How to learn about banks are closed today
The fastest way to know if today is a banking holiday is to check your bank's website or call their customer service line. Most banks post holiday closures on their homepage, and the phone system will tell you if branches are closed before you drive there. If you need to know right now, text your bank's support number or log into your mobile app — many apps show branch hours and holiday status.
The Federal Reserve publishes the official list of federal banking holidays each year, and most U.S. banks observe all of them. However, some banks may close on additional days for state holidays or religious observances, so your bank's schedule might differ slightly from the federal list. The safest approach is always to check with your specific bank rather than assume based on the federal calendar.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank or check their website to confirm if they are closed today — this takes less than two minutes and is more reliable than checking a calendar.
- The Federal Reserve recognizes ten federal banking holidays per year, but individual banks may observe additional closures.
- Most banks close on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
- If you need to deposit checks or withdraw cash on a holiday, use your bank's ATM or mobile app, which work even when branches are closed.
The federal banking holidays banks typically observe
The Federal Reserve recognizes these ten holidays, and most banks close their branches on all of them: 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 federal holiday falls on a Saturday, most banks close on Friday instead. When it falls on a Sunday, they close on Monday. This shift means the actual closure date can vary year to year, so checking your bank's calendar rather than the federal calendar prevents confusion.
State and regional holidays that may affect your bank
Some states observe additional holidays that federal banks in those states may recognize. For example, banks in South Carolina may close for Confederate Memorial Day, and banks in some Western states may close for Admission Day. A few banks also close for religious holidays like Good Friday or the day after Thanksgiving, depending on their location and customer base.
If you live near a state border or bank with a regional institution, ask whether they observe state-specific holidays. This information is usually listed on their website under "Holiday Hours" or "Branch Closures."
What you can still do when your bank is closed
Bank branches close on holidays, but most banking services continue through ATMs and mobile apps. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks using mobile deposit or an ATM, transfer money between accounts, pay bills online, and check your balance at any time. Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated on a holiday typically process the next business day.
If you need to speak with a person, many banks offer holiday customer service through a phone line or chat, even if branches are closed. Check your bank's website or the back of your debit card for the holiday support number.
Planning ahead for banking holidays
If you know you will need cash or need to complete a transaction that requires a teller, plan to visit your branch the business day before a holiday. Deposits made at an ATM or through mobile deposit on a holiday will post the next business day, not immediately.
For time-sensitive payments — like rent or a bill due on a holiday — submit them at least one business day early. If a payment is due on a holiday and you submit it that day, it may not process until the following business day, which could result in a late fee depending on your creditor's policy.
How to find your bank's specific holiday schedule
Visit your bank's official website and look for "Holiday Hours," "Branch Hours," or "Holiday Closures." Most banks list the full year's schedule in one place. You can also call your local branch directly or use the branch locator tool on the bank's website, which often shows hours for each location.
If you bank with a large national bank like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, their websites have a dedicated holiday schedule page. Credit unions and smaller regional banks may list holidays on their homepage or under a "Contact Us" section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all banks close on the same holidays?
Most banks close on the ten federal banking holidays, but some banks may close on additional state or religious holidays. Always check your specific bank's schedule rather than assuming all banks are closed on the same day.
Can I use my debit card or ATM on a banking holiday?
Yes. ATMs and debit cards work 24/7, even on banking holidays. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks through ATMs or mobile apps. Online banking and bill pay also work on holidays.
If I deposit a check on a holiday, when will it clear?
Deposits made on a holiday through an ATM or mobile app will post to your account the next business day. The check itself may take several additional business days to fully clear, depending on the amount and your bank's policy.
What if I need to wire money on a banking holiday?
Wire transfers initiated on a holiday will process the next business day. If you need the money to arrive urgently, submit the wire the business day before the holiday instead.
Are credit unions closed on the same holidays as banks?
Most credit unions observe federal banking holidays, but some may have different schedules. Check your credit union's website or call them directly to confirm their holiday hours.