The United States observes 11 federal bank holidays per year
The Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury recognize 11 official bank holidays when most banks close their physical branches. These are set by federal law, not by individual banks, so the dates are the same across the country. However, not every bank closes on every federal holiday — some banks stay open on certain days, and a few regional or private banks may observe additional holidays.
The 11 federal bank holidays are: New Year's Day, Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., Washington's Birthday (Presidents' Day), Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, the Federal Reserve typically observes the holiday on the nearest weekday. If a holiday lands on Saturday, banks usually close on Friday. If it lands on Sunday, they close on Monday. This means the actual closure date can shift year to year.
Key Takeaways
- The Federal Reserve recognizes 11 federal bank holidays each year, and most banks close their branches on these dates.
- When a holiday falls on a weekend, the observed closure moves to the nearest weekday — usually Friday if the holiday is Saturday, or Monday if it is Sunday.
- Not all banks close on all federal holidays; some banks stay open on Columbus Day or other holidays depending on their policies.
- ATMs and online banking remain available on bank holidays, even when branches are closed.
- State and local banks may observe additional holidays beyond the 11 federal ones, so check your specific bank's holiday schedule.
The complete list of federal bank holidays
Here are the 11 holidays when the Federal Reserve and most U.S. banks close:
| Holiday | Typical 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 |
Juneteenth was added to the federal holiday calendar in 2021, bringing the total from 10 to 11. This means that starting in 2022, banks began closing on June 19 (or the nearest weekday if it falls on a weekend).
What stays open when banks close on holidays
Even though bank branches shut down on federal holidays, you can still access your money and conduct transactions. ATMs remain available 24/7, including on bank holidays, so you can withdraw cash or check your balance at any time.
Online banking platforms and mobile apps also stay open on holidays. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, deposit checks by phone camera, and check your account balance without visiting a branch. However, transactions you submit on a holiday may not process until the next business day.
Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated on a holiday typically process the following business day. If you need to send money urgently, it is worth checking whether the receiving bank will process it immediately or wait until the next day.
Why some banks stay open on certain holidays
Not all banks follow the same holiday schedule. Some banks, particularly credit unions and smaller regional institutions, may stay open on Columbus Day or other federal holidays. This is a business decision each bank makes independently — federal law does not require them to close on every federal holiday, only that they close on certain key ones like Christmas and Independence Day.
Banks in states with additional state holidays may also close on those days. For example, some banks in Hawaii close on additional state holidays that are not federal holidays. The best way to know your bank's specific schedule is to check their website or call your local branch before a holiday.
How bank holidays affect payment processing
When you make a payment on a bank holiday, the timing depends on the payment method. ACH transfers (like bill payments through your bank's website) submitted on a holiday will not begin processing until the next business day. If you submit a payment on Friday before a Monday holiday, it will not process until Tuesday.
Credit card payments submitted online on a holiday typically post the next business day. Wire transfers also wait until the next business day to process. If you have a bill due on a holiday, the payment will be considered on time if it is submitted by the end of the business day before the holiday.
Check deposits made at an ATM on a holiday are scanned and added to your account, but the funds may not be available until the next business day. Mobile check deposits work the same way — the image is captured on the holiday, but availability depends on your bank's processing schedule.
Planning around bank holidays
If you need to make a time-sensitive payment or transfer, submit it before the holiday begins. Most banks process transactions submitted by 5 p.m. on the business day before a holiday. If you are waiting for a deposit (like a paycheck or tax refund), it will not arrive on the holiday itself, but will post the next business day.
For recurring bills and automatic payments, set them up to process a day or two before a holiday to avoid timing issues. If you need to speak with a bank representative, plan to call on the business day before or after the holiday, since branches will be closed.
Keep a list of your bank's holiday schedule in your phone or calendar. Many banks publish their full-year holiday schedule on their website, and you can set reminders for days when you need to complete transactions before branches close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all banks close on all 11 federal holidays?
No. While most banks close on the 11 federal holidays, some banks stay open on Columbus Day or other holidays. Check your specific bank's website or call your branch to confirm their holiday schedule, as policies vary by institution.
What happens if a bank holiday falls on a weekend?
The Federal Reserve observes the holiday on the nearest weekday. If the holiday is on Saturday, banks typically close on Friday. If it is on Sunday, they close on Monday. Your bank will announce the observed date in advance.
Can I use my debit card or ATM on a bank holiday?
Yes. ATMs work 24/7 on bank holidays, and you can use your debit card at merchants and other banks' ATMs. Online banking and mobile apps also remain available, though some transactions may not process until the next business day.
Will my paycheck deposit on a bank holiday?
No. Direct deposits and other ACH transfers do not process on federal holidays. If your paycheck is scheduled to deposit on a holiday, it will arrive the next business day instead. Check with your employer if you are unsure of the exact timing.
Do I need to pay my bill before a bank holiday if it is due on that day?
Yes. If a bill is due on a bank holiday, submit your payment by the end of the business day before the holiday to ensure it is on time. Payments submitted on the holiday itself will not process until the next business day.