Banks and post offices follow different holiday schedules and hours

Banks and the U.S. Postal Service close on the same federal holidays, but they do not always close on the same days otherwise. A bank may be open when your post office is closed, or vice versa. The fastest way to know whether a specific location is open today is to call or check online — most banks and post offices publish their hours on their websites or Google Business listings.

Federal holidays when both banks and post offices close include New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Some banks also close on Good Friday, though the post office does not. State and local holidays may affect individual locations but are not universal.

If you need to access money or mail today and are unsure whether your location is open, you have options that do not require either to be staffed. ATMs work 24 hours at most banks. Post offices offer package pickup and drop-off through their blue collection boxes and package lockers, even when the building is closed.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks and post offices close on the same federal holidays but may have different hours on regular days, so checking your specific location is the only reliable way to know.
  • The fastest way to check is to search the bank or post office name on Google, call the location directly, or visit the institution's website.
  • ATMs work around the clock, so you can withdraw cash even when the bank building is closed.
  • Post offices have after-hours package drop-off boxes and lockers at many locations, so you can mail items without waiting for staff.
  • If you need to speak to someone and the location is closed, most banks and post offices offer phone support during business hours on the next open day.

How to check your bank's hours right now

Open Google Maps or your bank's website and search for your branch by name and address. The hours appear at the top of the listing, along with a note if the location is closed today. If the page says "Closed" without a reason, the branch may be observing a holiday or have an unusual closure. Call the branch directly at the number listed to confirm.

If you use a large national bank like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, you can also log into your online banking app or website. Most apps show branch hours and let you find nearby locations. Some banks let you schedule an appointment through the app, which tells you whether staff are available today.

For credit unions, visit your credit union's website or call the main number. Credit unions sometimes keep different hours than banks and may close on different holidays, so do not assume they follow the same schedule as a nearby bank branch.

How to check post office hours

Go to USPS.com and enter your ZIP code in the location finder. The search shows all post offices near you, their hours, and whether they are open today. You can also call the post office directly — the number appears in the search results. Post offices typically close at 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays and have shorter Saturday hours; most are closed on Sundays and federal holidays.

Some post offices are inside retail stores like Walmart or CVS. These locations may have different hours than standalone post offices and may close on different holidays. The USPS location finder specifies which post offices are inside retail locations and shows their exact hours.

If you need to mail a package and the post office is closed, you can drop it in a blue USPS collection box if it has postage. For packages that need tracking or a receipt, use a package locker at a post office or Amazon Hub location, or wait until the post office reopens.

What to do if you need cash and the bank is closed

Use an ATM. Nearly all banks operate ATMs 24 hours a day, even on holidays and when the branch is closed. If you use a bank that is part of a shared ATM network, you can withdraw cash from ATMs at other banks without a fee. Check your bank's website or app to find ATMs near you that are part of your network.

If you need cash from a bank that is not your own, you can usually withdraw from any ATM, though you may pay a fee of $2 to $3. Some banks waive out-of-network fees if you use their ATM only occasionally. Grocery stores and convenience stores also have ATMs, though fees are often higher.

If you need a cashier's check, wire transfer, or other service that requires a teller, you will have to wait until the bank reopens. Call ahead to confirm the branch is open and ask whether you need an appointment.

What to do if you need to mail something and the post office is closed

If your package or letter has postage, drop it in a blue USPS collection box. These boxes are on streets, in front of post offices, and at many retail locations. Mail in collection boxes is picked up once a day, usually in the late afternoon. Dropping mail in a box does not give you a receipt or tracking number, so use this method only for items you do not need to track.

For packages that need tracking, look for a package locker at a post office, Amazon Hub location, or other retail partner. You can drop off packages in these lockers 24 hours a day. The package is scanned when you drop it off, so you get a tracking number immediately.

If you need a receipt or proof of mailing, you will have to wait until the post office reopens. Some post offices offer limited services through a self-service kiosk inside the building, even when the counter is closed — check the USPS website to see whether your location has one.

Federal holidays when banks and post offices close

Both banks and the post office close on 11 federal holidays each year. The dates vary for some holidays because they fall on the same day of the week each year rather than a fixed calendar date. Good Friday is an exception: some banks close, but the post office does not.

The federal holidays are 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). Some banks also close on Good Friday, which falls on different dates each year. Check your specific bank's website if you are unsure whether it observes Good Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my bank's app or website if the branch is closed?

Yes. Online banking, mobile apps, bill pay, and transfers work 24 hours a day, even when branches are closed. You can also set up direct deposit, check your balance, and lock or unlock your debit card through the app. Only services that require a teller — like withdrawing large amounts of cash, getting a cashier's check, or opening a new account — require the branch to be open.

Do all banks close on the same federal holidays?

Yes, all banks close on the same 11 federal holidays. Some banks also close on Good Friday, but this varies by bank and location. A few banks may close on additional state or local holidays, so check your specific branch if you are unsure.

What if I need to mail something but the post office is closed and I do not have postage?

You can buy postage online through USPS.com or through your mail carrier when they deliver to your address. You can also buy stamps at many grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores. Once you have postage, drop your mail in a blue collection box or wait for the post office to reopen.

Are bank ATMs and post office services the same on weekends as on weekdays?

ATMs work the same way on weekends and weekdays — 24 hours a day. Post offices have shorter hours on Saturday and are closed on Sunday. Some post offices inside retail stores may have different weekend hours than standalone locations, so check your specific location.

Can I get a refund or payment from the post office if I miss a deadline because it was closed?

No. The post office does not refund postage or extend deadlines because a location was closed. If you need to meet a deadline, plan to mail items before the post office closes or use a private carrier like FedEx or UPS, which may have different hours.