How to learn about today is a bank holiday

The fastest way to know if today is a bank holiday is to check the Federal Reserve's official holiday calendar at federalreserve.gov, or call your bank directly. Banks observe the same 11 federal holidays every year, but the day they close depends on which day of the week the holiday falls on — if a holiday lands on a weekend, most banks close on Friday or Monday instead.

You can also search "federal holidays 2024" or "federal holidays 2025" (depending on the current year) to see the full list. If you need to know right now whether your specific bank is open today, a phone call to their customer service line is the most reliable method, since some banks have different hours or closures than others.

Key Takeaways

  • The 11 federal bank holidays are the same across the country, but the day banks close shifts when a holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday.
  • The Federal Reserve publishes the official holiday schedule each year on its website, showing which days banks will be closed.
  • Your bank may have different hours or closures than other banks, so calling ahead is the safest way to confirm before you visit or conduct time-sensitive transactions.
  • If a holiday falls on a weekend, most banks close on the nearest weekday — usually Friday if the holiday is on Saturday, or Monday if it is on Sunday.

The 11 federal holidays banks observe

Banks close on these dates every year: New Year's Day (January 1), Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. (third Monday in January), Washington's Birthday (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 Day (fourth Thursday in November), and Christmas Day (December 25).

The dates for holidays that fall on a specific day of the week — like the third Monday in January for MLK Day — change each year. The Federal Reserve updates its holiday calendar annually, so the exact dates shift. If you need to plan around bank closures, checking the current year's calendar is important because "the third Monday" is not the same date every year.

What happens when a holiday falls on a weekend

When a federal holiday lands on a Saturday, most banks close on Friday instead. When a holiday lands on a Sunday, most banks close on Monday. This is called observing the holiday on the nearest weekday. For example, if Independence Day (July 4) falls on a Saturday, banks typically close on Friday, July 3.

The rule is not absolute — some banks may have different policies, and state or local holidays can add extra closures in certain regions. This is why calling your bank or checking their website before a holiday weekend is worth the effort, especially if you need to deposit money, withdraw cash, or conduct a transaction that requires a teller.

Where to find the official bank holiday schedule

The Federal Reserve's website (federalreserve.gov) publishes the official holiday calendar each year. You can search for "Federal Reserve holiday schedule" and find the exact dates banks will be closed. The page lists all 11 holidays and shows which days banks will observe them.

Your own bank's website usually has a holiday schedule too, often under "Hours" or "Contact Us." Some banks post their holiday hours weeks in advance. If you cannot find it online, call the branch directly — they can tell you whether they are open today and what their holiday schedule looks like for the rest of the year.

Why banks close on federal holidays

Banks close on federal holidays because the Federal Reserve — the central banking system of the United States — does not operate on those days. When the Federal Reserve is closed, banks cannot process certain transactions like wire transfers, check clearing, or ACH payments. Most banks choose to close entirely rather than stay open without access to the Federal Reserve's systems.

This affects you most when you need to move money between accounts, deposit checks, or send wire transfers. ATMs and online banking usually work on holidays, but teller services and time-sensitive transactions will not process until the bank reopens. If you have a payment due on a holiday, plan ahead — most online bill payment systems let you schedule payments in advance.

What you can still do on a bank holiday

ATMs work on bank holidays, so you can withdraw cash or check your balance. Online banking portals stay open, and you can view your account, transfer money between your own accounts, and set up bill payments for future dates. Mobile banking apps function normally too.

What you cannot do is speak to a teller, deposit a check in person, or process transactions that require the Federal Reserve to be open — like wire transfers or ACH payments initiated on the holiday itself. If you schedule a wire transfer online on a holiday, it will usually process the next business day. If you need to deposit a check urgently, some banks have mobile deposit features in their apps that let you photograph and submit checks from home.

State and local holidays that may close banks

In addition to the 11 federal holidays, some states observe their own holidays that may close banks in that state. For example, some states close banks on Election Day or on holidays specific to that state's history. These vary widely — there is no single list that applies everywhere.

If you live in or are banking in a state with additional holidays, your bank's website or a phone call will clarify whether they close on those days. The Federal Reserve's schedule shows only the 11 federal holidays, so state-specific closures require checking with your bank directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. ATMs work on bank holidays, and you can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts. Debit cards work for purchases at stores and online. The only things that do not work are services requiring a teller or the Federal Reserve to be open, like depositing checks in person or processing wire transfers.

If a holiday falls on a weekend, which day does the bank close?

If a holiday is on Saturday, banks usually close on Friday. If a holiday is on Sunday, banks usually close on Monday. This is called observing the holiday on the nearest weekday. Some banks may differ, so check with yours to be certain.

Will my online bill payment process on a bank holiday?

If you schedule a bill payment online on a holiday, it will usually process the next business day. If you pay a bill in person at a bank branch on a holiday, you cannot — the branch will be closed. Use online or mobile banking to schedule payments in advance.

Do credit unions close on the same holidays as banks?

Most credit unions observe the same 11 federal holidays as banks, but some may have different hours or additional closures. Check your credit union's website or call them directly to confirm their holiday schedule.

What if I need to access my money on a bank holiday?

Use your ATM to withdraw cash, or use online banking to transfer money between accounts or pay bills. If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit through your bank's app if available, or wait until the next business day. For emergencies requiring a teller, some banks have 24-hour branches in major cities.