How to learn about today is a bank holiday
The fastest way to check is to look at the Federal Reserve's official holiday calendar at federalreserve.gov, or call your bank directly. Banks close on the 11 federal holidays observed in the United States, but not all banks close on the same days — some observe holidays on different dates depending on their charter type and location. If you need to know right now, your bank's website or app will show you whether branches are open today, and you can also check their customer service line, which usually answers even on holidays.
The federal holidays that close most banks are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Some banks also close on the day after Thanksgiving. If a holiday falls on a weekend, banks typically close on the nearest weekday instead — usually the Friday before or the Monday after.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank's website or app shows branch hours for today, which is the most direct way to confirm whether it is closed.
- The Federal Reserve publishes the official list of federal holidays that close banks, updated each year at federalreserve.gov.
- Banks close on 11 federal holidays, but the exact date may shift if the holiday falls on a weekend.
- Some banks observe additional holidays beyond the federal list, so checking with your specific bank is more reliable than a general calendar.
Where to find your bank's holiday schedule
Most banks post their holiday hours on their website homepage or in a dedicated section labeled "Hours" or "Locations." You can also log into your mobile app — many apps display branch status and hours at the top of the screen. If you cannot find it online, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement; they can tell you whether your local branch is open today and what time it closes.
Credit unions and online-only banks may have different holiday schedules than traditional banks. Credit unions often follow the Federal Reserve calendar but may add their own holidays. Online banks typically do not have physical branches, so they remain operational on bank holidays, though you may not be able to deposit checks or withdraw cash in person.
What happens if you need to bank on a holiday
If your bank is closed today, you can still use ATMs to withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks at most banks — ATMs run 24/7 regardless of holiday status. Online banking, bill pay, and transfers through your bank's website or app also work on holidays. Wire transfers and other services that require staff may process the next business day instead.
If you need to speak to someone at your bank, customer service lines often remain staffed on holidays, even if branches are closed. Some banks offer video chat or phone appointments with bankers on holidays as well. For urgent matters, consider whether an ATM, online transfer, or call to customer service can solve the problem before the branch reopens.
The 11 federal holidays that close banks
| Holiday | Typical Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Observed on Monday if it falls on Sunday |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January | Fixed to Monday; no weekend shift |
| Presidents' Day | Third Monday in February | Fixed to Monday; no weekend shift |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May | Fixed to Monday; no weekend shift |
| Juneteenth | June 19 | Observed on Friday if it falls on Saturday; Monday if it falls on Sunday |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Observed on Friday if it falls on Saturday; Monday if it falls on Sunday |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September | Fixed to Monday; no weekend shift |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday in October | Fixed to Monday; no weekend shift |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Observed on Friday if it falls on Saturday; Monday if it falls on Sunday |
| Thanksgiving | Fourth Thursday in November | Some banks also close the day after |
| Christmas | December 25 | Observed on Friday if it falls on Saturday; Monday if it falls on Sunday |
How weekend holidays affect your bank's schedule
When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, most banks close on Friday instead. When it falls on a Sunday, they close on Monday. This means you lose a business day either way, but the actual closure date shifts. For example, if Independence Day lands on a Saturday, your bank will be closed on Friday, July 3, not Saturday, July 4.
The Federal Reserve announces these observed dates in advance, so you can plan around them. Check your bank's website in early January each year for the full holiday schedule, or bookmark the Federal Reserve calendar to see the dates months ahead.
Differences between bank types and charters
National banks, state banks, and credit unions do not always close on the same days. Most follow the Federal Reserve's 11 holidays, but some state-chartered banks observe additional state holidays. Credit unions may add their own closure dates. If you bank at a smaller institution or credit union, ask them directly about their full holiday schedule rather than assuming it matches the federal list.
Online banks and fintech companies typically do not close on bank holidays because they have no physical locations. However, they may delay processing of certain transactions — like wire transfers or check deposits — until the next business day. Read your bank's holiday policy on their website to understand what services are affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?
Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs and stores on bank holidays. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and make purchases. Only services that require bank staff — like speaking to a banker or processing wire transfers — may be delayed until the next business day.
Do all banks close on Columbus Day?
Most banks close on Columbus Day, but not all. Some banks remain open, and a few states do not recognize it as a holiday. Check your specific bank's website or call them to confirm. The Federal Reserve observes it, so most major banks do as well.
What if I need to deposit a check on a bank holiday?
You can deposit checks at ATMs on bank holidays at most banks. Mobile check deposit through your bank's app also works 24/7. If the ATM or app is not available, the deposit will process the next business day when you visit a branch or use online banking.
Are stock markets closed on bank holidays?
Yes. The stock market closes on the same federal holidays that banks do. If you trade stocks or have a brokerage account, you cannot buy or sell on these days. Some brokerages may allow you to place orders that execute the next trading day.
Do credit unions close on the same holidays as banks?
Most credit unions close on the same 11 federal holidays as banks, but some add extra closure dates. Call your credit union or check their website to see their full holiday schedule, especially if you need to access your account on a day that might be a holiday.