Most banks close at 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays, stay closed on weekends, and shut down entirely on federal holidays
Standard bank hours run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, though some branches open at 8 a.m. or stay open until 6 p.m. Saturday hours, when available, are usually 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Banks do not open on Sundays. The exact closing time depends on your specific branch — call ahead or check your bank's website to confirm.
Federal holidays shut down all banks nationwide. The list includes 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. Some banks also close on the day after Thanksgiving. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, most banks close on Friday instead. If it falls on a Sunday, they close on Monday.
ATMs and mobile apps work around the clock, even when branches are closed. You can withdraw cash, check balances, transfer money, and deposit checks 24/7 through these channels. If you need to speak to a person or handle something that requires a teller — like opening an account, getting a cashier's check, or reporting fraud — you must visit during business hours or call customer service.
Key Takeaways
- Most bank branches close at 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays and do not open on Saturdays or Sundays, though some branches have extended Saturday hours until 1 p.m.
- All banks close on 11 federal holidays each year, plus the day after Thanksgiving, and these closures affect wire transfers and check processing.
- ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps work 24/7 regardless of branch hours, so you can access cash and move money anytime.
- If a holiday falls on a weekend, the bank closure shifts to the nearest weekday — Friday if the holiday is Saturday, Monday if it is Sunday.
- Wire transfers and ACH payments initiated after hours or on holidays process the next business day, not immediately.
How bank closures affect transfers and check deposits
Wire transfers and ACH payments (like bill payments or direct deposits) initiated after hours or on a holiday do not process until the next business day. If you send a wire at 7 p.m. on a Friday, it will not leave your account until Monday. The same applies to checks deposited through mobile apps or ATMs after hours — they post the next business day, not instantly.
Some banks offer "next business day" processing for certain transactions, but this still means the money does not move until the bank reopens. If you need money to arrive by a specific date, account for weekends and holidays in your timeline. A transfer sent on Friday afternoon will not clear until Tuesday if Monday is a holiday.
What to do if you need cash when the bank is closed
Use an ATM at your bank or a network ATM (like Allpoint or MoneyPass) to withdraw cash 24/7. Most ATMs dispense money instantly and charge no fee if you use your own bank's machine. Out-of-network ATMs usually charge $2 to $3 per transaction. If you do not have an ATM card, you cannot withdraw cash outside business hours.
Some grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores offer cash back when you use a debit card to make a purchase, even if the bank is closed. This is free and available during the store's hours. Credit unions often have extended hours or weekend service compared to traditional banks — if you belong to one, check whether your branch is open.
Federal holidays when all banks close
| Holiday | Typical Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January |
| Presidents' Day | Third Monday in February |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May |
| Juneteenth | June 19 |
| Independence Day | July 4 |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday in October |
| Veterans Day | November 11 |
| Thanksgiving | Fourth Thursday in November |
| Day After Thanksgiving | Fourth Friday in November |
| Christmas | December 25 |
The Federal Reserve sets these holidays for all banks. Some banks may close on additional state or regional holidays, but the 12 dates above are universal. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, banks close on Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, they close on Monday. Check your bank's website or call to confirm closure dates in your area, as some institutions observe holidays differently.
How to find your bank's exact hours
Visit your bank's website and search for "branch hours" or "locations." Most banks have a branch locator tool where you enter your zip code and see hours for nearby branches. Hours vary by location — a downtown branch may stay open until 6 p.m. while a suburban one closes at 5 p.m.
Call your branch directly at the number on your debit card or bank statement. The greeting message usually lists hours and holiday closures. If you are planning a transaction for a specific day, this is the fastest way to confirm whether the branch will be open.
Why banks close on weekends and holidays
Banks close on weekends because the Federal Reserve does not process transactions on Saturdays and Sundays. Checks, wire transfers, and ACH payments all require Federal Reserve processing, which only happens on business days. Keeping branches open on weekends would not speed up these transactions — they would still wait until Monday to process.
Federal holidays close banks for the same reason. The entire banking system shuts down, so no transactions clear. This is why a wire sent on a holiday does not leave your account until the next business day. The closure is system-wide, not just at your branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check on Sunday?
Yes, through your bank's mobile app or ATM. The check will not process until Monday, but you can deposit it anytime. Mobile deposits usually post by the next business day, though some banks hold the funds for one or two additional days.
Do credit unions have different hours than banks?
Many credit unions have extended hours and weekend service compared to traditional banks. Some stay open until 7 p.m. on weekdays or open on Saturday mornings. Check your specific credit union's hours, as they vary widely by location and institution.
What happens if I try to make a wire transfer on a holiday?
The transfer will not process until the next business day. If you initiate it online or through an app, it will sit in a queue and leave your account once the bank reopens. Call your bank if you need to cancel a transfer before it processes.
Are bank ATMs open on holidays?
Yes. ATMs operate 24/7, including holidays and weekends. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks anytime, even when the branch is closed.
Do all banks close on the same holidays?
Yes. Federal holidays close all banks nationwide. Some banks may also close on state-specific holidays, but the 12 federal holidays listed above apply everywhere. Check your bank's website to see if it observes any additional closures.