Most banks close on federal holidays, but not all of them, and the rules vary by bank and state
Yes, most banks close on federal holidays. The Federal Reserve observes 11 federal holidays each year, and on those days most traditional banks shut their branches and do not process transactions. However, some banks stay open on certain holidays, credit unions may have different schedules, and online banks typically process transactions on holidays even if you cannot reach a person by phone.
The federal holidays that typically close banks are: 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 the day after Thanksgiving.
If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash on a holiday, your options depend on whether your bank has ATMs, whether it offers mobile deposit, and whether it is a traditional bank or an online-only institution. The timing of when transactions post can also shift when a holiday falls on a weekend.
Key Takeaways
- The Federal Reserve closes on 11 federal holidays per year, and most banks follow the same schedule, closing their branches and delaying some transactions.
- ATMs and mobile deposit apps usually work on federal holidays even when branches are closed, so you can still access cash and deposit checks remotely.
- Online banks and credit unions may have different holiday schedules than traditional banks, so check your specific institution's website or call ahead.
- Transactions submitted on a holiday typically post the next business day, which can be the day after the holiday if it falls on a Friday or before a long weekend.
Which federal holidays close bank branches
The Federal Reserve observes these 11 holidays, and most banks close their branches on all of them:
- 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)
- Christmas (December 25)
Some banks also close on the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday). A few banks may close on additional state holidays depending on where they operate, so your local branch might have a different schedule than a branch in another state.
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 affects when transactions post and when you can reach customer service.
How to access money and make deposits on a holiday
Even though bank branches are closed, you have several ways to handle banking on a federal holiday. ATMs work 24/7 at most banks, so you can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts. ATMs do not observe holidays.
Mobile deposit (taking a photo of a check through your bank's app) works on holidays at most banks. The check image is submitted immediately, but it will not post to your account until the next business day. This means if you deposit a check on Thanksgiving, it typically posts on Friday.
If you bank online, you can log in and move money between accounts, pay bills, or set up transfers on a holiday. These transactions usually process the next business day. Wire transfers submitted on a holiday will not go out until the following business day.
Credit unions often have different holiday schedules than banks. Some credit unions stay open on certain federal holidays or have extended hours. Check your credit union's website or call the branch directly to confirm their holiday schedule.
When transactions post after a holiday
The day a transaction posts depends on when you submit it and when the next business day falls. If you deposit a check via mobile deposit on a Monday holiday, it posts on Tuesday. If you deposit on a Friday before a three-day weekend, it posts on Monday.
Wire transfers and ACH transfers (like bill payments) submitted on a holiday do not process until the next business day. If you submit a wire on Independence Day (a Wednesday), it goes out on Thursday. If you submit one on a Friday before a Monday holiday, it does not go out until Tuesday.
Checks you write do not clear faster or slower because of a holiday — the timeline depends on the receiving bank's processing schedule. However, if you deposit a check on a holiday, the bank that receives it may take longer to process it if that bank is also closed.
Online banks and holiday schedules
Online banks (banks with no physical branches) do not close on federal holidays in the traditional sense because there are no branches to close. You can log in, transfer money, and submit transactions at any time. However, the transactions still do not process until the next business day if you submit them on a holiday.
Customer service at online banks may be limited or unavailable on federal holidays. If you need to speak to someone, you may have to wait until the next business day. Check your bank's website to see whether phone support is available on the specific holiday.
Some online banks offer 24/7 customer service through chat or email even on holidays, though response times may be slower. If you have an urgent issue on a holiday, try the chat feature first.
What to do if you need cash or to make a deposit on a holiday
Plan ahead if you know you will need cash on a federal holiday. Withdraw money the day before the holiday, or use an ATM on the holiday itself. ATMs are always available, even when branches are closed.
If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit through your bank's app. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, and submit it through the app. The deposit will post the next business day. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, you will have to wait until the branch reopens.
If you need to make a payment or transfer money, do it through your bank's website or app. Most online banking functions work on holidays, and the transaction will process the next business day. If it is urgent, call your bank the day before the holiday to see if there are any options.
For wire transfers or other time-sensitive transactions, submit them before the holiday if possible. If you submit a wire on a holiday, it will not go out until the next business day, which could delay payment by 24 hours or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on a federal holiday?
Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs and stores on federal holidays. ATMs are always available, and stores process debit card payments normally. The only thing that closes is the bank branch itself and some back-office processing.
Do credit unions close on the same holidays as banks?
Most credit unions close on the same federal holidays as banks, but some stay open on certain holidays or have different schedules. Check your credit union's website or call the branch to confirm their holiday hours.
If I deposit a check the day before a holiday, when does it post?
If you deposit a check on a business day (the day before the holiday), it typically posts within one to two business days, depending on your bank. The holiday itself does not count as a business day, so a deposit made on Friday before a Monday holiday usually posts on Tuesday.
Will my bill payment go through if I submit it on a federal holiday?
Bill payments submitted on a federal holiday will not process until the next business day. If you need a payment to arrive by a certain date, submit it at least one business day before the deadline to account for the holiday delay.
Can I access my money at an ATM if the bank is closed for a holiday?
Yes. ATMs work 24/7 and do not close on federal holidays. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and make transfers between your own accounts anytime, including holidays.