Banks and post offices follow different holiday schedules, so you need to check both separately
Banks close on federal holidays and sometimes on state holidays, but post offices follow a different list. A day that shuts down your bank may leave the post office open, or vice versa. The fastest way to know is to call the specific branch or location you plan to visit — a five-minute phone call beats a wasted trip.
If you need to mail something or pick up a package, call your local post office directly. If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash, call your bank's branch. Both will tell you their hours for today and tomorrow. You can also check online, but the branch-level information is sometimes out of date, so a phone call is more reliable.
Key Takeaways
- Federal holidays close all banks and all post offices nationwide, but the two services observe different holiday lists.
- Calling your specific branch or post office location is faster and more accurate than checking a website, because hours vary by location.
- Banks may close on state holidays that do not affect post offices, and vice versa.
- If you cannot reach anyone by phone, most banks and post offices post their hours on their front door or website.
Federal holidays that close both banks and post offices
Both the banking system and the U.S. Postal Service close on the same federal holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. On these days, no bank branch opens and no post office opens, regardless of location.
If today is one of these holidays, both services are closed. If you are not sure whether today is a federal holiday, search "federal holidays 2024" or "federal holidays 2025" and check the list. The date will be listed if it is a holiday.
State holidays that may affect banks but not post offices
Some states observe holidays that the federal government does not. Banks in those states often close on state holidays, but post offices do not. For example, some states observe Confederate Memorial Day or Cesar Chavez Day, and banks in those states may close while post offices stay open.
If you live in a state with its own holidays, call your bank branch to ask whether they are closed today. Post offices will almost always be open unless today is a federal holiday.
How to find your bank's hours right now
Call your bank's customer service line or the specific branch you plan to visit. The number is on your debit card, on your bank's website, or in your online banking app. Tell them you want to know today's hours. They will tell you whether the branch is open and when it closes.
If you cannot reach anyone by phone, go to your bank's website and search for "branch hours" or "locations." Enter your zip code or the branch address. Most banks show hours for today and the next several days. If the website does not show today's hours clearly, the branch is likely closed.
How to find your post office's hours right now
Go to usps.com and click "Find Locations." Enter your zip code or street address. The search will show your nearest post office and its hours for today. You can also call the post office directly — the number appears in the search results.
If you are looking for a specific service like passport processing or certified mail, some post offices have limited hours for those services even when the main office is open. The website will show which services are available at your location and when.
What to do if you cannot reach the branch or post office
If phone lines are busy or the website is not loading, check the front door or window of the location itself. Banks and post offices post their hours on the door, and they usually note holiday closures there as well. If you can see the door is locked and the lights are off, the location is closed.
You can also check your bank's mobile app. Most apps show branch hours and whether the branch is open right now. Some apps let you schedule an appointment, which tells you whether the branch is accepting appointments today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are banks open on weekends?
Most bank branches close on Saturday and Sunday, though some branches in busy areas stay open on Saturday mornings. Call your branch to ask about weekend hours. ATMs are open 24/7 at most banks, so you can withdraw cash or check your balance any time.
Are post offices open on weekends?
Most post offices close on Saturday and are closed all day Sunday. Some locations in shopping centers or grocery stores have extended hours on Saturday. Check usps.com or call your local post office to confirm Saturday hours.
What if I need to mail something and the post office is closed?
You can drop mail in a blue USPS collection box anytime, even when the post office is closed. The mail will be picked up the next business day. If you need to buy stamps or mail a package that requires a signature, you will have to wait until the post office opens.
Can I do banking online if the branch is closed?
Yes. You can transfer money, pay bills, and check your balance through your bank's website or app 24/7, even when branches are closed. You can also use ATMs to withdraw cash. Only certain services require a visit to the branch, like opening a new account or getting a cashier's check.
Do banks close early on the day before a holiday?
Some banks close an hour or two early on the day before a major holiday, but not all do. Call your branch to ask about early closing times if tomorrow is a holiday.