The next federal bank holiday depends on today's date and which holiday falls next on the calendar

Federal bank holidays are days when most U.S. banks close and the stock market does not trade. The federal government observes ten regular holidays each year, plus one additional holiday that rotates. If today is early January, the next holiday is likely Martin Luther King Jr. Day in mid-January. If today is in February or later, you will need to check the full federal holiday calendar to find which one comes next.

Banks close on these days, but not all businesses do. The post office closes, federal courts close, and most government offices close. Retail stores, restaurants, and many private employers stay open. If you need to deposit a check or visit your bank branch, you will have to wait until the next business day after the holiday.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal bank holidays occur on set dates each year, and banks close on all ten regular holidays plus one rotating holiday.
  • The federal holiday calendar runs from January through December, so the next holiday depends on what month you are reading this.
  • When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, the observed holiday moves to Friday (if Saturday) or Monday (if Sunday), and banks close on the observed date.
  • You can check the U.S. Office of Personnel Management website or your bank's website to confirm closure dates for your specific bank.

The ten regular federal holidays and when they occur

The federal government recognizes the same ten holidays every year. New Year's Day falls on January 1. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the third Monday in January. Presidents' Day is the third Monday in February. Memorial Day is the last Monday in May. Juneteenth National Independence Day is June 19. Independence Day is July 4. Labor Day is the first Monday in September. Columbus Day is the second Monday in October. Veterans Day is November 11. Thanksgiving Day is the fourth Thursday in November.

Christmas Day, December 25, is the tenth regular holiday. These dates do not change year to year, though the day of the week they fall on does. When any of these holidays lands on a Saturday, most banks observe it on Friday instead. When a holiday lands on a Sunday, banks observe it on Monday.

Juneteenth and the eleventh rotating holiday

Juneteenth National Independence Day, observed on June 19, became a federal holiday in 2021. This means the federal government now recognizes eleven holidays instead of ten. However, federal employees and most banks still observe only ten holidays per year. The eleventh holiday rotates, and which one is observed depends on your employer or your bank.

Some banks observe Juneteenth as their eleventh holiday. Others observe a different holiday such as the day after Thanksgiving or a state-specific holiday. Check with your bank directly to find out which holiday they observe as their eleventh day off.

How to find the exact date of the next bank holiday

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management publishes the official federal holiday calendar each year on its website. This calendar shows all ten regular holidays, their dates, and which day they are observed if they fall on a weekend. You can search for "OPM federal holidays" and the current year to find the official list.

Your own bank may also post its holiday schedule on its website or in your branch. Some banks close on different dates than others, especially for state holidays or regional observances. If you are unsure whether your bank will be open on a particular day, call the branch directly or log into your online banking to check their posted hours.

What happens if you need to do banking on a federal holiday

If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash on a federal holiday, you have several options. Most banks offer ATMs that work 24 hours, even on holidays. You can use an ATM to deposit checks, withdraw cash, or check your balance without visiting a branch.

Online banking also works on federal holidays. You can transfer money between accounts, pay bills, or send money to another person through your bank's website or app. These transactions may not process until the next business day, but you can initiate them at any time. If you need to speak to a banker or handle a complex transaction, you will have to wait until the bank reopens.

State holidays and bank closures

Some states observe additional holidays beyond the ten federal holidays. For example, some Southern states observe Confederate Memorial Day, and some states observe Cesar Chavez Day. Banks in those states may close on state holidays even though the federal government does not.

If you live in a state with additional holidays, your bank may close on those days too. Check your bank's website or call ahead to confirm whether they close on state-specific holidays. This is especially important if you are planning a transaction around a holiday you think is only observed in your state.

Planning around bank holidays for important transactions

If you are expecting a deposit, such as a paycheck or a tax refund, and a federal holiday falls on the day it should arrive, the deposit may be delayed by one business day. The federal government and most employers do not process payments on holidays, so a payment scheduled for a holiday date usually posts the next business day instead.

If you need to make a time-sensitive payment, such as a mortgage or loan payment, plan to submit it at least one business day before a federal holiday. This gives the bank time to process it before the holiday. If you miss the deadline and the payment would be late, contact your lender to explain the delay and ask whether they will waive any late fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all banks close on the same federal holidays?

Most banks close on the ten regular federal holidays, but some banks may stay open on certain holidays or close on different dates. Credit unions and smaller banks may have different schedules than large national banks. Call your bank or check their website to confirm their specific holiday schedule.

What if a federal holiday falls on a weekend?

When a holiday falls on Saturday, banks observe it on Friday. When a holiday falls on Sunday, banks observe it on Monday. The federal government announces the observed date in advance, so you can plan accordingly.

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

Yes. ATMs work 24 hours on federal holidays, and you can use your debit card to make purchases at stores and restaurants. You just cannot visit a bank branch or speak to a banker because the branch is closed.

Will my paycheck be delayed if it is scheduled to arrive on a federal holiday?

Most likely yes. Employers and banks do not process payments on federal holidays, so a paycheck scheduled for a holiday date usually deposits the next business day instead. Check with your employer or payroll department if you are unsure.

How do I know if my bank observes state holidays in addition to federal holidays?

Contact your bank directly by phone or check their website for a complete holiday schedule. Many banks post their full schedule online, including both federal and state holidays. This is especially important if you live in a state with additional holidays beyond the ten federal holidays.