The fastest way to find out
The U.S. Federal Reserve publishes the official list of bank holidays each year on its website. Go to federalreserve.gov, search for "bank holidays" or "holiday schedule," and you will see the full calendar. Most banks follow the Federal Reserve's list, though some regional banks or credit unions may observe different days.
If you need to know right now, call your bank's customer service line — the number is on your debit card or bank statement. They can tell you in seconds whether they are open today. Many banks also post holiday closures on their website homepage or in their mobile app.
The simplest method: check your bank's app or website. Most show a banner or notification on the day of a holiday, and many display the full year's closure schedule under "Hours" or "Contact Us."
Key Takeaways
- The Federal Reserve publishes the official federal bank holiday schedule each year on federalreserve.gov.
- Most banks close on federal holidays, but some regional banks and credit unions may observe different days or stay open.
- Your bank's website, mobile app, or customer service line will confirm whether they are open today.
- If you need to make a deposit or withdrawal today, ATMs and mobile banking work on holidays even when branches are closed.
- Banks typically process transactions made on a holiday the next business day.
The federal bank holidays that close most branches
There are 11 federal holidays when most U.S. banks close their branches. These are 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 (fourth Thursday in November), and Christmas (December 25).
When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, banks typically close on the nearest weekday instead. For example, if Christmas falls on a Saturday, most banks close on Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, they close on Monday.
Some banks also close on Good Friday (the Friday before Easter), though it is not a federal holiday. Check your bank's specific schedule if you are unsure.
What you can still do on a bank holiday
Bank branches are closed, but you can still access your money. ATMs work 24/7, including on holidays, so you can withdraw cash or check your balance. Mobile banking apps and online banking portals also stay open, so you can transfer money between accounts, pay bills, or check transactions.
Deposits made at an ATM or through mobile deposit on a holiday will be processed the next business day. Transfers between accounts at the same bank usually post the next day as well. Transfers to other banks may take longer, depending on the banks involved.
If you need to speak with someone at your bank about a problem, you will have to wait until the next business day when branches reopen.
When transactions post after a holiday
Any transaction you make on a bank holiday — whether at an ATM, through your app, or at a branch before it closes — will not be processed until the next business day. This means if you deposit a check on a holiday, it will not clear until the day after the bank reopens.
Wire transfers and ACH transfers (the kind used for bill payments and direct deposits) also pause on holidays. If you send a wire transfer on a holiday, it will be processed the next business day. Direct deposits scheduled for a holiday typically arrive the day before or the day after, depending on your employer's payroll system.
Credit card payments made on a holiday are usually recorded as received on that day, even though the bank does not process them until the next business day. Check your bank's specific policy if you are cutting it close to a payment deadline.
Regional banks and credit unions may have different schedules
Not every bank follows the Federal Reserve's holiday list exactly. Some regional banks close on additional days, and some credit unions observe holidays that national banks do not. A few credit unions stay open on some federal holidays.
The only way to know for certain is to check your specific bank or credit union. Look at their website, call their customer service number, or visit a branch and ask for their holiday schedule. Many post the full year's schedule in their lobby or online.
If you use multiple banks or credit unions, each one may have a different closure schedule. It is worth checking each one separately, especially if you have time-sensitive transactions planned.
Planning ahead for holidays
If you know a holiday is coming and you need to deposit a check or make a transfer, do it the business day before. This ensures your transaction is processed on time and you do not have to wait an extra day for the money to clear.
If you are expecting a direct deposit on a holiday, contact your employer's payroll department to find out when it will arrive. Some employers deposit on the day before a holiday; others deposit on the day after. Knowing this in advance prevents surprises if you were counting on the money that day.
For bill payments, submit them at least two business days before they are due if a holiday falls in between. This gives the bank time to process the payment and send it to the payee without missing the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my direct deposit arrive on a bank holiday?
Direct deposits are typically processed the day before a holiday or the day after, depending on your employer's payroll schedule. Contact your employer's payroll or HR department to find out when they submit deposits. Your bank will receive and post it according to the Federal Reserve's processing schedule.
Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?
Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs and stores on holidays. Transactions at stores may take longer to post to your account — usually one to three business days — but the card itself functions normally. ATM withdrawals are immediate.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank today and it is a holiday?
Most banks offer phone support on holidays, though wait times are often longer. Check your bank's website or the back of your debit card for the customer service number. Some banks also offer chat support through their app or website.
Do all 50 states observe the same bank holidays?
Federal banks close on the same 11 federal holidays nationwide. However, some states observe additional state holidays, and some banks may close on those days too. Check your specific bank's schedule to see if they close on any state-specific holidays.
If a holiday falls on a weekend, when does the bank close?
If a federal holiday falls on Saturday, most banks close on Friday. If it falls on Sunday, they close on Monday. Some banks close on both days. Check your bank's holiday schedule to confirm.