Check the Federal Reserve's holiday calendar or your bank's website
The fastest way to know if today is a bank holiday is to look at your bank's website or call their customer service line. Banks close on the 11 federal holidays recognized by the U.S. government, but not all banks observe all of them the same way. Some banks stay open on certain holidays, and some observe holidays on different dates if the actual holiday falls on a weekend.
The Federal Reserve publishes an official list of holidays when banks close for wire transfers and settlement. You can check federalreserve.gov to see which days the Fed itself is closed. Your own bank may have a slightly different schedule, so checking with them directly is more reliable than assuming.
If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or do business that requires your bank to be open, call ahead or check your bank's app. Many banks now show holiday hours in their mobile apps or on the branch locator page of their website.
Key Takeaways
- The 11 federal bank holidays are set by law, but individual banks may observe them on different dates or stay open on some holidays.
- Your bank's website or mobile app will show whether your specific branch is open today and what hours it keeps.
- If a federal holiday falls on a weekend, banks typically close on the nearest weekday instead — usually Friday if it falls on Saturday, or Monday if it falls on Sunday.
- Wire transfers and check clearing may be delayed even if your bank branch is open, because the Federal Reserve itself may be closed.
The 11 federal bank holidays and when they occur
Banks close on these dates each 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 (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).
When a holiday falls on Saturday, most banks close on Friday instead. When a holiday falls on Sunday, most banks close on Monday. For example, if Christmas falls on a Saturday, banks close on Friday, December 24. This rule applies to all 11 holidays, though a few banks may handle it differently — which is why checking with your bank directly matters.
Some states and cities observe additional holidays that are not federal bank holidays. Your state bank regulator may require banks to close on state holidays, but this varies. A bank in a state that observes a state holiday may close even though the Federal Reserve remains open.
What stays open and what closes on bank holidays
Bank branches close on federal holidays, which means you cannot visit a teller, use a safe deposit box, or access in-person services. ATMs and online banking usually stay available — you can still check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, and pay bills through your bank's website or app.
Wire transfers and check deposits may be delayed. If you deposit a check on a bank holiday, it may not clear until the next business day after the holiday. Wire transfers initiated on a holiday typically do not process until the Federal Reserve reopens. If you need money to move today and today is a holiday, use your ATM or online banking instead.
Credit unions follow similar rules but may have different holiday schedules. Some credit unions close on all 11 federal holidays; others close on fewer. Check your credit union's website or call to confirm.
How to plan ahead if you need banking services on a holiday
If you know a holiday is coming and you need cash or need to deposit a check, do it the business day before. ATMs work on holidays, so if you need cash, withdraw it in advance or use an ATM on the holiday itself. Most banks do not charge ATM fees for their own machines, even on holidays.
If you need to pay a bill or send money on a holiday, use your bank's online platform or mobile app. Payments scheduled through online banking usually process on the next business day, even if you submit them on a holiday. Set up the payment the day before if you want it to go out as soon as possible.
If you have a time-sensitive transaction — such as a wire transfer that needs to reach someone today — call your bank before the holiday to ask whether they can process it. Some banks offer holiday wire transfer services for customers, though this is not standard.
What to do if you need banking services and your branch is closed
Use an ATM to withdraw cash or deposit checks (if your bank's ATMs accept mobile check deposit). Call your bank's customer service line — most banks staff phone lines on holidays, and representatives can answer questions, process some transactions, and help with urgent issues.
If you bank at a large national bank, you may be able to visit a branch in a different state or city. Some banks allow customers to do basic transactions at any branch, even if it is not their home branch. Call ahead to confirm the branch is open and can handle what you need.
If you need to send money urgently, consider a money transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram, which often operate on holidays. These services charge fees, but they can move money faster than a bank wire on a holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all banks close on all 11 federal holidays?
Most banks close on all 11 federal holidays, but some banks may stay open on certain holidays depending on state law or company policy. Check your specific bank's holiday schedule on their website or by calling customer service.
What happens if I deposit a check on a bank holiday?
The check will not clear until the next business day after the holiday. If you deposit it through an ATM or mobile app, the deposit is recorded, but the funds may not be available for 1 to 2 business days depending on your bank's policy.
Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?
Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs and at stores on bank holidays. Your bank branch is closed, but your account and card remain active. Wire transfers and check clearing may be delayed, but everyday debit card transactions process normally.
If a holiday falls on a weekend, when does the bank close?
If a federal holiday falls on Saturday, banks typically close on Friday. If it falls on Sunday, banks typically close on Monday. Some banks may handle this differently, so check your bank's specific policy.
Can I call my bank on a holiday?
Most large banks staff customer service phone lines on federal holidays. You can call to ask questions, report fraud, or get help with urgent issues. Some smaller banks or credit unions may have limited phone support on holidays.