Juneteenth is a federal holiday, but most banks stay open
Juneteenth (June 19th) became a federal holiday in 2021, which means federal offices close and federal employees get the day off. However, most banks remain open on Juneteenth. Your bank's decision depends on whether it is a national bank regulated by the federal government, a state bank, or a credit union — and even then, individual branches sometimes make their own choice.
The confusion happens because "federal holiday" does not automatically mean "banking holiday." Banks are not required to close just because the federal government does. Instead, each bank decides based on its own policies and the laws that regulate it. Some large national banks close on Juneteenth; others do not. The only way to know for certain is to check with your specific bank.
Key Takeaways
- Juneteenth is a federal holiday, but banks are not required to close on federal holidays.
- Some large national banks close on Juneteenth; others stay open with normal hours.
- The safest way to find out is to call your bank's customer service line or check their website for holiday hours.
- If your bank is closed, you can still use ATMs, mobile banking, and online banking to access your money.
- Transactions you submit on a closed banking day may not process until the next business day.
How to learn about your bank closes on Juneteenth
Call your bank's main customer service number and ask directly about Juneteenth hours. Most banks have a dedicated phone line for questions about branch locations and holiday schedules. You can also visit your bank's website — most post holiday hours in a dedicated section, often labeled "Holiday Hours" or "Branch Hours."
If you bank at a large national chain like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or Chase, you can often look up your specific branch location online and see whether it will be open. Smaller regional banks and credit unions may have different policies, so do not assume your branch follows the same schedule as another branch in a different state.
What happens to transactions if your bank is closed
If you deposit a check or transfer money on a day your bank is closed, the transaction will not process until the next business day. This is called the settlement period. The Federal Reserve sets standard settlement times, and banks must follow them regardless of whether they are open.
Deposits made at an ATM on a closed day will be processed the next business day. Transfers you make through mobile banking or online banking will also wait until the next business day to clear. If you need money urgently on a day your bank is closed, you can withdraw cash from an ATM — ATMs work 24 hours even when the bank building is closed.
Banks that typically close on Juneteenth
Some of the largest national banks have announced they will close on Juneteenth, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, and Citibank. However, policies can change from year to year, and some branches may stay open even if the national policy says to close. A few banks have chosen to remain open on Juneteenth despite it being a federal holiday.
Credit unions vary widely. Some close on all federal holidays; others close only on a shorter list. Your credit union's website or a phone call to your branch will tell you their specific policy.
What you can do if your bank is closed
You do not need to wait for your bank to reopen to access your money or conduct basic banking. ATMs work around the clock, so you can withdraw cash, check your balance, or deposit checks at an ATM envelope slot. Mobile banking apps let you transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and send money to other people.
If you need to speak to a person, most banks offer phone support even on holidays, though wait times may be longer. Some banks also offer chat support through their website or app. For urgent issues, you can always call the main customer service line and ask to be transferred to someone who can help.
How Juneteenth differs from other banking holidays
The major banking holidays when most banks close nationwide are New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Juneteenth is newer to this list — it became a federal holiday only in 2021 — so some banks have not yet added it to their official closure schedule.
Banks also close on Good Friday in some regions, though it is not a federal holiday. The decision to close on Good Friday is left to individual banks and varies by location. Juneteenth is following a similar pattern: it is a federal holiday, but whether your bank closes is still up to them.
Planning ahead for Juneteenth banking
If you know you will need to do banking on or around Juneteenth, check your bank's holiday schedule in early June. This gives you time to plan deposits, withdrawals, or transfers before the holiday arrives. If you need to deposit a check before a important date, do it a few days early to account for processing time.
If you are expecting a direct deposit or payment on Juneteenth and your bank is closed, the deposit will still arrive in your account on the next business day — the closure does not delay direct deposits. However, if you need the money when ready, plan accordingly by withdrawing cash from an ATM before the holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my direct deposit come through if my bank is closed on Juneteenth?
Yes. Direct deposits are processed by the Federal Reserve and arrive in your account on schedule regardless of whether your bank building is open. You will see the money in your account on the next business day after it is sent.
Can I use my debit card on Juneteenth if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and at stores 24 hours a day, whether your bank is open or closed. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and make purchases normally.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on Juneteenth?
Most banks offer phone support on federal holidays, though wait times are often longer. Call your bank's main customer service number. For non-urgent issues, you can also use mobile banking, online chat, or wait until the next business day.
Do credit unions close on Juneteenth?
Some do and some do not. Credit union policies vary by institution. Check your credit union's website or call your branch directly to find out their Juneteenth hours.
If I deposit a check on Juneteenth, when will it clear?
If your bank is closed on Juneteenth, a check deposited that day will not begin processing until the next business day. It typically clears within one to three business days after that, depending on the check amount and your bank's policy.