How to learn about today is a bank holiday
The fastest way is to check the Federal Reserve's official holiday calendar at federalreserve.gov or call your bank directly. Banks observe the same 11 federal holidays every year, but the day they close depends on whether the holiday falls on a weekend — if it does, most banks close on the nearest weekday instead. Your specific bank may also observe additional state or regional holidays beyond the federal list.
If you need to know right now, search "[your bank name] holiday hours" or look at your bank's mobile app, which usually displays whether branches are open today. Many banks post holiday schedules in January for the entire year, so you can also check their website or call the branch you plan to visit.
Key Takeaways
- The 11 federal bank holidays are the same across all U.S. banks, but the observed date shifts to the nearest weekday if the holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday.
- Your bank's website or app will show today's hours and whether branches are closed for a holiday.
- Some banks observe additional state holidays beyond the federal 11, so checking with your specific bank is more reliable than a general list.
- If a holiday falls on a weekend, most banks close on Friday (if the holiday is Saturday) or Monday (if the holiday is Sunday).
- The Federal Reserve publishes the official holiday schedule each year, which all banks follow for federal closures.
The 11 federal bank holidays and when they occur
Banks close on 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).
These dates are fixed by federal law, so every bank in the country observes them. However, the actual day a bank closes may differ from the calendar date. If Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, the bank closes Thursday. If Christmas falls on Saturday, the bank closes Friday instead. If Independence Day falls on Sunday, the bank closes Monday.
How banks handle holidays that fall on weekends
When a federal holiday lands on Saturday, most banks close on the preceding Friday. When a holiday lands on Sunday, most banks close on the following Monday. This rule applies to all 11 federal holidays, so you will not find banks open on the observed date even if the actual holiday is a weekend day.
The Federal Reserve announces the observed dates each year to prevent confusion. For example, if Christmas (December 25) falls on a Saturday, the Federal Reserve and all banks observe the holiday on Friday, December 24. If New Year's Day (January 1) falls on a Sunday, banks observe it on Monday, January 2. Check your bank's website in early January to see the full year's schedule.
State and regional holidays that may close your bank
Beyond the 11 federal holidays, some states observe additional holidays that can close banks within that state. For example, some banks in Texas close on Texas Independence Day (March 2), and some banks in Hawaii close on Prince Kuhio Day (March 26). These vary by state and sometimes by individual bank, so a bank in one state may be open while the same bank's branch in another state is closed.
Your bank's website will list all holidays it observes, including state-specific ones. If you are unsure whether your branch is closed today, call the specific branch or check the hours listed on Google Maps or your bank's app — these are updated in real time and reflect local closures.
What to do if you need banking services on a holiday
Most banks offer online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs that work 24/7, even on holidays. You can transfer money, pay bills, check balances, and deposit checks remotely without visiting a branch. If you need to speak to someone, many banks offer phone support on holidays, though wait times may be longer.
If you need cash, ATMs are available at your bank's branches and at many retail locations. If you need to deposit a check or handle a transaction that requires a teller, plan ahead and visit the branch the day before the holiday. Some banks also offer Saturday or Sunday hours at certain locations, so check whether your branch is open on weekends.
How to find your bank's specific holiday schedule
Search your bank's name plus "holiday hours" or "holiday schedule" to find the official list. Most major banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others) publish their full-year holiday calendar on their websites in January. You can also call your branch directly or use the branch locator tool on your bank's website to see hours for your specific location.
If you bank with a credit union, call the credit union directly, as holiday schedules vary by institution. Some credit unions observe federal holidays, while others may have different schedules. Your bank's mobile app is often the fastest way to check today's hours without making a call.
Frequently Asked Questions
If a holiday falls on a weekend, does my bank close on Friday or Monday?
If the holiday is on Saturday, the bank closes on Friday. If the holiday is on Sunday, the bank closes on Monday. The Federal Reserve announces the observed date each year, and all banks follow the same rule.
Can I use my ATM on a bank holiday?
Yes. ATMs work 24/7 on holidays, even when branches are closed. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between accounts using the ATM or your bank's mobile app.
Do all banks close on the same holidays?
All banks close on the 11 federal holidays, but some banks also close on state-specific holidays. For example, banks in Hawaii may close on holidays that banks in other states do not observe. Check your specific bank's schedule to be sure.
What if I need to deposit a check on a holiday?
Most banks let you deposit checks through their mobile app, even on holidays. If you need to deposit a physical check at a branch, visit the day before the holiday or use a mobile deposit feature if your bank offers it.
How do I know if my bank observes a state holiday?
Call your branch or check your bank's website for the full holiday schedule. Your bank's app or Google Maps listing will also show whether your specific branch is open today, including for state holidays.