Banks close on federal holidays, weekends, and sometimes for system maintenance
Your bank is most likely closed today because of a federal holiday, a weekend, or scheduled maintenance. Banks in the United States shut their physical branches on all federal holidays — even if you see the holiday name only on government calendars. The most common ones are New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. If today is one of those dates, that's why the doors are locked.
If today is a Saturday or Sunday, branches are closed by standard schedule, though many banks offer limited services through ATMs, mobile apps, and phone lines. Some banks also close for a few hours during the night for system updates or security work, though this is less common than it used to be.
A few banks close for local observances that aren't federal holidays — for example, some branches in certain states observe Juneteenth or Indigenous Peoples' Day on different dates than the federal calendar. If you're not sure whether today is a federal holiday where you live, check your bank's website or call their customer service line.
Key Takeaways
- Federal holidays are the most common reason a bank branch closes during the week — your bank observes all of them even if your employer doesn't.
- Weekends and overnight maintenance windows also close branches, but you can usually access your money through ATMs and online banking.
- Some states and regions observe additional holidays that may close certain branches, so checking your bank's holiday calendar is the fastest way to confirm.
- If you need cash or to speak to someone, ATMs work 24/7, and most banks offer phone support or mobile app access even when branches are closed.
Federal holidays that close all bank branches
Banks observe ten federal holidays every year. These are: 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 Day (fourth Thursday in November), and Christmas Day (December 25).
The Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury both close on these dates, which means the banking system itself slows down. Even if a bank wanted to open a branch, they couldn't process transfers between banks, clear checks, or handle many other transactions. That's why every major bank — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others — closes all branches on these days.
Some banks do open on the day after Thanksgiving (the Friday after Thanksgiving), even though it's not a federal holiday. Check your bank's specific calendar to be sure.
Weekend closures and why ATMs still work
Saturday and Sunday closures are standard for most bank branches. ATMs, however, stay open around the clock because they're separate machines that don't require staff. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot) on weekends without any problem.
Mobile banking apps and online banking also work 24/7 on weekends. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and check transactions anytime. The only thing you can't do is speak to a teller or visit a loan officer in person.
If you need to reach someone by phone on a Saturday or Sunday, most banks have customer service lines open during limited hours — often 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and some banks answer calls on Sunday as well. Call the number on the back of your debit card to find out your bank's weekend phone hours.
Overnight maintenance and system updates
Banks sometimes close branches for a few hours overnight to perform security updates, software patches, or system maintenance. This is rarer than it used to be, but it still happens. If your bank's website or app shows a message about scheduled maintenance, that's the reason.
During these windows, online banking and ATMs may also be unavailable for a short time. Banks usually announce maintenance windows in advance through email, in-app notifications, or on their website. If you see a notice, it will tell you the exact hours when services will be down.
If you didn't see an announcement and your bank is unexpectedly closed during normal business hours on a weekday that isn't a holiday, call their customer service line. There may be a local issue — a power outage, a security incident, or a staffing problem — that the bank hasn't yet posted online.
State and local holidays that may close some branches
A handful of states observe additional holidays that can close bank branches in those states. For example, some banks in Hawaii close on Statehood Day (August 21), and some in Alaska close on Alaska Day (October 18). Texas banks may close on San Jacinto Day (March 2). These are not federal holidays, so branches in other states stay open.
If you live in a state with a state-specific holiday and your bank is closed, check whether your bank's holiday calendar lists it. Not all banks honor state holidays — it depends on the bank's policy. A national bank with branches in multiple states may close only in the state where the holiday is observed, or it may close all branches nationwide.
The best way to find out is to look at your bank's official holiday calendar on their website. Most banks publish this calendar at the start of the year so you know in advance which days branches will be closed.
What to do if you need money or help today
If the branch is closed but you need to access your account, start with an ATM. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (at most banks), and check your balance without waiting for the branch to reopen. ATMs work even on federal holidays and weekends.
If you need to speak to someone, call your bank's customer service number — it's on your debit card, your statements, or your bank's website. Most banks staff phone lines during extended hours, including weekends and some holidays. Be prepared to wait longer than usual on busy days like the day after a holiday.
For non-urgent questions or transactions, use your mobile app or online banking. You can transfer money, pay bills, set up alerts, and review your account history anytime. If you need to deposit a check and your ATM doesn't have a deposit slot, you can use mobile check deposit through your bank's app — most banks offer this feature.
If you have an urgent problem that requires immediate help — like a fraudulent charge or a locked account — call the customer service number on the back of your card. Banks maintain emergency support lines even on holidays.
How to check your bank's holiday schedule
Every bank publishes a holiday calendar showing which days branches will be closed. You can find it by logging into your online banking account, visiting the bank's website and searching for "holiday hours" or "branch hours," or calling customer service.
Major banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all post their holiday calendars online. Credit unions do the same. If you use a smaller regional bank or a credit union, their website should have a holiday schedule as well.
Bookmark your bank's holiday calendar or set a reminder for the start of each year so you know in advance when branches will be closed. This prevents surprises when you need to visit in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my bank closed because of a holiday I've never heard of?
Possibly. Some states observe holidays that aren't federal, and some banks honor them. Check your bank's website for their official holiday calendar — it will list every day the branch is closed. If today is listed, that's your answer.
Can I still use my debit card if the bank is closed?
Yes. ATMs work 24/7, and you can use your debit card to make purchases at stores and online anytime. You just can't visit a branch in person or speak to a teller. Online banking and mobile apps also work when branches are closed.
Will my check deposit clear if I deposit it at an ATM on a holiday?
It will be processed, but it may take longer to clear. Checks deposited on holidays or weekends are usually processed the next business day. If you need the money urgently, ask the bank when the deposit will be available — some banks make funds available faster than others.
What if my bank is closed on a day that isn't a holiday?
Call customer service right away. There may be a local issue like a power outage, a security incident, or staffing problem. The bank's phone line should explain what's happening and when the branch will reopen.
Do online banks close on holidays?
Online banks don't have physical branches, so they don't close. You can access your account, transfer money, and pay bills anytime. However, transfers between banks and check clearing may be delayed because the banking system itself slows down on federal holidays.