Banks close on federal holidays and weekends because those are the days the Federal Reserve does not process transactions
Banks are closed today because it is either a weekend or a federal holiday when the Federal Reserve, which clears all bank-to-bank transfers, does not operate. On these days, no deposits post to accounts, no wire transfers move, and no checks clear — so banks have no reason to staff branches. Your bank's website or app will show you which day caused the closure.
If you need to deposit a check or move money, you can still use your bank's ATM, mobile app, or online banking. Deposits made after hours or on a closed day will process the next business day your bank is open.
Key Takeaways
- Banks close on weekends and on the ten federal holidays when the Federal Reserve does not process transactions.
- You can still use ATMs, mobile deposit, and online banking on days the branch is closed.
- Any deposit or transfer you make after hours will post on the next business day the bank is open.
- Some banks stay open on certain holidays or have limited Saturday hours — check your bank's schedule directly.
- If you need cash urgently on a closed day, your bank's ATM will dispense it even if the branch is locked.
The ten federal holidays when all banks close
The Federal Reserve observes ten holidays each year when it does not clear transactions. Banks close on these days because there is no point in processing deposits or transfers when the Fed is not moving money between institutions. The holidays are: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving. Christmas is also a closure day.
Some banks may also close on the day after Thanksgiving, though this is not a federal holiday. Check your bank's website or call the branch to confirm whether it will be open that day.
Weekend closures and why Saturday hours vary
Most banks close on Saturday and Sunday because the Federal Reserve does not operate on weekends. However, some banks — particularly larger national chains and credit unions — stay open on Saturday mornings or all day Saturday. A few open on Sunday as well, though this is less common.
Your bank's Saturday and Sunday hours depend on the branch location and the bank's policy. Check your bank's website, call the branch directly, or look at your debit card or statement, which often lists branch hours. If you need to deposit a check on Saturday, mobile deposit through your bank's app is usually available 24 hours.
What you can do on days the branch is closed
Even when your bank's branch is closed, you can still access your money and move it around. ATMs work around the clock, so you can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts. Online banking and mobile apps also work 24/7 — you can pay bills, send wire transfers, and check recent transactions anytime.
Mobile deposit, which lets you photograph a check and deposit it through your phone, is available on closed days too. The check will not post until the next business day, but you can submit it immediately. Some banks also let you set up automatic transfers or schedule payments in advance, so the transaction will go through as soon as the bank reopens.
When deposits and transfers actually post after a closure
Any deposit or transfer you make on a day the bank is closed will post on the next business day the bank is open. If today is a holiday and tomorrow is a regular business day, your deposit posts tomorrow. If today is Saturday and Monday is a holiday, your deposit will not post until Tuesday.
Wire transfers follow the same rule — they do not move until the Federal Reserve is processing transactions again. If you need money to arrive urgently, ask the recipient whether they can wait until the next business day, or use a service like PayPal or Venmo if the amount is small enough and both parties have those accounts set up.
How to find your bank's hours for today and this week
The fastest way to see whether your bank is open is to search "[Your Bank Name] hours" on Google, which will show the branch nearest you and whether it is open right now. You can also call your bank's customer service line — this number is usually on the back of your debit card — and ask whether the branch is open today.
Your bank's website and mobile app also display branch hours. If you use a smaller local bank or credit union, call ahead before you go, because hours can vary by location and some branches may have different schedules than others.
What to do if you need cash or a service today
If the branch is closed but you need cash, use an ATM. Your bank's ATM will dispense money even if the branch is locked. If you need a service that requires talking to someone — like opening a new account, getting a cashier's check, or disputing a transaction — you will have to wait until the branch reopens.
For urgent disputes or fraud, call your bank's customer service line. Many banks have a 24-hour fraud hotline on the back of your debit card. If you need a cashier's check or other service and cannot wait, some banks have branches in other cities that may be open, or you can use a different bank's branch if you both use the same network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my direct deposit post if today is a holiday?
No. Direct deposits are processed by the Federal Reserve, which does not operate on federal holidays. If your employer sends your paycheck on a holiday, it will post the next business day the bank is open. If the holiday falls on a Friday, your deposit will post on Monday (unless Monday is also a holiday).
Can I use my debit card to buy things if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at stores and online anytime, whether the bank branch is open or closed. The transaction will post to your account the next business day the bank is open, but you can spend the money immediately.
What if I need to cash a check today and the bank is closed?
If the bank is closed, you cannot cash a check at the branch. However, you can use mobile deposit to photograph the check and deposit it through your app — it will post tomorrow. Some grocery stores and pharmacies also cash checks for a small fee, even when banks are closed.
Do credit unions close on the same days as banks?
Most credit unions close on the same federal holidays and weekends as banks, but some have different hours. Check your credit union's website or call to confirm whether it is open today.
If I wire money today, when will it arrive?
Wire transfers do not move on weekends or federal holidays. If you send a wire today and the bank is closed, it will process tomorrow (or the next business day if tomorrow is also closed). The receiving bank will have the money by the end of that business day.