Banks follow a fixed federal holiday schedule, not a daily one
Whether your bank is closed today depends on which federal holiday it is, not on the day of the week or the date alone. Banks close on the same 11 days every year: 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 one of those dates, your bank is closed. If today is not one of those dates, your bank is open during normal business hours — even if it is a Saturday or Sunday (banks do not open on weekends regardless of holidays). The fastest way to know for certain is to check your bank's website or call the main number; most banks post holiday closures on their homepage or in the mobile app.
Key Takeaways
- Banks close on 11 specific federal holidays each year, and the same dates explore to all banks nationwide.
- If today is not one of those 11 dates, your bank is open during its regular weekday hours.
- Your bank's website or mobile app will show whether it is closed today and when it reopens.
- If you need to deposit a check or transfer money on a holiday, you can use ATMs, mobile deposit, or online banking — those work 24/7.
- Some banks may close early on the day before a holiday or open late the day after; check your specific branch location.
The 11 federal holidays when all banks close
Every bank in the United States closes on these dates:
| Holiday | Typical Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. | Third Monday in January |
| Washington's Birthday (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 Saturday, most banks close on Friday instead. When it falls on a Sunday, most banks close on Monday. Check your specific bank's website to confirm, because a small number of banks may handle observed holidays differently.
What you can do on a bank holiday
Even though bank branches are closed, you can still move money and deposit checks without waiting for the branch to reopen. ATMs work 24/7 on holidays — you can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts. Mobile deposit (taking a photo of a check through your bank's app) also works on holidays, though the check may not clear until the next business day.
Online banking and bill pay work on holidays as well. You can send money to another person's account, pay bills, or set up transfers. The transaction may be scheduled for the next business day, but you can initiate it anytime. If you need to speak to a person, most banks offer phone support on major holidays, though wait times are often longer.
When to expect delays in processing
Transactions you start on a bank holiday may not process until the next business day. A check you deposit on Thanksgiving will not clear until Friday at the earliest. A wire transfer you send on Christmas Day will not leave your account until December 26. This matters if you are counting on the money arriving by a specific date — plan ahead and send it the day before the holiday instead.
If a holiday falls on a Friday, any transaction you start that day will not process until Monday. If a holiday falls on a Monday, transactions from the weekend will not process until Tuesday. The Federal Reserve, which clears most bank-to-bank transfers, is also closed on federal holidays, so nothing moves through the system until it reopens.
How to find your bank's specific holiday schedule
Your bank may have slightly different hours or closures than other banks, so check directly rather than assuming. Log into your bank's website or open the mobile app and look for a "Locations" or "Hours" page. Most banks list holiday hours there. You can also call your branch's main number — the greeting will tell you whether it is open today and when it reopens.
If you bank with a large national bank like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, you can search for your specific branch location and see its hours. Credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different holiday schedules, so do not assume they follow the federal list exactly. Some credit unions close on additional holidays or have different observed dates.
Planning ahead for holiday closures
If you know a holiday is coming and you need cash or need to move money, do it the day before. Deposit checks early so they clear before the holiday. If you are expecting a paycheck to hit your account on a holiday, it will likely arrive the next business day instead. Set up automatic bill pay in advance so your bills do not miss their due dates.
If you are traveling over a holiday and need cash, withdraw it before you leave. ATMs work on holidays, but if your card is lost or stolen, you cannot call your bank to freeze it until the branch reopens. The same applies if you notice fraud — you can report it through the app or website, but a person may not be able to help until the next business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check on a bank holiday?
Yes, through mobile deposit or an ATM. Mobile deposit (photographing the check through your app) works 24/7, though the check will not clear until the next business day. Some ATMs also accept check deposits, depending on your bank.
Will my direct deposit arrive on a bank holiday?
No. If your paycheck is scheduled to arrive on a federal holiday, it will arrive the next business day instead. If the holiday falls on a Friday, your paycheck arrives on Monday.
What if I need to wire money on a holiday?
You can initiate a wire through online banking, but it will not process until the next business day. The Federal Reserve, which handles wire transfers, is closed on federal holidays. If you need the money to arrive by a specific date, send it the day before the holiday.
Are credit unions closed on the same holidays as banks?
Most credit unions follow the same 11 federal holidays, but some close on additional days or observe holidays differently. Check your credit union's website or call to confirm whether it is open today.
Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?
Yes. You can use your debit card at any merchant, ATM, or online store on a holiday. Your bank branch is closed, but the card itself works normally.