The 31st is not a federal bank holiday by itself
No U.S. federal bank holiday falls on the 31st of any month. The federal holidays that close banks are fixed to specific dates or rules—like July 4th for Independence Day or the third Monday in February for Presidents' Day—but none land on the 31st.
That said, whether your bank is open on the 31st depends on which month you're asking about. Banks close on federal holidays, but they also close on weekends. If the 31st falls on a Saturday or Sunday, your bank will be closed regardless of whether it's a holiday.
Some states and local governments observe holidays that federal banks do not, and a few banks close for state-specific observances. If you need to know whether your specific bank is open on a particular 31st, the fastest answer is to call the branch directly or check their website.
Key Takeaways
- No federal bank holiday is scheduled for the 31st of any month.
- Banks close on weekends, so if the 31st is a Saturday or Sunday, your bank will be closed.
- A few states observe holidays that federal banks do not, so check with your bank if you're unsure.
- Your bank's website or a phone call to the branch is the fastest way to confirm whether they're open on a specific date.
When banks close and why it matters
Banks close on 11 federal holidays each year. These are the days when the Federal Reserve does not operate, and most banks follow suit. The list includes New Year's Day (January 1), Independence Day (July 4), Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November), and Christmas (December 25), among others.
The reason this matters is that transactions processed on a closed day do not clear until the next business day. If you deposit a check on a bank holiday, it will not post to your account until the following day the bank is open. Wire transfers, bill payments, and other time-sensitive moves should be timed around bank closures.
Some banks stay open on certain holidays or have limited hours. Credit unions and online banks sometimes operate differently than traditional brick-and-mortar banks. If you rely on same-day processing, confirm your bank's holiday schedule before you need it.
How to learn about your bank is open on the 31st
The most direct method is to visit your bank's website and look for their holiday schedule or hours page. Most banks publish their full-year closure dates in one place, often labeled "Holiday Hours" or "Branch Hours." You can search for your specific branch and see whether it's open on the date you need.
If you cannot find the information online, call your branch directly. The phone number is usually on your bank card or statement. Ask whether they're open on the 31st of the month you're asking about, and whether any transactions you need to make will process the same day or the next business day.
If you use an online bank, check their website for holiday closure information. Many online banks process transactions 24/7 but may delay posting or transfers on federal holidays. Read the fine print about when deposits clear and when transfers complete.
State and local holidays that might affect your bank
A handful of states observe holidays that federal banks do not. For example, some Southern states observe Confederate Memorial Day, and a few states have their own unique observances. If your state has a special holiday, your bank might close even though it is not a federal closure.
This is rare, but it happens. If you live in a state with an unusual holiday calendar, ask your bank whether they close for state holidays in addition to federal ones. The bank's website should list these, or a call to the branch will clear it up.
Local government offices and schools often close for holidays that banks do not. Do not assume your bank follows the same schedule as your employer or your child's school.
What to do if you need to make a transaction on a closed day
If the 31st is a bank holiday or weekend and you need to move money, use your bank's online or mobile app. Most banks allow you to transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and deposit checks via mobile deposit even when branches are closed.
Wire transfers and transfers to other people's accounts may not process until the next business day, even if you submit them through the app on a holiday. Check the app or your bank's website for the specific cutoff times and processing windows.
If you need cash, use an ATM. ATMs operate 24/7 at most banks, even on holidays. If you need to speak to someone or handle a complex transaction, you will have to wait until the next business day the bank is open.
Federal bank holidays at a glance
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. | Third Monday in January |
| Presidents' Day | Third Monday in February |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May |
| Juneteenth National Independence Day | 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 |
None of these dates fall on the 31st of any month. However, if any of these holidays land on a Saturday, most banks observe the closure on Friday instead. If a holiday lands on a Sunday, the closure is usually observed on Monday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I deposit a check on a bank holiday?
If you deposit a check through a mobile app or ATM on a bank holiday, it will be processed when the bank reopens on the next business day. The funds may take an additional one to two business days to clear, depending on your bank and the check amount. If you need the money urgently, deposit it before the holiday closes.
Do online banks close on federal holidays?
Online banks do not have physical branches, so they do not "close" in the traditional sense. However, they may delay posting deposits or transfers that are submitted on federal holidays. Check your bank's website for their specific processing times on holidays.
Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?
Yes. Debit card transactions at stores and ATM withdrawals work on bank holidays because the transaction is processed through the card network, not through the bank's branch. Your account will be debited the same day or the next business day, depending on the merchant and your bank.
Will a wire transfer go through on a bank holiday?
Wire transfers do not process on federal holidays. If you submit a wire transfer on a holiday, it will be sent on the next business day the Federal Reserve operates. This can delay the transfer by one or more days, so plan ahead if you have a time-sensitive payment.