The U.S. observes 11 federal bank holidays per year

The federal government designates 11 days each year as official bank holidays. On these days, most banks close and do not process transactions. The holidays are set by federal law and apply across all states, though some states add their own additional holidays that banks in those states may observe.

Bank holidays differ from public holidays. A bank holiday specifically means banks are closed and will not clear checks, process transfers, or conduct normal business. A public holiday may be observed by government offices and many businesses, but banks might still operate. When a federal bank holiday falls on a weekend, most banks observe it on the nearest weekday instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The 11 federal bank holidays are set by federal law and apply to banks nationwide, though the exact observance date shifts when a holiday falls on a weekend.
  • Banks close on federal holidays and do not process transactions, so payments scheduled for those days will clear the next business day instead.
  • Some states recognize additional holidays beyond the federal 11, and banks in those states may close on those days as well.
  • If you need to make a time-sensitive payment, check your bank's holiday schedule before the holiday week to avoid delays.

The 11 federal bank holidays and their dates

New Year's Day falls on January 1. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday in January. Presidents' Day is the third Monday in February. Memorial Day is the last Monday in May. Juneteenth National Independence Day is June 19. Independence Day is July 4. Labor Day is the first Monday in September. Columbus Day is the second Monday in October. Veterans Day is November 11. Thanksgiving Day is the fourth Thursday in November. Christmas Day is December 25.

When any of these holidays falls on a Saturday, most banks observe it on Friday instead. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, banks typically observe it on Monday. This means the actual closure date can shift by one day depending on the year. Your bank's website or customer service line will show you the exact dates your branch will be closed.

What happens to payments and transfers on bank holidays

Transactions you initiate on a bank holiday will not clear until the next business day. If you submit an ACH transfer, wire transfer, or bill payment on a holiday, the bank will process it the following day. Checks deposited on a holiday will not be credited to your account until the day after the holiday.

Debit card purchases and ATM withdrawals still work on bank holidays because those systems run 24/7. The holiday closure only affects transactions that require the bank's internal processing systems to be staffed and running. If you need money on a holiday, you can use an ATM or make a debit card purchase, but you cannot visit a branch or speak to a banker.

State-specific holidays that may close banks

Some states observe additional holidays beyond the federal 11. For example, South Carolina observes Confederate Memorial Day, and some counties in other states observe Robert E. Lee's birthday. Texas recognizes Emancipation Day. Alaska observes Alaska Day. Hawaii observes Prince Kuhio Day and King Kamehameha Day. Banks in those states may close on those days as well.

If you live in or do business with a bank in a state that recognizes extra holidays, check your bank's specific holiday calendar. The bank's website will list all days it will be closed, including state-specific holidays. This matters most if you are coordinating a payment deadline or expecting a deposit to clear by a certain date.

Planning payments around bank holidays

If a bill is due on or near a bank holiday, submit your payment at least one business day before the holiday. For example, if a payment is due on Monday and Monday is a bank holiday, send it on Friday so it clears before the holiday. If you wait until Monday to pay, the bank will not process it until Tuesday, and you may be marked late.

For recurring bills or automatic payments, check the due date against the holiday calendar. Many billers will accept payments submitted on the business day before a holiday as on-time. If you are unsure, contact your biller or bank to confirm how they handle payments submitted on or around a holiday.

How to find your bank's holiday schedule

Your bank publishes its holiday schedule on its website, usually under a section labeled "Hours" or "Holiday Schedule." You can also call your branch directly or visit in person to ask which days it will be closed. Most banks post their holiday schedule by November of the previous year, so you can plan ahead.

If you use multiple banks or credit unions, each institution may have a slightly different schedule. A credit union might observe holidays differently than a national bank. Check each account separately rather than assuming they all follow the same calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all banks close on the same federal holidays?

Yes, all federally regulated banks must close on the 11 federal bank holidays. However, some banks may have different policies for when they observe a holiday that falls on a weekend, and state-chartered banks in states with additional holidays may close on those days too. Check your specific bank's schedule to be certain.

Can I use my debit card or ATM on a bank holiday?

Yes. ATMs and debit card networks operate 24/7, so you can withdraw cash and make purchases on bank holidays. You just cannot visit a branch, deposit checks in person, or speak to a banker. Online banking and mobile apps also remain available.

What if I need to make a payment on a bank holiday?

Submit the payment the business day before the holiday. Payments initiated on a holiday will not process until the next business day, which may cause you to miss a deadline. If the deadline falls on a holiday, most billers will accept payments submitted on the Friday before as on-time.

Do credit unions observe the same holidays as banks?

Most credit unions observe the same 11 federal holidays, but some may have different policies or observe additional state holidays. Contact your credit union directly to confirm its holiday schedule, especially if you need to make a time-sensitive transaction.

What happens if a holiday falls on a weekend?

Banks typically observe the holiday on the nearest weekday. If a holiday falls on Saturday, the bank closes on Friday. If it falls on Sunday, the bank closes on Monday. Your bank's website will show the actual closure date for each holiday.