Most Mondays are not bank holidays, but some are
Monday is a bank holiday in the United States only when it falls on a federal holiday or when your specific bank observes it as one. The vast majority of Mondays are regular business days. Federal bank holidays are set by Congress and apply to all federal banks and most private banks nationwide — but the day of the week does not matter. A federal holiday can fall on any day, including Monday.
The confusion usually comes from the fact that several major federal holidays are observed on Mondays even when the actual holiday falls on a different day. For example, Memorial Day is always observed on the last Monday in May, and Labor Day is always observed on the first Monday in September. But this is different from saying "Monday is a bank holiday." It means those specific holidays happen to land on Mondays.
Key Takeaways
- Federal bank holidays are determined by the actual date of the holiday, not the day of the week — most Mondays are regular business days.
- Some federal holidays are observed on Mondays by law, including Memorial Day (last Monday in May) and Labor Day (first Monday in September).
- When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, banks may observe it on Friday or Monday instead, depending on the holiday.
- Your bank may observe additional holidays beyond the federal list, so checking your bank's holiday schedule is the only way to know for certain.
- If a bank is closed on Monday, you cannot deposit checks, withdraw cash at a teller, or process most transactions — but ATMs and online banking usually work.
Which federal holidays are always observed on Monday
Two major federal holidays are always observed on Monday by law: Memorial Day and Labor Day. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May. Labor Day is observed on the first Monday in September. These dates were set by Congress specifically to create long weekends and are observed on Monday regardless of what day the original holiday falls on.
Presidents' Day is also observed on the third Monday in February, though the actual holiday is George Washington's birthday on February 22. When the federal government observes a holiday on Monday, most banks close on that day as well.
How the federal government handles holidays that fall on weekends
When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, the federal government and most banks observe it on Friday instead. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, it is observed on Monday. This rule applies to holidays like Independence Day (July 4), Christmas (December 25), and New Year's Day (January 1).
For example, if Christmas falls on a Sunday, banks will be closed on Monday, December 26. If Independence Day falls on a Saturday, banks will be closed on Friday, July 3. This means some Mondays are bank holidays, but only because a holiday that normally falls on a different day has been moved to Monday due to the weekend rule.
The complete list of federal bank holidays
| Holiday Name | Actual Date | When Banks Observe It |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | January 1, or Friday if it falls on Saturday, or Monday if it falls on Sunday |
| Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. | January 15 | Third Monday in January |
| Presidents' Day | February 22 | Third Monday in February |
| Memorial Day | May 30 | Last Monday in May |
| Juneteenth National Independence Day | June 19 | June 19, or Friday if it falls on Saturday, or Monday if it falls on Sunday |
| Independence Day | July 4 | July 4, or Friday if it falls on Saturday, or Monday if it falls on Sunday |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September | First Monday in September |
| Columbus Day | October 12 | Second Monday in October |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | November 11, or Friday if it falls on Saturday, or Monday if it falls on Sunday |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday in November | Fourth Thursday in November |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | December 25, or Friday if it falls on Saturday, or Monday if it falls on Sunday |
This list covers the 11 federal holidays when most U.S. banks close. Some banks may also close on the day after Thanksgiving (the Friday after the fourth Thursday in November), though this is not a federal holiday.
State and local bank holidays that may affect your Monday
Beyond the federal list, individual states and some cities observe additional holidays that may close banks in your area. For example, some Southern states observe Confederate Memorial Day, which falls on different dates depending on the state. Some states observe Cesar Chavez Day on March 31. Hawaii observes Prince Kuhio Day on March 26, and Alaska observes Seward's Day on the last Monday in March.
Banks in those states may close on these dates even though they are not federal holidays. The only way to know whether your specific bank will be closed on a particular Monday is to check your bank's holiday schedule directly. Most banks publish this information on their website or in their account agreement.
What you can and cannot do when your bank is closed on Monday
When a bank is closed on Monday due to a holiday, you cannot visit a branch to deposit checks, withdraw cash from a teller, or speak to a banker. Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated on Monday will not process until the next business day. Loan payments, mortgage payments, and bill payments scheduled for Monday will typically process the next business day instead.
However, ATMs usually remain available 24/7, and online banking platforms typically stay open. You can check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, and view transactions at any time. Mobile check deposit (if your bank offers it) usually works on holidays as well. If you need cash or need to deposit a check urgently, plan ahead and use the ATM or mobile app.
How to find your bank's specific holiday schedule
The safest way to know whether your bank will be closed on a specific Monday is to visit your bank's website and search for "holiday hours" or "bank holidays." Most banks publish their full holiday schedule for the year. You can also call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch and ask for a printed holiday calendar.
If you bank with a large national bank like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, they follow the federal holiday schedule. If you bank with a credit union or a smaller regional bank, check their specific schedule — they may observe additional holidays or have different rules for weekend holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my bank closed on Presidents' Day?
Yes, most banks are closed on Presidents' Day, which is observed on the third Monday in February. However, your ATM will likely remain available, and you can use online banking. Check your bank's website to confirm, as some smaller banks or credit unions may have different hours.
If a holiday falls on Sunday, is the bank closed on Monday?
Yes. When a federal holiday falls on a Sunday, the federal government and most banks observe it on Monday instead. For example, if Christmas falls on a Sunday, banks will be closed on Monday. Check your bank's holiday schedule to confirm the observed date.
Can I deposit a check on a Monday bank holiday?
You cannot deposit a check at a teller on a bank holiday Monday, but most banks allow mobile check deposit through their app 24/7, even on holidays. The check will be processed the next business day. ATM deposits may also be available depending on your bank.
Do all banks close on the same federal holidays?
Most banks close on the 11 federal holidays set by Congress. However, some banks may also close on state or local holidays, and a few banks may have different policies. Your bank's website or customer service line will have the definitive answer for your account.
What if I need to access my money on a Monday bank holiday?
Use your ATM to withdraw cash or check your balance. Online banking and mobile apps work 24/7 on holidays. If you need to speak to someone, call your bank's customer service line — they may have holiday hours or a dedicated holiday support line.