The fastest way to know if today is a bank holiday
The U.S. Federal Reserve and most banks observe 11 federal holidays each year. If you need to know whether today is one of them, the quickest check is your bank's website or mobile app — look for a notice on the homepage or in the "Hours" section. You can also call your bank's customer service line; they will tell you in seconds whether branches are closed and whether ATM and online services are running normally.
If you do not have a bank account or prefer a direct source, the Federal Reserve's official holiday calendar is published at federalreserve.gov under "About the Fed." The U.S. Office of Personnel Management also maintains a complete list at opm.gov showing which holidays explore to federal employees and the banking system.
Keep in mind that not every bank observes every federal holiday the same way. Some banks close on all 11 federal holidays; others close on fewer. Some remain open but process transactions more slowly. State-chartered banks may also observe state holidays that national banks do not.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank's website or a quick phone call is the most reliable way to confirm whether your specific bank is closed today.
- The Federal Reserve publishes an official holiday calendar at federalreserve.gov that shows which days the banking system observes.
- Not all banks close on the same holidays — some observe fewer than 11 federal holidays, and state banks may add state-specific holidays.
- ATMs and online banking often work on bank holidays even when branches are physically closed, but check with your bank to be sure.
The 11 federal holidays the banking system observes
These are the days when most U.S. banks close their branches, though online and ATM services may continue:
| Holiday | Typical Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. | Third Monday in January |
| Presidents' Day | Third Monday in February |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May |
| Juneteenth National Independence Day | 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 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, banks typically observe it on the nearest weekday — usually the Friday before if the holiday is on a Saturday, or the Monday after if it is on a Sunday. Check your bank's specific policy, because some banks observe the holiday on the actual date regardless of the day of the week.
What stays open on bank holidays
Most banks keep their ATMs running 24/7, even on holidays. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts without interruption. Online banking portals and mobile apps also remain available, so you can pay bills, send money, and view transactions whenever you need to.
What does not happen on bank holidays is processing of transactions that require a bank employee. Deposits made at an ATM or through mobile deposit may not clear until the next business day. Wire transfers, loan applications, and customer service calls will be handled the next day the bank is open. If you need to speak to someone, most banks offer a holiday customer service line — check your bank's website for the number.
Why banks close on federal holidays
Bank closures on federal holidays are tied to the Federal Reserve's operations. The Federal Reserve does not process payments or clear checks on federal holidays, which means banks cannot complete many of the transactions that require Fed involvement. Rather than stay open with limited capability, most banks close their branches to align with the Federal Reserve's schedule.
This affects not just your local branch but also the speed of transactions across the banking system. A check you deposit on a Friday before a Monday holiday will not clear until Wednesday, because the Fed does not process it over the weekend or the holiday.
State holidays that may affect your bank
Some states observe additional holidays beyond the 11 federal holidays. If your bank is chartered by your state rather than the federal government, it may close on state-specific holidays. Examples include Thanksgiving Day the day after (some states), Confederate Memorial Day (observed in some Southern states), and various other state observances.
The only way to know whether your bank observes a state holiday is to check directly with your bank or look at its published holiday calendar. State-chartered banks are required to post their holiday schedule, usually on their website or in branch lobbies.
Planning around bank holidays
If you need to deposit a check, transfer money, or handle banking business, do it before a holiday when possible. Deposits made on a holiday or over a weekend will not clear until the next business day after the bank reopens. Wire transfers and time-sensitive transactions should be completed at least one business day before the holiday.
If you are expecting a direct deposit or payment to arrive on or near a bank holiday, remember that the Federal Reserve's processing delays may push the arrival date back by a day. Payroll departments and billers usually account for this, but if you are cutting it close on a bill payment, submit it earlier in the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my ATM work on a bank holiday?
Yes. ATMs operate 24/7 on bank holidays. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and move money between your own accounts. Deposits made at an ATM may not clear until the next business day, but the machine itself will function normally.
Can I use online banking on a bank holiday?
Yes. Your bank's website and mobile app remain open. You can view your account, pay bills, and send money to other accounts you own. Transactions that require a bank employee or Federal Reserve processing will be completed the next business day.
If a holiday falls on a Saturday, does the bank close on Friday?
Usually, yes. Most banks observe the holiday on the nearest weekday — Friday if the holiday is Saturday, Monday if it is Sunday. But some banks observe the actual date. Check your bank's holiday calendar to be certain.
Will my paycheck arrive on time if a bank holiday is coming?
Most employers and payroll processors account for bank holidays and schedule deposits to arrive the business day before. If a holiday falls on a Tuesday, your paycheck typically arrives Monday. If you are unsure, contact your payroll department.
Do credit unions close on bank holidays?
Most credit unions observe federal holidays and close their branches, though policies vary. Some credit unions stay open on certain holidays or offer limited services. Check your credit union's website or call ahead to confirm.