The quickest way to find out

The fastest way to know if today is a bank holiday is to check your bank's website or call their customer service line. Most banks post their holiday schedule on the homepage or in the FAQ section. You can also text your bank or use their mobile app — many have a holiday calendar built in.

If you need to know right now, the Federal Reserve publishes the official list of federal holidays that affect the banking system. These are the days when most banks close their branches and do not process certain transactions. However, not every bank observes every federal holiday the same way, so checking with your specific bank is more reliable than checking a general list.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank's website or customer service line will tell you whether they are closed today and which services are affected.
  • Federal holidays that affect banking include New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
  • Some banks stay open on certain federal holidays while others close, so the federal holiday list is not the same as your bank's schedule.
  • If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash on a holiday, ATMs and mobile deposit usually work even when branches are closed.

The difference between federal holidays and bank closures

A federal holiday is a day the U.S. government recognizes, but that does not automatically mean your bank closes. Some banks close on all federal holidays. Others stay open on certain ones. A few banks remain open on most federal holidays but close on different days instead.

The Federal Reserve itself closes on federal holidays, which means certain behind-the-scenes banking operations do not happen. This can affect when deposits clear or when wire transfers process, even if your branch is physically open. Your bank's website will usually explain which services are delayed on which holidays.

Federal holidays that most banks observe

Most U.S. banks close on these days:

  • 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)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)

When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, banks usually close on the nearest weekday instead. For example, if Christmas falls on a Saturday, most banks close on Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, they close on Monday. This shift means you should always check your specific bank's calendar rather than assuming the date listed above is when your branch will be closed.

What you can still do on a bank holiday

Even when your bank's branch is closed, you can usually deposit checks through mobile deposit (using your phone camera), withdraw cash from ATMs, and check your balance online. You can also transfer money between your own accounts and pay bills through online banking. These services do not require the bank to have staff in the building.

What you cannot do on a holiday is speak to a teller, get a cashier's check, open a new account, or get a loan decision. Deposits made on a holiday may not show up in your account until the next business day, even if you deposit them before midnight. If you need to handle something that requires a person on the other end, plan to visit your branch on a day when it is open.

How to plan ahead for bank holidays

If you know a holiday is coming and you need to do something that requires a teller, go to your bank the day before. This is especially important if you need a cashier's check, a new debit card, or help with a problem on your account. Many people wait until the last minute and then find themselves unable to complete time-sensitive tasks.

If you are expecting a check to arrive, remember that it will not be deposited or clear on a holiday. If you need the money by a certain date, deposit it a few days early. The same applies to bill payments made through your bank — schedule them to go out the day before a holiday, not on the holiday itself. This buffer prevents late fees and ensures your payments are processed on time.

How holiday schedules vary by bank type

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically close on all eleven federal holidays. Regional banks and community banks may have slightly different schedules. Credit unions often follow the same federal holiday calendar as banks, but some observe additional holidays or have different closure dates.

Online banks that have no physical branches may not close at all on federal holidays, since there are no tellers or offices to shut down. However, their backend systems still connect to the Federal Reserve, so deposits and transfers may still be delayed. Check your bank's website to see whether they observe the holiday, even if you cannot visit a branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my direct deposit come through on a bank holiday?

Direct deposits scheduled for a bank holiday usually arrive the next business day instead. Check with your employer or the organization sending the deposit to confirm their schedule. Some deposits process overnight and will land in your account even if the bank is closed.

Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?

Yes. Your debit card works at stores, ATMs, and online on any day, including bank holidays. The bank being closed does not affect your ability to spend money or withdraw cash from an ATM.

What if I need cash and the ATM is broken on a holiday?

If your bank's ATM is out of service, you can use an ATM from another bank. You may pay a small fee (usually $2 to $3), but you will still be able to withdraw cash. Some grocery stores also let you get cash back when you use your debit card to pay for groceries.

Do credit unions close on the same holidays as banks?

Most credit unions close on the same federal holidays as banks, but some observe different schedules. Check your credit union's website or call them directly to find out which days they are closed.

What happens to checks I deposit on a holiday?

Checks deposited on a holiday through mobile deposit or an ATM will be processed the next business day. The bank will not begin clearing the check until then, so the funds may not appear in your account for one to three business days after the holiday ends.