Federal bank holidays in 2026

U.S. banks close on 10 federal holidays each year, and 2026 follows the standard schedule. These are the days when most banks nationwide will not process transactions, though some banks may have different policies — check with your bank directly if you need to confirm.

The federal holidays when banks close in 2026 are: New Year's Day (January 1), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 19), Presidents' Day (February 16), Memorial Day (May 25), Juneteenth (June 19), Independence Day (July 3, observed), Labor Day (September 7), Columbus Day (October 12), Veterans Day (November 11), and Thanksgiving (November 26).

When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, banks typically observe the holiday on the nearest weekday. For example, if New Year's Day falls on a Saturday, banks close on Friday instead. In 2026, Independence Day falls on a Friday, so banks observe it on that day rather than moving it.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks close on 10 federal holidays in 2026, and most transactions cannot be processed on those days.
  • When a holiday falls on a weekend, banks observe it on the nearest weekday — usually Friday if the holiday is on Saturday, or Monday if it is on Sunday.
  • Some banks may have different holiday schedules or may offer limited services on certain days, so contact your bank to confirm their specific closure dates.
  • ATMs and online banking typically remain available even when physical bank branches are closed.
  • If you need to deposit a check or conduct business on a holiday, plan ahead by visiting your bank the day before.

Which holidays affect check deposits and transfers

Bank holidays matter most if you are depositing checks or need to move money between accounts. Checks deposited on a bank holiday are not processed until the next business day, which can delay when funds appear in your account. If you deposit a check on a Friday before a Monday holiday, the check may not clear until Wednesday.

Wire transfers and ACH transfers (the electronic transfers used for bill pay and direct deposit) also pause on bank holidays. If you initiate a transfer on a holiday, it will not process until the next business day. This is worth knowing if you are paying a bill with a deadline — sending the payment on a Friday before a three-day weekend means it will not leave your account until Tuesday.

ATM withdrawals and deposits work normally on holidays, and online banking platforms let you schedule transfers or bill payments in advance. The transaction will sit in a queue and process on the next business day the bank is open.

State and regional bank closures

Some states observe additional holidays beyond the 10 federal holidays, and banks in those states may close on those days too. For example, some banks in Texas close on Texas Independence Day (March 2), and some banks in Hawaii close on Kamehameha Day (June 11). These vary by state and by individual bank.

Credit unions sometimes follow different holiday schedules than banks. If you bank with a credit union, check their website or call to confirm which days they are closed in 2026. Many credit unions follow the federal schedule, but some observe additional holidays or have their own calendar.

Planning around bank holidays

If you know you will need to visit a bank branch on or near a holiday, plan your visit for the business day before. Deposit checks, withdraw cash, or handle any in-person business before the holiday arrives. This prevents delays and ensures your transactions process on time.

For recurring bills or regular transfers, set them up to process on a day that is not a holiday. If your rent or loan payment is due on a holiday, the payment will not leave your account until the next business day, which may result in a late fee depending on your lender's policy. Contact your lender to confirm how they handle payments made on or around holidays.

How ATMs and online banking work on holidays

ATMs remain open and functional on bank holidays, so you can withdraw cash or check your balance at any time. Deposits made at an ATM on a holiday are typically processed the next business day, just like deposits made at a branch.

Online banking platforms and mobile apps work 24/7, including on holidays. You can check your balance, view transactions, and schedule payments or transfers at any time. However, the actual processing of those transactions — the moment money leaves your account or arrives in another account — happens only on business days when the bank is open.

What to do if you need banking services on a holiday

If you need cash on a bank holiday, use an ATM. If you need to deposit a check, use an ATM deposit slot if your bank offers it, or wait until the next business day. For urgent wire transfers or other time-sensitive transactions, contact your bank before the holiday to see if they can process it early or if they offer any holiday services.

Some larger banks operate a limited number of branches on certain holidays, though this is rare. Call your bank's customer service line to ask if any branches near you are open on the specific holiday you are asking about. The customer service line itself may be closed on the holiday, so call the day before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my direct deposit arrive on a bank holiday?

No. Direct deposits scheduled to arrive on a bank holiday will deposit on the next business day instead. If your payday falls on a holiday, the deposit typically arrives the next day. Check with your employer or the organization sending the deposit to confirm their exact schedule.

Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?

Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs and at merchants on bank holidays. The transaction may take longer to post to your account if it processes on the holiday, but the card itself functions normally.

What if I need to pay a bill due on a bank holiday?

Pay it the day before the holiday. If you pay online, schedule the payment to process on the business day before the due date. If the due date itself is a holiday, contact your lender to ask if they accept payments on the holiday or if they automatically extend the deadline.

Do credit unions close on the same holidays as banks?

Most credit unions follow the federal holiday schedule, but some observe different holidays or have their own calendar. Contact your credit union directly to confirm which days they are closed in 2026.

Can I deposit a check at an ATM on a holiday?

Yes, if your bank's ATMs have deposit slots. The check will be processed the next business day. Confirm with your bank that ATM deposits are available at the specific machine you plan to use.