Banks close on federal holidays and every Saturday and Sunday
Most banks in the United States close on Saturdays and Sundays. They also close on the 11 federal holidays recognized by the Federal Reserve: 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 stay open on a few of these holidays — particularly Veterans Day and Columbus Day — but this varies by bank and by branch. Your specific branch may have different hours than the main bank's policy. The safest way to know whether your bank will be open on a particular day is to check your bank's website or call the branch directly.
If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash on a holiday or weekend, most banks offer ATMs that work 24/7. Mobile banking apps let you transfer money, pay bills, and check balances at any time. Some banks also offer Saturday hours at select branches, though this is less common than it used to be.
Key Takeaways
- All banks close on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and on the 11 federal holidays the Federal Reserve recognizes each year.
- Some banks open on a few federal holidays like Veterans Day or Columbus Day, so you need to check your specific branch's schedule.
- ATMs work around the clock on holidays and weekends, so you can withdraw cash or deposit checks without waiting for the bank to open.
- Mobile banking apps let you transfer money and pay bills on any day, including holidays, without visiting a branch.
- If you need to speak to someone on a holiday, some banks offer phone support or online chat, though response times may be slower.
The 11 federal holidays when banks close
The Federal Reserve sets the official list of holidays when banks must close. These 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).
When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, most banks close on Friday instead. When it falls on a Sunday, most banks close on Monday. This means you may see a bank closed on a Friday or Monday even though the holiday itself is on the weekend.
Not every bank follows this rule identically. Some regional banks or credit unions may have different policies. A few banks stay open on Veterans Day or Columbus Day even though the Federal Reserve recognizes them as holidays. Check your bank's website or call ahead if you need to know for certain.
How to access money on weekends and holidays
ATMs are the most reliable way to get cash when the bank is closed. Your bank's ATM works 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also use ATMs from other banks, though you may pay a fee of $1 to $3 per transaction if the ATM is out of network.
Mobile banking apps let you handle most transactions without visiting a branch or ATM. You can transfer money between your own accounts, send money to other people, pay bills, and check your balance at any time. Deposits work through mobile check deposit — you photograph the front and back of a check and submit it through the app. The funds usually appear in your account within one business day.
If you need to speak to someone, many banks offer phone support or online chat on holidays, though wait times are often longer than on regular business days. Some banks have a limited number of staff working on holidays to handle urgent issues.
What happens if you deposit a check on a weekend or holiday
If you deposit a check through a mobile app on a weekend or holiday, the bank receives it when it opens on the next business day. The check is then processed according to standard deposit timelines — usually one to two business days for the funds to appear in your account.
If you deposit a check in an ATM on a weekend or holiday, the same rule applies. The ATM holds the check until the bank opens, then processes it. Some banks process ATM deposits faster than others, so check your bank's policy.
If you need the money urgently and the bank is closed, mobile check deposit is usually faster than using an ATM, because you can submit it immediately rather than waiting for the ATM to be emptied and processed.
Weekend and holiday hours at specific banks
Most large national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank — close on all federal holidays and all day Saturday and Sunday. A few branches in major cities may have Saturday hours, but this is uncommon.
Credit unions often follow the same schedule as banks, though some credit unions have different holiday policies. A few credit unions stay open on certain holidays or offer limited Saturday hours. Check your credit union's website to see whether your branch has extended hours.
Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Marcus have no physical branches, so there are no "closed" hours — you can bank through the app or website at any time. However, if you need to deposit a physical check, you still use mobile check deposit, which processes on the next business day.
Planning ahead for holiday closures
If you know you will need cash or need to make a deposit around a holiday, plan a few days in advance. Deposit checks or withdraw cash before the holiday arrives. This prevents you from being stuck without access to money.
If a holiday falls on a Monday, remember that banks close on Monday even though the holiday itself may not feel like a "holiday" to you. Many people forget this and show up to the bank on Monday morning expecting it to be open.
Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for the day before a holiday if you know you will need banking services. This gives you time to visit an ATM or use mobile banking before the branch closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are banks open on Veterans Day or Columbus Day?
Most banks close on both days because the Federal Reserve recognizes them as federal holidays. However, some regional banks or credit unions stay open. Call your branch or check the website to confirm whether your bank will be open.
What if a federal holiday falls on a Saturday?
Most banks close on Friday instead. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, most banks close on Monday. Check your bank's specific policy, as some banks handle this differently.
Can I deposit a check on a holiday using my phone?
Yes. Mobile check deposit works on holidays and weekends. You photograph the check and submit it through the app. The bank processes it on the next business day, and funds usually appear within one to two business days.
Do ATMs work on federal holidays?
Yes. ATMs work 24 hours a day, every day, including federal holidays and weekends. You can withdraw cash or deposit checks at any time.
What if I need to talk to someone at the bank on a holiday?
Some banks offer phone support or online chat on holidays, though wait times are longer than usual. Online banks have customer service available around the clock. For urgent issues, call the number on the back of your debit card.