The fastest way to check this Friday

The U.S. federal banking system observes 11 holidays per year. To find out whether this Friday is one of them, go to the Federal Reserve's official holiday calendar at federalreserve.gov/aboutthefed/bls_frab.htm. The page lists every federal banking holiday for the current year, with dates clearly marked.

If this Friday falls on one of those dates, your bank will be closed and you will not be able to conduct in-person transactions. ATM withdrawals and online transfers usually work on bank holidays, but check with your specific bank because policies vary.

Your bank's website also publishes its own holiday schedule. Search "[Your Bank Name] holiday hours" or call the customer service number on the back of your card — they can tell you in under a minute whether they are open this Friday.

Key Takeaways

  • The Federal Reserve publishes the official list of federal banking holidays each year on its website.
  • Bank holidays fall on the same dates every year, though the day of the week changes — New Year's Day is always January 1, for example.
  • Even if your bank is closed on a holiday, ATMs and online banking typically remain available.
  • Some banks observe holidays on different days if the holiday falls on a weekend, so checking your bank's specific schedule matters.

The 11 federal banking holidays and when they occur

Federal banks close on these dates each year: 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), and Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November).

Christmas Day (December 25) is the twelfth holiday observed by federal banks. If any of these dates fall on a Saturday, most banks observe the holiday on Friday. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, most banks observe it on Monday.

Not every bank observes every holiday the same way. Some regional banks or credit unions may have different schedules. Your bank's website or a phone call to their main line will confirm whether they are open this Friday.

What stays open when banks close for holidays

ATM withdrawals work on bank holidays because ATMs operate 24/7 regardless of whether the bank building is staffed. You can deposit checks, withdraw cash, and check your balance without visiting a branch.

Online banking and mobile apps also run on holidays. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and send money to other people through your bank's website or app. The transaction may not process until the next business day, but you can initiate it on the holiday itself.

Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated on a holiday typically process on the next business day. If you need money to move urgently and Friday is a bank holiday, initiate the transfer on Thursday instead to avoid the delay.

What does not work on bank holidays

You cannot visit a bank branch in person on a federal holiday. Teller windows, loan officers, and customer service desks are closed. If you need to deposit a check in person, open a new account, or speak to someone about a loan, you will need to wait until the next business day.

Cashier's checks and certified checks cannot be obtained on a bank holiday because they require a teller to issue them. If you need one for a closing or payment, request it on Thursday or earlier in the week.

Some banks do not process certain transactions on holidays even through their online systems. Check your bank's website or call ahead if you have a time-sensitive transaction planned for Friday.

State and local holidays are different from federal banking holidays

Some states observe additional holidays that federal banks do not. For example, some Southern states observe Confederate Memorial Day, and some Western states observe Pioneer Day. These state holidays do not close federal banks, though they may close state-run institutions and some local businesses.

If you are banking with a state-chartered bank or credit union, check whether your institution observes any state holidays in addition to federal ones. A quick call to your bank answers this question.

How to plan ahead if this Friday is a bank holiday

If this Friday is a federal banking holiday and you need to conduct business in person, plan to visit your bank on Thursday instead. Deposit checks, withdraw cash, and handle any transactions that require a teller before the holiday.

If you are expecting a deposit or payment on Friday, remember that it may not post until Monday if the bank is closed. Payroll deposits, government payments, and transfers from other banks often process on schedule even on holidays, but the funds may not show in your account until the next business day.

For time-sensitive payments, initiate them on Thursday to ensure they process before the weekend. This is especially important for bill payments or transfers where timing affects your account balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do banks close on all federal holidays?

Yes, all federally insured banks close on the 11 federal banking holidays. However, some credit unions and private banks may have different schedules. Check your specific bank's website or call their main number to confirm.

Will my paycheck deposit on Friday if it is a bank holiday?

Payroll deposits often process on schedule even when banks are closed, but the funds may not appear in your account until the next business day. If your paycheck is due Friday and the bank is closed, check with your employer about whether they process payroll on holidays.

Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?

Yes. You can use your debit card at ATMs and at stores on bank holidays. The transaction processes normally, though it may not post to your account until the next business day if the bank is closed.

What if I need cash and the bank is closed on Friday?

Use an ATM. ATMs operate 24/7 on bank holidays and allow you to withdraw cash from your account. If you use an ATM outside your bank's network, you may be charged a fee.

Do online banks close on federal holidays?

Online-only banks do not have physical branches, so they do not "close" in the traditional sense. You can transfer money and check your balance anytime. However, transfers to other banks may not process until the next business day if the receiving bank is closed.