Easter Monday is not a federal bank holiday in the United States

Easter Monday falls the day after Easter Sunday, but it is not recognized as a federal holiday by the U.S. government. This means federal offices, the Federal Reserve, and most banks remain open on Easter Monday. The federal government observes 11 permanent holidays each year, and Easter Monday is not among them.

However, the situation varies depending on where you work and what state you live in. Some states, counties, and private employers do close on Easter Monday or give employees the day off. A few states treat it as a paid holiday for state employees. You should check with your employer or your state's human resources office to find out whether you have the day off.

Key Takeaways

  • Easter Monday is not a federal bank holiday, so federal offices and most banks stay open.
  • Some states and private employers observe Easter Monday as a paid holiday, but this varies by location and company.
  • You can contact your employer's HR department or your state government to confirm whether you have the day off.
  • If you need to conduct banking on Easter Monday, call your bank ahead of time to confirm their hours, as some branches may close even if the bank is technically open.

Which states recognize Easter Monday as a holiday

A small number of U.S. states give state employees Easter Monday off as a paid holiday. North Carolina and Tennessee are among the states that observe it. However, even in these states, private businesses and banks are not required to close, and many remain open for regular business.

The observance is more common in other countries—particularly in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and many European nations—where Easter Monday is a statutory bank holiday. In those places, banks and government offices close. In the United States, the pattern is inconsistent and depends on individual state law and employer policy.

What happens at banks and federal offices on Easter Monday

Federal Reserve offices, the U.S. Treasury, and most federal agencies operate normally on Easter Monday. Banks that are part of the Federal Reserve system remain open for regular business hours. However, individual bank branches may have different policies—some may close voluntarily even though it is not a federal holiday.

If you need to visit your bank on Easter Monday, contact them directly to confirm their hours. Many banks publish holiday schedules online or you can call the branch. Some banks close on Easter Sunday and reopen on Easter Monday, while others stay open both days. Do not assume your bank will be open or closed without checking first.

How Easter Monday differs from the 11 federal holidays

The 11 permanent federal holidays recognized by the U.S. government are New Year's Day, Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., Washington's Birthday (Presidents' Day), Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. On these days, federal offices close and federal employees receive paid time off.

Easter is a religious holiday that falls on a different date each year, which is one reason it was not included in the federal holiday calendar. The federal government does not observe religious holidays as bank holidays, with the exception of Christmas Day. This means Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are treated as regular business days by the federal government, even though many Americans observe Easter as a religious occasion.

Private employers and Easter Monday closures

Some private companies, particularly those in retail, hospitality, and service industries, may close on Easter Monday or give employees the day off. This is an employer choice, not a legal requirement. Large corporations often publish their holiday schedules in advance, and you can check your employee handbook or ask your HR department.

If your employer does not observe Easter Monday as a paid holiday but you need the day off for religious reasons, you may be able to request unpaid leave or swap shifts with a coworker. Federal law does not require employers to give Easter Monday off, but employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for religious observances when possible.

Planning around Easter Monday if banks are closed

If you know your bank will be closed on Easter Monday, plan ahead. Deposit checks, withdraw cash, or handle other banking needs before Easter Sunday. Many banks offer mobile apps and online banking that work 24/7, so you can transfer money, pay bills, or check your balance without visiting a branch.

If you need cash over the Easter weekend, use an ATM before the holiday. ATMs operate independently of bank branch hours and work even when the bank is closed. If you have an urgent banking need on Easter Monday and your bank is closed, contact their customer service line—many banks have phone support available even on days when branches are closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get paid time off on Easter Monday if I work for the federal government?

No. Federal employees do not receive Easter Monday off as a paid holiday. Easter Monday is not a federal holiday, so federal offices remain open and federal employees are expected to work. However, some state governments do observe it, so check your state's employee handbook if you work for a state agency.

Will my bank be open on Easter Monday?

Most banks remain open on Easter Monday because it is not a federal holiday. However, some individual branches may close voluntarily. Call your bank or check their website for their specific hours on Easter Monday rather than assuming they will be open.

Can my employer require me to work on Easter Monday?

Yes, unless you work for a state government that observes Easter Monday or your employer has a specific policy giving the day off. Private employers can require you to work on Easter Monday. If you need the day off for religious reasons, request it in advance and ask whether your employer can accommodate you.

What is the difference between a federal holiday and a bank holiday?

A federal holiday is recognized by the U.S. government, and federal offices close. A bank holiday is a day when banks close, which may or may not be a federal holiday. Easter Monday is neither a federal holiday nor a bank holiday at the national level, though some individual banks or states may observe it.

When is Easter Monday in 2024 and 2025?

Easter Monday in 2024 is March 31. Easter Monday in 2025 is April 21. Easter dates change each year because Easter is calculated based on the lunar calendar. You can find future Easter dates through the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops or other religious calendars online.