The quickest way to know if today is a bank holiday

The U.S. Federal Reserve publishes a calendar each year listing the days when banks close for federal holidays. You can check the current date against that calendar on the Federal Reserve's website, or call your own bank's customer service line — they will tell you when ready whether they are open today.

Banks do not all close on the same days. Some observe all eleven federal holidays; others observe fewer. Your bank may also close on state holidays that federal banks do not recognize. The only way to know for certain whether your specific bank is open is to check with them directly or look at their holiday schedule online.

If you need to do banking today and are unsure, a phone call to your bank's main number takes thirty seconds and removes the guesswork. Most banks list their holiday hours on their website homepage or in the mobile app.

Key Takeaways

  • The Federal Reserve publishes an annual calendar of federal banking holidays, but not all banks observe every one.
  • Your specific bank may close on different days than other banks, including state holidays your bank recognizes.
  • The fastest way to know if your bank is open today is to call their customer service number or check their website.
  • Banks typically post holiday schedules in their mobile app, on their homepage, or in branch windows.
  • ATMs and online banking usually work on bank holidays even when physical branches are closed.

The eleven federal holidays banks may observe

The Federal Reserve recognizes eleven federal holidays when it closes. These are: New Year's Day (January 1), Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (third Monday in January), Washington's Birthday (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), and Christmas Day (December 25).

A bank that observes all eleven federal holidays will be closed on each of these dates. However, some banks close on fewer days. A few banks remain open on some federal holidays, particularly in areas where the holiday is less widely observed or where customer demand is high.

Why your bank might close on different days than the Federal Reserve

Banks are not required to follow the Federal Reserve's holiday schedule. They can choose to close on fewer federal holidays, and they can add state holidays or other days of their choosing. A bank in Texas might close on Texas Independence Day (March 2) even though the Federal Reserve does not. A bank in Hawaii might not close on some holidays the Federal Reserve observes.

Large national banks tend to follow the Federal Reserve schedule closely because they operate in many states and need a consistent policy. Smaller regional or community banks may have their own schedules. Credit unions, which are not banks but work similarly, often have different holiday schedules than banks.

Where to find your bank's holiday schedule

Most banks publish their holiday schedule on their website. Look for a link labeled "Holiday Hours," "Bank Hours," "Locations and Hours," or "Holiday Schedule" on the homepage. You can also find it in the mobile app under settings or account information.

If you cannot find the schedule online, call your bank's main customer service number. They can tell you whether they are open today and when they will close this year. If you use a specific branch regularly, you can also ask the teller or manager directly, or check the branch's posted hours.

What still works on bank holidays

Even when your bank's physical branches are closed, you can usually access your money through an ATM. ATMs run on the bank's network and typically operate twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of holidays.

Online banking—checking your balance, transferring money between your own accounts, paying bills, and depositing checks by phone or app—also works on bank holidays. Transactions you submit on a holiday may not process until the next business day, but you can still submit them.

Wire transfers and payments to other people's accounts may not go through until the next business day if you submit them on a holiday. If you need money to move today and today is a bank holiday, an ATM withdrawal is your most reliable option.

Planning ahead for bank holidays

If you know you will need to visit a branch on a specific day, check the bank's holiday schedule a few days in advance. This is especially important around major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day, when some banks may have unusual hours or close for multiple days.

If you need to deposit a check or handle something that requires a teller, try to do it the business day before a holiday. This prevents you from being stuck waiting until the day after the holiday to access the money or complete the transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all banks close on the same holidays?

No. While most large banks follow the Federal Reserve's eleven federal holidays, some banks close on fewer days or add state holidays. Check your specific bank's schedule rather than assuming it matches another bank or the Federal Reserve.

Can I use my debit card or ATM on a bank holiday?

Yes. ATMs work on bank holidays, and debit card transactions at stores and online go through normally. Transfers between accounts and bill payments you submit may not process until the next business day, but the card itself functions.

What if I need to deposit a check on a bank holiday?

If your bank has a mobile app, you can deposit checks by taking a photo of the front and back. If not, you can mail the check or deposit it at an ATM if your bank offers that service. Otherwise, you will need to wait until the next business day when a branch is open.

Do credit unions close on the same days as banks?

Not always. Credit unions set their own holiday schedules and may close on different days than banks. Check your credit union's website or call them to confirm their hours for today.

Will my online bill payment go through if I submit it on a bank holiday?

You can submit it, but it will likely process on the next business day. If you have a bill due today, contact the company directly to let them know you are paying late due to the holiday, or pay by phone if that option is available.