How to learn about today is a bank holiday
The fastest way is to check your bank's website or call their customer service line — they will tell you immediately whether they are open. Most banks post holiday schedules on their homepage or in the mobile app under "Hours" or "Locations". If you need to know right now, a phone call to your local branch takes 30 seconds.
The federal government observes 11 bank holidays each year, but not all banks close on all of them. Some banks stay open on certain holidays, and some observe additional holidays beyond the federal list. Your specific bank's closure schedule depends on their internal policy and the state where your branch is located.
If you are trying to deposit a check, transfer money, or handle time-sensitive banking, knowing whether today is a holiday matters because transactions posted on a holiday typically process the next business day instead.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank's website or mobile app shows their holiday schedule and branch hours for today.
- Federal bank holidays are set, but individual banks decide whether to close on each one.
- Transactions submitted on a bank holiday usually process the next business day, not the same day.
- Some banks stay open on certain federal holidays while others close; calling your branch is the surest way to confirm.
- The 11 federal bank holidays fall on the same dates each year, so you can plan ahead once you know your bank's policy.
The 11 federal bank holidays and when they occur
The federal government designates these 11 days as bank holidays: New Year's Day (January 1), Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (third Monday in January), Washington's Birthday (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), and Christmas Day (December 25).
When a holiday falls on a Saturday, many banks close on Friday instead. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, many banks close on Monday. However, this varies by bank — some stay open on Fridays and Mondays even when a holiday shifts. Check your bank's specific policy rather than assuming.
Where to find your bank's holiday schedule
Most banks publish their full-year holiday schedule online. Log into your bank's website or open their mobile app and look for "Hours", "Locations", "Holiday Hours", or "Branch Locator". Some banks list holidays under "Customer Service" or "About Us". If you cannot find it online, call your branch directly or visit in person.
If you bank with a large national chain like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, their websites typically show holiday schedules prominently. Credit unions and smaller regional banks may have less detailed online information, so a phone call is often faster.
What happens to transactions on a bank holiday
Deposits, transfers, and payments submitted on a bank holiday do not process until the next business day. If you deposit a check on a holiday, it will not clear until the day after the bank reopens. The same applies to bill payments, wire transfers, and ACH transfers — they sit in queue and process when the bank's systems come back online.
This matters most if you are waiting for a refund, a paycheck deposit, or a payment deadline. A transaction that would normally post the same day will post one day later if that day is a bank holiday. Plan accordingly if you need money to arrive by a specific date.
Bank holidays versus stock market holidays
Bank holidays and stock market holidays are not the same. The stock market (NYSE and NASDAQ) closes on 10 days per year, which overlap with most bank holidays but not all. For example, the stock market closes on Independence Day but not on Washington's Birthday. If you trade stocks or have investment accounts, check your brokerage's holiday schedule separately from your bank's schedule.
Government offices and the U.S. Postal Service also follow the federal holiday schedule, but again with variations. A day that is a bank holiday may not be a postal holiday, and vice versa. If you need to mail something or visit a government office, confirm their specific hours.
How to plan ahead for bank holidays
Once you know your bank's holiday schedule, write it down or set phone reminders for days when you need to handle time-sensitive transactions. If you are expecting a refund or a payment on or near a holiday, submit it a day or two early to avoid delays. If you need cash on a holiday, withdraw it the day before.
Many banks offer 24/7 online and mobile banking, so you can transfer money, pay bills, or check balances on a holiday even if the branch is closed. ATMs also work on holidays. The delay only affects transactions that require the bank's internal processing systems to be running.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all banks close on the same holidays?
No. While all banks observe the 11 federal bank holidays, some stay open on certain ones, and some close on additional holidays beyond the federal list. Your bank's policy depends on their corporate decision and state regulations. Always check your specific bank's schedule rather than assuming.
What if I need to deposit money on a bank holiday?
Use your bank's ATM or mobile app to deposit a check if available. If you must visit a branch, go the day before or the day after. Deposits made on a holiday will not process until the next business day anyway, so depositing early gives you the same result with less hassle.
Will my paycheck deposit be delayed if the holiday falls on a Friday?
It depends on your employer and your bank. Some employers process payroll before the holiday, so the deposit hits your account on Thursday. Others process on the holiday itself, which means the deposit posts on Monday. Ask your employer's payroll department when they process on holiday weeks.
Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?
Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs and merchants on bank holidays because those transactions do not require the bank's branch to be open. Only transactions that need the bank's internal processing systems — like check deposits or wire transfers — are delayed.
How far in advance should I plan for a bank holiday?
If you are expecting a refund or payment, plan at least one business day ahead. If the holiday falls on a Monday, submit or request the transaction by Friday. If it falls on a Friday, submit by Thursday. This gives you a buffer in case the transaction processes on the holiday instead of the day you expected.