How to learn about today is a bank holiday right now
The fastest way is to call your bank's customer service line — they will tell you immediately whether their branches are open. Most banks close on the same federal holidays, but some regional banks and credit unions follow different schedules, so calling takes the guesswork out.
If you need to know before calling, the Federal Reserve's official holiday calendar lists every day U.S. banks close for federal holidays. You can find it on the Federal Reserve's website by searching "Federal Reserve holiday schedule" — it shows the exact dates each year and updates annually.
Your bank's website also displays holiday hours under a "Holiday Schedule" or "Branch Hours" section. Many banks post this information in the fall for the coming year, so you can check there without making a call.
Key Takeaways
- Federal banks close on ten regular federal holidays each year, plus any additional holidays Congress declares.
- Your specific bank may close on different days than other banks, so checking with your bank directly is the only way to be certain.
- The Federal Reserve publishes an official holiday calendar each year showing when banks will be closed.
- Most banks post their holiday schedule on their website or in branches by October of the previous year.
The ten federal holidays when most U.S. banks close
Banks observe these holidays every 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), Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November), and Christmas Day (December 25).
When a holiday falls on a weekend, banks typically close on the nearest weekday instead. If Christmas falls on a Saturday, for example, banks close on Friday. If New Year's Day falls on a Sunday, they close on Monday.
Congress occasionally declares additional holidays or observances. When this happens, the Federal Reserve announces the closure date on its website, usually several months in advance. Your bank will also notify you through their website, app, or in-branch notices.
Why your bank might close on days other banks stay open
Regional banks, credit unions, and smaller financial institutions sometimes follow state holidays in addition to federal ones. For example, some banks in Texas close on Texas Independence Day (March 2), and some in Hawaii close on additional state holidays that don't affect mainland banks.
Banks also occasionally close for local observances or special circumstances. A bank in a city hosting a major event might close that day, or a regional bank might honor a state-specific holiday. This is why calling your bank or checking their website is more reliable than assuming all banks follow the same schedule.
Online banks and mobile banking services typically remain available on bank holidays, even when physical branches are closed. You can still transfer money, check balances, and pay bills through your app or website, but you may not be able to deposit checks at an ATM or speak to a representative until the next business day.
What happens if you need banking services on a holiday
ATMs work on bank holidays — you can withdraw cash and check your balance anytime. Mobile banking apps and online banking platforms also stay open, so you can move money between accounts or pay bills without waiting for a branch to reopen.
If you need to deposit a check or speak to a banker in person, you will have to wait until the next business day. Checks deposited on a holiday are typically processed the following business day, not immediately. Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated on a holiday usually process the next business day as well.
If you work in banking or finance and need to know whether your workplace is closed, your employer will notify you of the holiday schedule. Most banks notify employees by October for the following year's holidays.
How to plan ahead for bank holidays
If you know you will need banking services on a specific day, check the Federal Reserve's holiday calendar or your bank's website at least a week in advance. This gives you time to deposit checks, withdraw cash, or handle other transactions before the holiday.
Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for major holidays if you regularly need to visit your bank. This prevents you from showing up to a closed branch or forgetting to complete time-sensitive transactions.
If you receive payments or need to make payments on a holiday, plan for a one-day delay. Payroll deposits, bill payments, and transfers initiated on a holiday will process the next business day, not the holiday itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all banks close on the same holidays?
Most banks close on the ten federal holidays, but some regional banks and credit unions also close on state holidays. Call your bank or check their website to confirm their specific holiday schedule, since it may differ from other banks in your area.
Can I use my debit card or ATM on a bank holiday?
Yes. ATMs work on bank holidays, and you can use your debit card to make purchases or withdraw cash. Online banking and mobile apps also stay open, so you can check your balance and transfer money anytime.
Will my paycheck deposit on a bank holiday?
Payroll deposits initiated on a bank holiday will process the next business day. If your employer's payroll system is set to deposit on a holiday, the money typically arrives the following day instead.
What if I need to deposit a check on a bank holiday?
Most banks allow you to deposit checks through their mobile app or at an ATM on a holiday. The check will be processed the next business day. If your bank doesn't offer mobile check deposit, you will need to wait until the branch reopens.
How do I find my bank's holiday schedule for next year?
Visit your bank's website and look for "Holiday Schedule" or "Branch Hours." Most banks post the following year's schedule by October. You can also call customer service or visit a branch to ask for a printed copy.