Banks follow a fixed holiday schedule, so yesterday's closure depended on the date and which holidays your bank observes
If your bank was closed yesterday, it was almost certainly a federal holiday. The Federal Reserve sets the official closure dates each year, and most banks follow them. The major federal holidays that close banks are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Some banks also close on Good Friday or other religious holidays, depending on their policies. A few banks stay open on certain federal holidays but close on different days instead. The only way to know for certain whether your specific bank was closed is to check their holiday schedule directly or call their customer service line.
If you needed to deposit a check, transfer money, or handle time-sensitive banking yesterday and the bank was closed, your transaction will process on the next business day. Automated services like ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps work around the clock regardless of whether the physical branch is open.
Key Takeaways
- Federal holidays are the main reason banks close, and the Federal Reserve publishes the full list each year.
- Most banks follow the same holiday schedule, but some observe additional religious holidays or have different closure dates.
- ATMs and online banking remain available even when branches are closed.
- Deposits and transfers made on a closed day will process the next business day.
- Your bank's website or a phone call to customer service will confirm whether they were closed yesterday.
The federal holiday calendar that closes most banks
The Federal Reserve publishes a closure schedule each year. Banks that are members of the Federal Reserve system must close on these dates. Most commercial banks follow the same schedule even if they are not Federal Reserve members, because it simplifies operations across the banking system.
The 2024 and 2025 federal banking holidays are:
| Holiday | 2024 Date | 2025 Date |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | January 1 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 15 | January 20 |
| Presidents' Day | February 19 | February 17 |
| Memorial Day | May 27 | May 26 |
| Independence Day | July 4 | July 4 |
| Labor Day | September 2 | September 1 |
| Columbus Day | October 14 | October 13 |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | November 11 |
| Thanksgiving | November 28 | November 27 |
| Christmas | December 25 | December 25 |
When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, banks typically close on the nearest weekday instead. For example, if Independence Day lands on a Saturday, banks close on Friday. If it lands on a Sunday, they close on Monday.
Banks that close on additional days beyond federal holidays
Some banks observe Good Friday (the Friday before Easter) as a closure day, though this is not a federal holiday. Banks that do this typically include large national institutions and regional banks with significant Catholic or Christian populations in their service areas.
A small number of banks also close on Juneteenth (June 19) or other observances depending on their corporate policies and community presence. Credit unions sometimes follow different schedules than commercial banks, so if you bank at a credit union, their holiday calendar may not match the Federal Reserve's list.
The only reliable way to know your bank's full closure schedule is to visit their website, look for a "Holiday Hours" or "Bank Closures" page, or call the branch directly. Most banks post their annual schedule in November or December for the following year.
What happens to transactions when banks are closed
If you deposited a check at an ATM yesterday and the bank was closed, the deposit will be processed on the next business day. The same applies to transfers you initiated through online banking or a mobile app. The transaction is recorded in the system immediately, but the actual movement of funds happens during business hours.
Wire transfers initiated on a closed day may take longer because they require manual processing by bank staff. Some banks process wires that were submitted before the closure on the next business day, while others wait until the day after. Check your bank's wire transfer policy or call to confirm timing if you sent a wire yesterday.
Payments you scheduled to go out on a closed day will typically process on the next business day instead. If that payment was due yesterday and your bank was closed, contact the recipient (your landlord, utility company, or creditor) to explain the delay. Most organizations understand that bank closures cause one-day delays.
Services that work even when your bank branch is closed
ATMs operate 24/7, including on federal holidays. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, transfer money between accounts, and check your balance at any ATM owned by your bank or in their network.
Online banking and mobile apps are always available. You can view your account balance, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and send money to other people through services like Zelle or your bank's own transfer tool. These transactions are recorded immediately but may not settle until the next business day.
Customer service phone lines are typically closed on federal holidays, so you cannot speak to a representative. However, most banks have automated phone systems that allow you to check balances and make basic inquiries without speaking to a person.
How to confirm your bank's holiday schedule
Visit your bank's official website and search for "holiday hours," "bank closures," or "holiday schedule." Most banks publish this information prominently during November and December for the following year. If you cannot find it online, call the main customer service number listed on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement.
If you bank at a large national chain like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, their holiday schedule matches the Federal Reserve's calendar. Regional banks and credit unions may have different policies, so always verify with your specific institution.
Save your bank's holiday schedule somewhere you can find it quickly — your phone's calendar, a note in your banking app, or a bookmark on your computer. This way you will know in advance when branches will be closed and can plan deposits or visits accordingly.
What to do if you needed to bank yesterday and the branch was closed
If you needed to make a deposit or handle a transaction yesterday and could not because the bank was closed, use an ATM or online banking today instead. Most transactions will process the same day or by the next business day.
If you missed a payment deadline because the bank was closed, contact the creditor or recipient immediately. Explain that the bank was closed on the due date and ask whether they will accept the payment today without a late fee. Many organizations waive late fees for one-day delays caused by bank closures.
For time-sensitive matters like wire transfers or large deposits, call your bank's customer service line as soon as they reopen. Ask whether your transaction from yesterday has been processed and when funds will be available. If there is an error or delay, the bank can often expedite the resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all banks close on the same federal holidays?
Most banks close on the same 10 federal holidays set by the Federal Reserve. However, some banks also close on Good Friday or other religious holidays, and a few regional banks or credit unions may have different policies. Check your specific bank's website to be certain.
If a holiday falls on a weekend, when does the bank close?
Banks close on the nearest weekday. If the holiday is on Saturday, they close on Friday. If it is on Sunday, they close on Monday. The Federal Reserve publishes the observed date each year, so you do not have to calculate it yourself.
Can I use my ATM or online banking when the bank is closed?
Yes. ATMs work 24/7, and online banking and mobile apps are always available. Transactions are recorded immediately, but transfers and bill payments may not settle until the next business day.
What if I deposited a check at an ATM on a day the bank was closed?
The deposit will be processed on the next business day. The ATM records it immediately, but the bank's staff must verify and clear the check during business hours. Funds are usually available within one to two business days after that.
Will I be charged a late fee if my payment was due on a day the bank was closed?
It depends on the creditor's policy. Many organizations waive late fees for one-day delays caused by bank closures. Contact the creditor or recipient and explain the situation. If they charge a fee, ask them to reverse it.