How to learn about today is a banking holiday right now
The fastest way is to call your bank's customer service line or check their website — they list which offices are closed today and whether online services are running. If you need to know the federal holidays for the full year, the U.S. Federal Reserve publishes the official list, and most banks follow it exactly, though a few add extra days.
Today's status depends on which holiday it is and whether your bank observes it. Some banks close on all 11 federal holidays; others close on fewer. If you're trying to deposit a check or transfer money and need it processed today, calling your bank directly is the only way to know for certain whether they're open.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank or check their website to confirm whether they are open today — the answer varies by bank and by holiday.
- The Federal Reserve publishes 11 official federal banking holidays each year, but individual banks may observe different days.
- Even if your bank is closed, ATMs and online banking usually work on holidays, though deposits and transfers may not process until the next business day.
- If you need money to move today and it is a holiday, wire transfers sometimes process through non-bank services, but fees are higher.
The 11 federal banking holidays and when they fall
The Federal Reserve recognizes these 11 holidays: 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 day can move, so checking your bank's calendar is more reliable than remembering the date alone.
Not every bank closes on all 11 days. Some regional banks or credit unions may skip Columbus Day or add a local holiday. Your bank's website or a phone call will show you their specific schedule for the year.
What still works when your bank is closed
ATMs run 24/7 on holidays, so you can withdraw cash or check your balance. Online banking portals stay open, and you can view transactions, transfer money between your own accounts, and pay bills through your bank's website or app.
Deposits and bill payments you submit on a holiday usually process the next business day, not immediately. If you deposit a check at an ATM on a holiday, it enters the queue but won't clear until the bank reopens. The same applies to transfers to other people's accounts — they sit pending until the next business day.
When you need money to move on a holiday
If you must send money on a holiday and cannot wait until the next day, wire transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram operate on holidays, as do some payment apps. These cost more than a bank transfer — typically $15 to $50 depending on the amount and destination — but they move money the same day.
Credit card payments submitted online on a holiday usually post the next business day, so if you are trying to avoid a late fee, submit it before the holiday begins. If the due date itself is a holiday, most credit card companies extend the deadline to the next business day automatically, but do not rely on this — check your account or call to confirm.
State holidays and bank closures
Some states observe holidays that the federal government does not, and a few banks close for state holidays even though they are not federal holidays. For example, some banks in Texas close on Texas Independence Day (March 2), and banks in South Carolina may close on Confederate Memorial Day.
If you bank with a large national bank, state holidays rarely affect you. If you use a regional or state-based bank or credit union, check their holiday calendar on their website or call to ask whether they close for state-specific days.
How to plan ahead for holiday closures
Most banks publish their holiday schedule in December for the coming year. Visit your bank's website and look for "holiday hours" or "bank closures" — the page usually lists every day the bank will be closed. Bookmark it or save a screenshot so you know which days to plan around.
If you have a recurring bill due on or near a holiday, submit the payment a day or two early. If you need a cashier's check or notarized document, request it before the holiday week. These small steps prevent the frustration of discovering your bank is closed when you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all banks close on the same holidays?
Most large national banks close on all 11 federal holidays. Regional banks and credit unions may close on fewer days or add state-specific holidays. Check your bank's website or call to see their exact schedule — it is the only way to know for certain.
If a holiday falls on a weekend, when does the bank close?
If the holiday is on Saturday, the bank usually closes on Friday. If it is on Sunday, they close on Monday. The Federal Reserve publishes the observed date each year, and your bank's website will show which day they actually close.
Can I use my debit card on a banking holiday?
Yes. ATMs work 24/7, and debit card purchases at stores and online go through normally. The only limitation is that deposits and transfers between accounts may not process until the next business day.
What if I need to deposit a check on a holiday?
You can deposit it at an ATM or through your bank's mobile app. The deposit enters the queue but typically won't clear and become available until the next business day after the holiday ends.
Do wire transfers work on banking holidays?
Bank-to-bank wire transfers do not process on federal holidays. Third-party services like Western Union or money transfer apps may operate on holidays, but they charge higher fees than standard bank transfers.