Check the Federal Reserve's holiday calendar or your bank's website
The fastest way to know if today is a federal bank holiday is to look at your bank's website or mobile app — most show a banner on the homepage or in the account section when the bank is closed. The Federal Reserve publishes the official list of federal holidays each year, and most banks follow that schedule. If you need to know right now, call your bank's customer service line; they will tell you whether branches are open and whether wire transfers or other services are running.
Federal banks close on 11 holidays per year, but not all banks observe all of them. Some banks stay open on certain holidays, and some observe additional state or regional holidays. The day itself does not change — what changes is whether your specific bank is open for business.
If you are trying to move money, pay a bill, or deposit a check, knowing whether today is a holiday matters because transactions may not process until the next business day. Wire transfers sent on a holiday typically clear the following business day, and mobile check deposits may take longer.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank's website or app will show whether branches are open today and whether online services are running normally.
- The Federal Reserve observes 11 federal holidays per year, but individual banks may have different schedules.
- Transactions sent on a federal holiday usually process the next business day, not the same day.
- Calling your bank directly is the most reliable way to confirm if they are open right now.
- Some banks stay open on certain holidays, so the federal calendar is a guide, not a may provide for your specific bank.
The 11 federal holidays banks observe
The Federal Reserve recognizes these 11 holidays each 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 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), and Christmas Day (December 25).
When a holiday falls on a weekend, the Federal Reserve may observe it on the nearest weekday. For example, if Christmas falls on a Saturday, banks may close on Friday instead. Check your bank's specific holiday schedule because they may publish their own observance dates.
How to find your bank's holiday schedule
Most banks publish their holiday schedule on their website under a section labeled "Hours," "Holiday Hours," or "Bank Holidays." You can also call the main customer service number and ask directly. Some banks send email notifications before major holidays, so check your inbox if you are unsure.
If you bank with a credit union instead of a traditional bank, check their website — credit unions sometimes observe different holidays or have different closure dates than banks. The same applies if you use an online-only bank; they may close on different days than brick-and-mortar branches.
What services are affected on a federal holiday
On a federal holiday, most bank branches close and staff do not work. However, ATMs usually remain open, and online banking platforms typically stay available. Wire transfers, ACH transfers, and check deposits submitted through mobile apps may process, but they will not clear until the next business day.
If you need to speak to a person — to report fraud, dispute a charge, or ask about a transaction — you will need to wait until the bank reopens. Some banks offer limited phone support on holidays, so calling the customer service line may connect you to an automated system or a message telling you when they reopen.
State and regional holidays that may close your bank
Beyond the 11 federal holidays, some states observe additional holidays that banks in those states may close for. For example, some banks in Texas close on Texas Independence Day (March 2), and some banks in Hawaii close on additional state holidays. If you live in a state with unique holidays, your bank may close on days that are not federal holidays.
Regional banks and community banks are more likely to observe state holidays than national banks. If you are unsure whether your bank closes on a particular state holiday, check their website or call ahead.
What to do if you need to move money on a holiday
If you need to transfer money on a day when banks are closed, use your bank's online platform or mobile app. Most online transfers will process the next business day, and the money will arrive in the recipient's account by then. If the transfer is urgent, call your bank before the holiday to see if they can process it manually or offer any workarounds.
For checks, mobile deposit usually works on holidays, but the check will not clear until the next business day. If you need cash, use an ATM — most remain open on federal holidays even when branches are closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all banks close on the same federal holidays?
Most banks close on the 11 federal holidays recognized by the Federal Reserve, but some banks stay open on certain holidays or observe additional state holidays. Check your specific bank's website or call them to confirm their schedule.
Will my wire transfer go through if I send it on a federal holiday?
Wire transfers submitted on a federal holiday will not process until the next business day. The transfer may show as pending in your account, but it will not reach the recipient until the bank reopens and processes it.
Can I use my ATM on a federal holiday?
Yes, ATMs remain open on most federal holidays even when bank branches are closed. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and perform other ATM functions normally.
What if a federal holiday falls on a weekend?
When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the Federal Reserve observes it on the nearest weekday — usually the Friday before or the Monday after. Your bank will close on the observed date, not the actual holiday date.
Do online banks close on federal holidays?
Online-only banks typically remain open on federal holidays because they do not have physical branches. However, transactions may still process the next business day, and customer service phone lines may have limited hours.