Federal banking holidays change the calendar each year, and the answer depends on which holiday and which bank

Today is a federal banking holiday only if it falls on one of the 11 days the Federal Reserve officially recognizes. Those days are New Year's Day, Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., Washington's Birthday (Presidents' Day), Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. If today is not one of those dates, it is not a federal banking holiday.

The catch: not every bank closes on every federal holiday. Some banks stay open on Columbus Day or Veterans Day. Some regional banks observe different holidays. And if a federal holiday falls on a weekend, banks may close on Friday or Monday instead, depending on the bank's policy. The only way to know for certain whether your specific bank is closed today is to check with that bank directly.

Key Takeaways

  • The Federal Reserve recognizes 11 federal banking holidays each year, but individual banks may not close on all of them.
  • When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, banks typically close on the nearest weekday instead — usually Friday if the holiday is on Saturday, or Monday if it is on Sunday.
  • Your bank's website or mobile app will show you whether it is closed today, or you can call the branch directly.
  • Even if your bank is closed, you can still use ATMs, mobile banking, and online transfers on federal banking holidays.

The 11 federal banking holidays and when they occur

The Federal Reserve publishes a calendar each year listing the dates when member banks close. New Year's Day is January 1. The Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. is the third Monday in January. Washington's Birthday (commonly called Presidents' Day) is the third Monday in February. Memorial Day is the last Monday in May. Juneteenth National Independence Day is June 19. Independence Day is July 4. Labor Day is the first Monday in September. Columbus Day is the second Monday in October. Veterans Day is November 11. Thanksgiving Day is the fourth Thursday in November. Christmas Day is December 25.

This list is set by federal law and does not change. However, the specific calendar dates shift each year because some holidays fall on Mondays or other weekdays. For example, Independence Day might fall on a Wednesday one year and a Thursday the next.

What happens when a holiday falls on a weekend

When a federal holiday lands on a Saturday, most banks close on Friday instead. When it lands on a Sunday, most banks close on Monday. This is called observance, and it is how banks may support they close on a business day. For instance, if Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, your bank will likely close on Friday, December 24.

However, the exact day a bank observes the holiday can vary. Some banks follow Federal Reserve guidance strictly, while others set their own policy. This is why checking with your specific bank matters — two banks in the same city might observe a holiday on different days.

How to learn about your bank is closed today

The fastest way is to visit your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display a banner or notification on their homepage stating whether branches are closed. You can also call your branch directly — the phone system will usually tell you the hours or whether the branch is closed.

If you need to know in advance, the Federal Reserve publishes its holiday calendar online each year. Your bank's website typically links to this calendar or publishes its own version. Some banks send email or text notifications before a holiday closure, so signing up for alerts can help you plan ahead.

What you can and cannot do on a federal banking holiday

If your bank is closed today, you cannot visit a branch, speak to a teller, or access services that require a person. You cannot deposit checks in person, open a new account, or get a cashier's check. However, you can still use ATMs to withdraw cash or check your balance. You can also use online banking, mobile apps, and digital transfers — these services run 24/7 regardless of whether branches are open.

If you need to send money to someone, you can initiate a transfer through your bank's app or website today, but the money may not arrive until the next business day. ACH transfers and wire transfers typically process the next business day after a holiday. Checks you deposit today will be processed when the bank reopens.

Banks that may stay open on some federal holidays

Not all banks close on all 11 federal holidays. Some banks stay open on Columbus Day or Veterans Day because they do not observe those holidays. Credit unions may have different holiday schedules than banks. Online banks and fintech companies often do not close at all on federal holidays because they have no physical branches.

If you bank with a credit union, check its website for its specific holiday calendar. If you use an online bank, you can usually transfer money and access your account normally on federal holidays, though transfers to other institutions may still take until the next business day to process.

Planning ahead for holiday closures

If you know a federal holiday is coming and you need to do something in person — deposit a large check, withdraw cash, or resolve an account issue — plan to visit your branch the business day before. This prevents you from being caught without access to services you need.

For recurring payments or transfers, set them up through your bank's online system a day or two before the holiday. This ensures they process on time even if the branch is closed. If you are expecting a deposit or payment on a holiday, remember that it may not post until the next business day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on a federal banking holiday?

Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs and stores on federal banking holidays because the payment network runs continuously. You can withdraw cash, make purchases, and check your balance. However, if you need to dispute a transaction or report a lost card, you will need to wait until your bank reopens.

Will my direct deposit arrive on a federal banking holiday?

Direct deposits scheduled for a federal banking holiday typically arrive on the next business day instead. Your employer sends the deposit, but the bank does not process it until it reopens. Check with your employer or bank if you are unsure when a specific deposit will post.

Do online banks close on federal holidays?

Online banks do not have physical branches, so they do not close. You can access your account, transfer money, and check your balance on federal holidays. However, transfers to other banks may still take until the next business day to complete.

What if I need cash on a federal banking holiday?

Use an ATM. ATMs operate 24/7 on federal banking holidays as long as your bank owns the machine or you use an in-network ATM. If you need cash from a different bank's ATM, you may pay a fee, but the transaction will still go through.

Does the stock market close on federal banking holidays?

The stock market closes on most federal banking holidays, but not all. It closes on New Year's Day, MLK Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It stays open on Columbus Day and Veterans Day. Check the stock exchange calendar if you trade on these days.