The fastest way to know if today is a bank holiday

The simplest way to learn about today is a bank holiday is to check the Federal Reserve's official holiday calendar at federalreserve.gov, which lists every day the Fed closes. You can also call your own bank — they will tell you when ready whether they are open, since some banks observe holidays differently than others.

If you need to know right now, look at your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display their hours on the homepage, and many show a banner on banking days when they are closed. If the site says "closed today" or shows no hours listed, that bank is not operating.

The reason to check your bank specifically is that not all banks follow the same holiday schedule. A federal holiday means the Federal Reserve is closed, but your bank might stay open anyway — or it might close on a day the Fed does not. Knowing your bank's schedule matters if you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to someone in person.

Key Takeaways

  • The Federal Reserve publishes its official holiday schedule at federalreserve.gov, showing every day it closes.
  • Your bank may observe different holidays than the Federal Reserve, so checking your bank's website or calling is the most reliable method.
  • Most banks display their hours on their homepage or mobile app, with a notice if they are closed today.
  • Federal holidays when most US banks close include New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

The difference between federal holidays and bank holidays

A federal holiday is a day when the federal government offices close. The Federal Reserve, which is part of the federal system, also closes on these days. However, banks are private businesses, and they decide their own holiday schedules.

Most banks do close on the major federal holidays — New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. But some banks stay open on certain federal holidays, and some banks observe holidays that the federal government does not. For example, some banks close on Good Friday even though it is not a federal holiday.

This is why calling your bank or checking their website is more useful than checking a federal holiday calendar. You need to know what your bank is doing today, not what the government is doing.

Where to find your bank's holiday schedule

Most banks publish their full-year holiday schedule on their website. Look for a link labeled "Hours" or "Holiday Hours" on the homepage, usually in the footer or in a customer service section. Some banks list it under "Branch Information" or "Contact Us."

If you cannot find it online, call your bank's customer service number — the one on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. A representative can tell you when ready whether your bank is open today and when it will reopen if it is closed.

If you use an online-only bank with no physical branches, check their website or app. Online banks usually stay open on holidays for digital transactions like transfers and bill payments, but they may not have customer service staff available. The website will say whether support is available today.

What happens if you try to deposit or withdraw on a bank holiday

If your bank is closed today and you try to use an ATM, the transaction will usually go through — ATMs operate even when the bank building is closed. However, the deposit or withdrawal may not show in your account until the next business day.

If you try to deposit a check at an ATM on a holiday, the check will be held and processed the next day the bank is open. This means if today is Friday and Monday is a holiday, your check will not be processed until Tuesday, and you will not have access to that money until then.

If you need cash today and your bank is closed, you can use an ATM from another bank, though you may pay a fee. You can also visit a branch of a different bank that is open today — some banks let non-customers withdraw cash at their ATMs or teller windows, though again, fees may explore.

The major federal holidays when most banks close

These are the days when the Federal Reserve closes and most US banks close as well:

  • 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)

Some banks also close on the day after Thanksgiving. If a holiday falls on a weekend, the Federal Reserve observes it on the nearest weekday — usually the Friday before or the Monday after.

Why bank holidays matter for your money

Bank holidays affect when your deposits clear and when you can access customer service. If you deposit a check on a holiday, it will not be processed until the next business day. If you need to speak to someone about a problem with your account, you will have to wait until the bank reopens.

This is especially important if you are waiting for a payment to arrive or if you need to move money urgently. Knowing your bank's holiday schedule helps you plan ahead — for example, depositing a check the day before a long weekend instead of on the holiday itself.

If you use online banking, most transactions like transfers and bill payments go through on holidays, even if the bank building is closed. But if you need to speak to a representative or visit a branch, you will have to wait until the next business day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?

Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs and online stores on bank holidays. Transactions may take longer to show in your account if the bank is closed, but the card itself is not blocked. If you need cash, you can withdraw from an ATM.

Will my direct deposit arrive on a bank holiday?

Direct deposits usually arrive on the scheduled day even if it is a bank holiday, but the money may not be available until the next business day. If your payday falls on a holiday, ask your employer whether they deposit the day before or on the holiday itself.

What if I need to pay a bill on a bank holiday?

Online bill payments and transfers usually go through on bank holidays. However, the payment may not reach the recipient until the next business day. If the bill is due today, paying online should still count as on-time, but check your bank's policy to be sure.

Do credit unions close on bank holidays?

Most credit unions close on the same federal holidays as banks, but some have different schedules. Check your credit union's website or call to confirm whether they are open today.

How do I know if my bank is open on a specific future date?

Visit your bank's website and look for their holiday schedule or hours page. Most banks publish their full-year schedule. You can also call customer service and ask about a specific date.