The quickest way to check if today is a bank holiday

The Federal Reserve publishes the official list of bank holidays each year on its website. Go to federalreserve.gov, search for "holiday schedule," and you will see the exact dates. The list shows which holidays close the Fed itself, which ones affect the banking system nationwide, and which ones are observed by some banks but not others.

If you need to know right now, the simplest method is to call your own bank's customer service line or check your bank's website directly. They will tell you whether they are open today and what their hours are. Different banks sometimes observe different holidays — some regional banks stay open on days when national banks close — so your bank's schedule is what matters for your account.

The U.S. federal government recognizes 11 permanent holidays each year. Banks do not close on all of them. The ones that actually shut down the banking system are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Key Takeaways

  • The Federal Reserve's official holiday schedule is published annually on federalreserve.gov and shows which days close the banking system.
  • Not every federal holiday closes banks — your bank's customer service line or website will confirm whether they are open today.
  • Some regional and community banks stay open on days when large national banks close, so the schedule varies by institution.
  • If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the banking system closure typically moves to the nearest weekday, usually Friday or Monday.

Why banks close on some federal holidays but not others

The Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury Department decide which holidays require the banking system to close. They choose the ones that are most significant to the financial system or have the broadest public observance. Veterans Day, for example, is a federal holiday, but most banks stay open because it does not affect the volume of transactions the way a holiday like Independence Day does.

When a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the Federal Reserve announces in advance which weekday the closure will move to. Usually this is the Friday before or the Monday after. The Fed publishes this adjustment in its annual holiday schedule, so you can see it months ahead of time.

What happens to payments and transfers on a bank holiday

If you send a wire transfer, ACH payment, or check deposit on a bank holiday, it will not process until the next business day. The banking system is closed, so no transactions move between institutions. Your bank may accept the transaction into its queue, but the receiving bank will not see it until the following day.

This matters most for time-sensitive payments. If you have a bill due on a bank holiday, sending the payment that day will not meet the important date — it will arrive the next business day instead. If the important date is the holiday itself, you need to send the payment the day before.

How to find the bank holiday schedule for next year

The Federal Reserve releases its holiday schedule for the following year in November or December. You can find it on federalreserve.gov under "Holidays and Special Closures." The schedule lists every date the Fed will be closed and notes which ones affect the broader banking system.

Your individual bank may also publish its own holiday schedule on its website, usually under "Hours" or "Contact Us." Some banks close on additional days beyond the Federal Reserve's list, particularly if they observe religious holidays or regional observances. Checking your bank's specific schedule is more reliable than assuming the Federal Reserve schedule applies to you.

Bank holidays versus stock market holidays

The stock market (NYSE and NASDAQ) closes on different days than the banking system. The markets are closed on the 11 federal bank holidays, but they also close on the day after Thanksgiving. Banks stay open that day. If you are trying to move money to or from a brokerage account, you need to know both schedules.

The SEC publishes the stock market holiday calendar on sec.gov. If your bank is connected to a brokerage or investment account, check both the Federal Reserve schedule and the SEC schedule to understand when your transactions will process.

What to do if you need banking services on a holiday

Most banks offer online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs that work 24/7, even on holidays. You can check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, and withdraw cash from an ATM without visiting a branch. These services do not require the bank to be staffed.

If you need to speak to someone or conduct a transaction that requires a teller, you will have to wait until the next business day. Some banks have customer service phone lines open on holidays, but they cannot process certain transactions — like opening a new account or disputing a charge — until the branch reopens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all banks close on the same holidays?

Most banks close on the 11 federal holidays the Federal Reserve recognizes, but some regional and community banks stay open on certain days. Call your bank or check their website to confirm their specific holiday schedule. Large national banks like Bank of America and Chase follow the Federal Reserve schedule closely.

What happens if I deposit a check on a bank holiday?

The check will not be processed until the next business day. If you deposit it at an ATM or through mobile banking, it enters the queue but the receiving bank will not clear it until banking resumes. The funds will not be available until then.

Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?

Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs and stores on bank holidays because the transaction is processed through the card network, not directly through your bank's branch. You can withdraw cash and make purchases normally.

If a holiday falls on a Saturday, does the bank close on Friday instead?

Usually yes, but not always. The Federal Reserve announces in advance which weekday the closure moves to. Check the Fed's official holiday schedule to see the exact date for that year — it is published months ahead of time.

How do I know if my bank is open today right now?

Call your bank's customer service number or visit their website and look for "Hours" or "Branch Locator." You can also check the Federal Reserve's current holiday schedule on federalreserve.gov to see if today is a banking system holiday, though your specific bank may have different hours.