Check the Federal Reserve calendar or your bank's website

The fastest way to know if today is a banking holiday is to look at your bank's website or call their customer service line. Banks do not all observe the same holidays — some close on days others stay open — so your bank's schedule is what matters for your transactions.

If you need an official federal list, the Federal Reserve publishes the banking holidays that affect the U.S. financial system. The 10 federal banking holidays are New Year's Day, Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., Washington's Birthday (Presidents' Day), Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving Day and the day after. Christmas Day is also a federal banking holiday.

State banks sometimes observe additional state holidays. For example, some banks in Texas close on Texas Independence Day (March 2), and banks in South Carolina may close on Confederate Memorial Day. Check your specific bank's holiday schedule rather than assuming a national list covers everything.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank's website or phone line will tell you whether it is closed today; federal holidays do not automatically close all banks.
  • The 10 federal banking holidays are observed by most U.S. banks, but some banks add state or regional holidays to their schedule.
  • Banks that are closed on a holiday will not process transfers, deposits, or withdrawals until the next business day.
  • If you need to deposit a check or move money on a holiday, use your bank's mobile app or ATM, which usually work even when branches are closed.

What happens to your money if the bank is closed today

If you deposit a check or transfer money on a banking holiday, the transaction will not process until the next business day. The Federal Reserve does not clear checks or move funds between banks on federal holidays, so your money sits in a queue.

This matters most if you are depositing a check and need the funds right away. A check deposited on a Friday that is also a banking holiday will not clear until Monday or Tuesday, depending on your bank's processing rules. Transfers between your own accounts at the same bank usually post the next business day, but transfers to another bank can take longer.

ATM deposits and mobile app deposits often have the same delay. The transaction records immediately in your account, but the actual funds do not move until the banking system reopens.

Which transactions still work on banking holidays

ATMs work 24/7, even on banking holidays. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks using your bank's ATM. The deposit will show in your account right away, but the check will not clear until the next business day.

Mobile banking apps also work on holidays. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and deposit checks through your phone. Again, the transaction shows immediately, but the actual movement of funds waits for the next business day.

Online bill pay through your bank's website works the same way. If you schedule a payment for a banking holiday, it will process on the next business day. If you need to pay something today and it is a holiday, use your biller's website directly or call them to make a same-day payment.

The difference between a banking holiday and a market holiday

A banking holiday closes banks and halts check clearing and fund transfers. A stock market holiday closes the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ but does not necessarily close banks. For example, the day after Thanksgiving is a banking holiday but not a market holiday — banks are closed but the stock market is open.

If you are trying to trade stocks or move money between investment accounts, check whether the stock market is open separately from whether your bank is closed. Your brokerage's website will show market holidays. Your bank's website will show banking holidays.

How to plan ahead if you know a holiday is coming

If you know a banking holiday is coming and you need to move money or deposit a check, do it the business day before. This prevents delays and ensures your funds are available when you need them.

If you have a bill due on or right after a banking holiday, pay it a day or two early. Online bill pay usually lets you schedule payments in advance, so you can set it up days ahead and know it will go through on time.

For checks, deposit them at least two business days before you need the funds. A check deposited on Thursday will not clear until Monday or Tuesday, depending on the bank and whether a weekend or holiday falls in between.

State and regional holidays that close some banks

Beyond the 10 federal banking holidays, some states and regions observe additional closures. Louisiana banks often close on Mardi Gras Day. Alaska banks may close on Seward's Day (the last Monday in March). Hawaii banks close on Prince Kuhio Day (March 26) and King Kamehameha Day (June 11).

The best way to know whether your bank observes a state holiday is to check its website or call. Most banks list their full holiday schedule online, often under a "Hours" or "Holiday Schedule" page. If you cannot find it, call the branch directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

If my bank is closed today, can I still pay my bills?

Yes. Use your bank's mobile app or website to schedule bill payments, or pay directly through your biller's website. Payments scheduled for a banking holiday will process the next business day. If the bill is due today, contact your biller to explain the delay — most creditors do not penalize payments made on the next business day after a holiday.

Will a check I deposit today clear if the bank is closed?

No. The check will show as deposited in your account, but it will not clear until the next business day. The Federal Reserve does not process checks on banking holidays, so clearing is delayed by one day.

Can I withdraw money from an ATM on a banking holiday?

Yes. ATMs work 24/7, including on banking holidays. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, and check your balance anytime, even when your bank's branches are closed.

Does a banking holiday affect wire transfers?

Yes. Wire transfers do not process on federal banking holidays. A wire sent on a holiday will go through the next business day. If you need to send money urgently, send it the day before the holiday.

How do I know if my bank observes a specific state holiday?

Check your bank's website for its full holiday schedule, or call your local branch. Most banks list all observed holidays, including state and regional ones. If you cannot find the information online, a phone call to customer service will give you a definitive answer.