How to know if today is a federal bank holiday
The fastest way to check is to look at your bank's website or call their customer service line — they will tell you immediately whether they are open. Federal banks close on the 11 federal holidays set by Congress each year, but not all banks observe all of them the same way. Some banks stay open on certain holidays, and some close on additional days that are not federal holidays.
If you need to know right now, your bank's mobile app usually shows holiday hours on the main screen, or you can search "[your bank name] holiday hours" to find their schedule. The federal holidays themselves do not change year to year — the dates are fixed — but the day of the week they fall on does.
Key Takeaways
- The 11 federal bank holidays are set by Congress and do not change, though the day of the week shifts each year.
- Not all banks close on all federal holidays, so checking your specific bank's schedule is the only reliable way to know.
- Your bank's website, app, or a phone call to their customer service will show you their exact holiday hours.
- Some banks close on days that are not federal holidays, and some stay open on federal holidays, depending on their policy.
- If you need to make a transaction today, calling ahead takes 30 seconds and saves a wasted trip.
The 11 federal holidays banks observe
Congress sets these 11 holidays, and federal banks must close on all of them. The dates are the same every year, though the day of the week changes:
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. | Third Monday in January |
| Washington's Birthday (Presidents' Day) | 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 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, banks typically close on Friday instead. When it falls on a Sunday, they close on Monday. This is called an "observed" holiday.
Why your bank might have different hours than the federal schedule
Federal banks — those chartered and regulated by the federal government — must close on all 11 federal holidays. But many banks are state-chartered, meaning they follow state law instead. State law sometimes requires closure on different days or allows banks to stay open on federal holidays.
Additionally, some banks choose to close on holidays that are not federal holidays, such as the day after Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve. Others stay open on federal holidays because they operate as essential services or have different business models. Credit unions may also follow different schedules than banks.
The only way to know your bank's actual schedule is to check with them directly. Do not assume your bank closes just because it is a federal holiday.
Where to find your bank's holiday hours
Online: Go to your bank's website and look for "holiday hours" or "branch hours." Most banks post their full-year holiday schedule in one place.
Mobile app: Open your bank's app and check the home screen or the branch locator. Many apps show holiday hours prominently during holiday weeks.
By phone: Call your bank's customer service number (usually on the back of your debit card) and ask whether they are open today. They can also tell you the hours of your nearest branch.
In person: If you are near a branch, the door will display today's hours. Most branches post holiday schedules weeks in advance.
What you can still do on a bank holiday
Even if your bank's physical branches are closed, you can usually complete many transactions online or through your mobile app. Deposits, transfers, bill payments, and balance checks work 24/7 on most banking platforms.
ATMs stay open on holidays at most banks, so you can withdraw cash or deposit checks at a machine. However, deposits made at an ATM on a holiday may not post to your account until the next business day.
If you need to speak to a person, some banks offer phone support on holidays, though wait times are often longer. Check your bank's website to see whether customer service is available today.
Planning ahead for bank holidays
If you know a bank holiday is coming and you need to handle something in person, visit your branch the day before. This is especially important if you need to deposit a check and want it to post the same day, or if you need to speak with someone about a problem.
For recurring transactions like bill payments or transfers, set them up in advance through your bank's online system so they process automatically, even on holidays. Most banks process these on the next business day if you schedule them for a holiday.
If you are waiting for a payment or refund to arrive, remember that banks do not process transactions on federal holidays. A payment scheduled to arrive on a holiday will typically post the next business day instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my ATM on a bank holiday?
Yes, most ATMs stay open 24/7 on bank holidays. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks. However, deposits made on a holiday may not post to your account until the next business day, depending on your bank's processing schedule.
Will my direct deposit arrive on a bank holiday?
Direct deposits scheduled for a bank holiday usually post on the next business day instead. If your employer sends payroll on a Friday that is a federal holiday, the deposit may arrive on Monday. Check with your employer or bank if you are unsure about the timing.
Do all banks close on the same federal holidays?
Federal banks must close on all 11 federal holidays set by Congress. State-chartered banks may have different rules depending on state law. Some banks also choose to close on additional days. Always check your specific bank's schedule rather than assuming.
What if I need to deposit a check on a bank holiday?
Use your bank's ATM or mobile app to deposit the check. If you use an ATM, the deposit will likely post the next business day. If you use mobile deposit through the app, it may post the same day or the next day depending on your bank's policy.
Are credit unions open on federal bank holidays?
Credit unions are not required to follow the federal bank holiday schedule. Some close on all federal holidays, others on some, and some stay open. Contact your credit union directly to find out their holiday hours.