The fastest way to know if today is a bank holiday
The U.S. federal government observes 11 bank holidays each year. If you need to know whether today is one of them, the simplest method is to check the Federal Reserve's official holiday calendar at federalreserve.gov, which lists every day banks close for the year. You can also call your own bank's customer service line — they will tell you when ready whether they are open today and why.
Bank holidays are not the same as public holidays. Some federal holidays (like Veterans Day) do not close banks. Some bank holidays (like Good Friday in certain regions) are not federal holidays. The day your bank closes depends on which holidays your specific bank observes, which can vary by state and by institution.
If you need to do banking today and are unsure whether your bank is open, do not assume based on the calendar. Call the branch directly or check your bank's website — most display their hours and holiday schedule prominently on the homepage.
Key Takeaways
- The Federal Reserve publishes the official list of bank holidays each year at federalreserve.gov, and you can check it right now to see if today is one of them.
- Not all federal holidays close banks, and not all bank holidays are federal holidays — the two lists do not match exactly.
- Your specific bank may observe different holidays than other banks, so calling your branch is the only way to be certain whether they are open today.
- Most banks post their holiday schedule and current hours on their website homepage and in their mobile app.
The 11 federal bank holidays banks typically observe
Most U.S. banks close on these dates each year: 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).
When a holiday falls on a weekend, banks typically close on the nearest weekday instead. If Christmas falls on a Saturday, for example, banks close on Friday. If New Year's Day falls on a Sunday, banks close on Monday. The Federal Reserve announces the observed date in advance, so the calendar does not shift unexpectedly.
Some banks also close on Good Friday (the Friday before Easter), even though it is not a federal holiday. This varies by bank and by region. If you are unsure whether your bank observes Good Friday, check their website or call ahead.
Why your bank might be closed even if today is not a bank holiday
Banks sometimes close for reasons other than official holidays. System maintenance, severe weather, or local emergencies can force a branch to close without warning. Regional banks may observe holidays that national banks do not — for instance, some banks in Texas close on Texas Independence Day (March 2), and some in Hawaii close on additional state holidays.
Credit unions follow their own holiday schedules, which may differ from commercial banks. If you bank with a credit union, check their specific calendar rather than assuming they follow the Federal Reserve's list.
How to find your bank's holiday schedule
Most banks post their full-year holiday schedule on their website. Look for a link labeled "Hours," "Holiday Hours," "Branch Locator," or "Contact Us." Some banks let you search by branch location and see that specific branch's hours and closures.
Your bank's mobile app usually displays current hours and upcoming closures. If you are logged in, you may also see a notification banner on the home screen if your branch is closed today.
If you cannot find the information online, call your branch directly. The phone line will tell you whether they are open, and a representative can explain why if they are closed.
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 transfer money, pay bills, check balances, and deposit checks remotely without visiting a branch.
If you need to speak with someone, some banks offer phone support on holidays, though wait times are usually longer. Check your bank's website to see whether customer service is available today.
If you need cash and your bank is closed, you can use any ATM that accepts your card — it does not have to be your bank's ATM, though you may pay a fee. Grocery stores, convenience stores, and other banks' ATMs are usually available on holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all banks close on the same holidays?
No. While most banks close on the 11 federal bank holidays, some banks observe additional holidays based on their location or affiliation. Credit unions, regional banks, and international banks may have different schedules. Always check your specific bank's calendar.
If a holiday falls on a weekend, does the bank close on Friday or Monday?
It depends on which day the holiday falls. If the holiday is on Saturday, banks close on Friday. If it is on Sunday, banks close on Monday. The Federal Reserve announces the observed date each year so there is no confusion.
Can I use my bank's ATM on a holiday?
Yes. ATMs operate 24/7 on holidays, including bank holidays. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, and transfer money through an ATM even if the branch is closed.
What if I need to deposit a check on a bank holiday?
Most banks let you deposit checks through their mobile app, ATM, or mail on any day, including holidays. Mobile deposits usually post within one to two business days. Check your bank's website to see which deposit methods are available to you.
Where can I find the official list of bank holidays for this year?
The Federal Reserve publishes the official list at federalreserve.gov. You can also check your bank's website, which will show their specific holiday schedule and any additional closures they observe.