Banks follow a fixed holiday schedule, so yesterday's closure depends on what day it was
Banks in the United States close on federal holidays. If yesterday was a federal holiday, your bank was closed. The federal holidays when banks shut down 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.
Banks also close on weekends — Saturday and Sunday — so if yesterday was a Saturday or Sunday, that explains why you couldn't reach your branch or use the ATM inside the building. Some banks have limited Saturday hours, but most close entirely on Sunday.
If yesterday was not a weekend or a federal holiday, your bank should have been open during normal business hours. In that case, the closure may have been a local issue: a power outage, a staffing problem, or a building emergency. You can call your bank's customer service line to find out what happened.
Key Takeaways
- Banks close on all federal holidays, including New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
- Banks are closed on Sundays and most are closed on Saturdays, though some branches have limited Saturday hours.
- If yesterday was not a weekend or federal holiday and your bank was closed, contact your bank directly to learn why.
- You can still use ATMs and mobile banking on holidays and weekends, even when the branch itself is closed.
- The Federal Reserve publishes the official holiday schedule each year, and most banks follow it exactly.
The complete list of federal bank holidays
The Federal Reserve sets the official closure dates for all U.S. banks. These are the days when most banks will not be open for in-person service:
| Holiday | Date (varies by year) |
|---|---|
| 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 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 |
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. Some banks may close on the day before or after a holiday as well, so check with your specific bank if you are unsure.
How to check if your bank is open today or tomorrow
The fastest way to check your bank's hours is to search "[Your Bank Name] hours" on Google Maps or your bank's website. Google Maps shows the current status — whether the branch is open right now — and the full weekly schedule. Most banks also display holiday hours on their homepage.
You can also call your bank's main customer service number, which is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. The automated system will tell you whether branches are open and may offer options to speak with someone or use mobile banking.
If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash on a holiday or weekend, use your bank's ATM. ATMs work 24/7, even when the branch is closed. If you need to speak with someone, most banks offer phone support on weekends and holidays, though wait times may be longer.
What you can do when your bank is closed
Even when your bank's physical location is closed, you can still handle most banking tasks. Mobile banking apps let you transfer money between accounts, pay bills, deposit checks by taking a photo, and check your balance at any time. These services work on weekends, holidays, and nights.
ATMs are available 24/7 and let you withdraw cash, deposit checks or cash, and transfer money between accounts. Some ATMs charge a fee if you use a machine that is not owned by your bank, so look for your bank's logo on the machine.
If you need to speak with someone, call your bank's customer service line. Most banks staff their phone lines on weekends and holidays, though response times are usually slower. For urgent issues, some banks have a separate number for after-hours emergencies.
Why banks close on federal holidays
The Federal Reserve, which oversees the nation's banking system, closes on federal holidays. Because the Fed is closed, banks cannot process certain transactions — like clearing checks or moving money between banks — so most banks close their branches to the public as well.
Banks are required by law to observe federal holidays. This means they cannot conduct normal business operations on those days, though they can still provide limited services like ATM access and phone support.
Some banks stay open on certain holidays if they are not federal holidays in their state. For example, some states observe Robert E. Lee's birthday or other state-specific holidays, but banks in other states may be open on those days. Check your bank's website to see if it observes any holidays beyond the federal list.
What to do if you need money on a holiday
Plan ahead if you know you will need cash on a holiday. Withdraw money the day before so you have it on hand. Most ATMs have daily withdrawal limits — often $500 to $1,000 — so if you need more than that, withdraw it over several days before the holiday.
If you need to pay a bill on a holiday, use your bank's mobile app or website to schedule the payment for the next business day. Most banks process scheduled payments automatically, even if the branch is closed. Make sure you schedule it early enough that the payment reaches the recipient on time.
If you have an emergency and need to reach your bank on a holiday, call the customer service number on the back of your card. Most banks have staff available to handle urgent issues, even if branches are closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?
Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs and stores 24/7, even when your bank's branch is closed. You can withdraw cash from any ATM, make purchases, and check your balance using your card or mobile app.
Will my check deposit go through if I deposit it on a holiday?
If you deposit a check using your mobile app or an ATM on a holiday, the bank will process it the next business day. The funds may not show up in your account until one or two business days after that, depending on the check amount and your bank's policy.
Do credit unions close on the same holidays as banks?
Most credit unions follow the same federal holiday schedule as banks, but some may have different hours. Check your credit union's website or call them to confirm their holiday schedule.
What if I need to wire money on a holiday?
Wire transfers cannot be processed on federal holidays because the Federal Reserve is closed. If you need to send money urgently, use a money transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram, which may operate on holidays, though fees are usually higher.
Are online banks closed on holidays?
Online banks do not have physical branches, so they do not close on holidays in the traditional sense. However, they cannot process certain transactions — like wire transfers or clearing checks — until the next business day because the Federal Reserve is closed.