a holiday falls on Saturday, it's usually observed on Friday. When it falls on Sunday, it's usually observed on Monday. Check your bank's schedule to be certain, since the rule varies by holiday.

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

Yes. ATMs work 24/7 on bank holidays. Online banking and debit card transactions also work normally. The only thing you cannot do is visit a branch or speak to a teller in person.

What if I have a check that needs to deposit on a Monday bank holiday?

You can deposit it through your bank's mobile app, ATM, or online portal. The deposit will likely post on Tuesday, the next business day. Checks deposited on a holiday typically do not clear the same day.

Are stock markets closed on the same Mondays as banks?

Usually, but not always. The stock market closes on most federal holidays, but has its own schedule. If you trade stocks, check the NYSE or NASDAQ holiday calendar rather than assuming it matches your bank's schedule.