How to learn about tomorrow is a holiday
The fastest way is to check your bank's website or call the number on the back of your card. Banks observe federal holidays on their own schedule, and some banks add extra days. Your bank's holiday calendar is usually in the customer service section or under "Hours & Locations."
If you need to know about federal holidays specifically, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management publishes the full list each year. Federal holidays are the same across all government agencies, but banks and businesses are not required to close on every federal holiday — they choose which ones to observe.
The reason this matters: if tomorrow is a holiday your bank observes, deposits may not post until the next business day, wire transfers may be delayed, and branch offices will be closed. Knowing in advance prevents surprises when you need access to money or customer service.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank's website or customer service line will tell you which holidays your specific bank closes for — this varies by bank.
- Federal holidays are published by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, but banks do not have to close on all of them.
- If tomorrow is a bank holiday, deposits and transfers may not process until the next business day.
- Some banks observe holidays on different dates than the federal government, so checking your bank directly is more reliable than checking a federal holiday list.
Where to check your bank's holiday schedule
Most banks publish their holiday calendar on the main website under "Hours," "Customer Service," or "About Us." Look for a link that says "Holiday Hours" or "Bank Holidays." You can also call the customer service number on your debit card — they can tell you in seconds whether the bank is closed tomorrow.
If you bank online only, check your bank's app or website first. Online banks sometimes have different holiday schedules than brick-and-mortar banks because they do not have physical branches to close. Some online banks process transactions on federal holidays; others do not.
For credit unions, the process is the same: check their website or call the number on your card. Credit unions often observe the same federal holidays as banks, but some add their own closure days.
The difference between federal holidays and bank holidays
A federal holiday is a day the U.S. government recognizes and most federal offices close. These include New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The Office of Personnel Management maintains the official list.
A bank holiday is when a bank chooses to close. Banks are not required to close on every federal holiday. Some banks close on fewer holidays; others close on more. For example, some banks close on Presidents' Day (a federal holiday) while others stay open. A few banks add extra closure days that are not federal holidays.
This distinction matters because a federal holiday does not automatically mean your bank is closed. You have to check your bank's specific schedule. The federal government publishes its holidays, but each bank publishes its own.
What happens to deposits and transfers on a bank holiday
If you deposit a check or transfer money on a day your bank is closed, the transaction usually does not process until the next business day. Some banks process certain transactions overnight, but most wait until the bank reopens.
Wire transfers sent on a bank holiday may also be delayed. If you send a wire on Friday and Monday is a bank holiday, the receiving bank may not process it until Tuesday. The exact timing depends on both banks' schedules.
Automatic bill payments and direct deposits scheduled for a bank holiday usually post on the next business day instead. If you have a payment due on a holiday, plan ahead and schedule it for the day before or after.
Federal holidays most banks observe
Most banks close on these days, though not all:
- 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)
- Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
Some banks also close on the day after Thanksgiving or on Christmas Eve. A few banks close on additional days that are not federal holidays. The only way to know for certain is to check your bank's calendar.
What to do if you need money on a bank holiday
If your bank is closed tomorrow and you need cash, use an ATM. Most ATMs work on bank holidays because they are automated. You can withdraw money, check your balance, and sometimes deposit checks at an ATM even if the branch is closed.
If you need to speak to someone at the bank, wait until the next business day. Some banks offer phone support on holidays, but branch offices will be closed. Check your bank's website to see if customer service is available tomorrow.
If you need to deposit a check urgently, some banks let you deposit through their mobile app. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, and the bank may process it the next business day even if the branch is closed.
Planning ahead for holidays
If you know a holiday is coming and you need money to post by a certain date, submit deposits or transfers at least one business day before the holiday. For example, if Monday is a bank holiday, submit transactions on Friday.
If you have bills due on or around a holiday, schedule payments for the business day before. This prevents delays and overdraft fees if a payment does not post on time.
Bookmark your bank's holiday calendar or set a phone reminder for major holidays. This takes five minutes and prevents confusion when you need to move money quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all banks close on the same holidays?
No. Banks choose which federal holidays to observe. Most banks close on major holidays like Christmas and Independence Day, but some stay open on holidays like Columbus Day or Presidents' Day. Check your specific bank's calendar to be sure.
Will my direct deposit post on a bank holiday?
Usually not on the holiday itself. If your direct deposit is scheduled for a day your bank is closed, it typically posts the next business day instead. Check with your employer or your bank to confirm the exact timing.
Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?
Yes. You can use your debit card at stores, ATMs, and online merchants on a bank holiday. The bank being closed does not stop you from spending money or withdrawing cash from an ATM.
What if I need to deposit a check before a holiday?
Deposit it the business day before the holiday. If you use mobile deposit through your bank's app, you can take a photo of the check anytime, but the bank will not process it until the next business day after the holiday.
Do online banks close on holidays?
Online banks do not have physical branches to close, so they usually process transactions on federal holidays. However, some online banks still delay certain transactions on holidays. Check your bank's specific policy.