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. The easiest way to check is to visit the Federal Reserve's official holiday schedule on their website, or to call your own bank's customer service line — they will tell you when ready whether they are open today.

If you need to know right now, text your bank or check their mobile app. Most banks display holiday closures prominently on their login screen or in the app's main menu during the week before a holiday. You can also search "[your bank name] holiday hours" to find their specific closure dates, since some banks close on different days than others depending on their location and policies.

The federal holidays when most U.S. banks close are: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Some banks also close on the day after Thanksgiving. However, not every bank closes on every federal holiday — regional banks and credit unions sometimes operate on different schedules.

Key Takeaways

  • The Federal Reserve publishes an official holiday calendar each year showing when federal holidays occur.
  • Your bank may close on different days than other banks, so calling or checking their website is the only way to be certain.
  • Most banks close on the eleven major federal holidays plus the day after Thanksgiving, but some remain open on certain holidays.
  • Bank apps and websites usually display holiday closures in the days leading up to the holiday.

Why banks close on different days than you might expect

When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, the Federal Reserve observes the holiday on the nearest weekday — usually the Friday before if the holiday is on a Saturday, or the Monday after if it is on a Sunday. Your bank follows the same rule, but some banks may observe the holiday on a different day than the Federal Reserve itself, depending on their internal policies and state regulations.

Credit unions and regional banks sometimes close on state holidays that national banks do not observe. For example, some banks in the South close on Confederate Memorial Day, while banks in other regions do not. If you bank with a smaller institution, their holiday schedule may differ from the major national banks.

What happens if you need to do banking on a holiday

If a bank is closed today, you can still use ATMs to withdraw cash, deposit checks (depending on your bank's ATM capabilities), and transfer money between your own accounts. Online banking and mobile apps remain available 24/7, even on holidays, so you can check balances, pay bills, and send money electronically.

Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated on a holiday will not process until the next business day. If you need to deposit a check urgently, some banks allow mobile check deposits through their app, which will post to your account on the next business day even if today is a holiday. Calling customer service on a holiday will connect you to an automated system or a limited support team, depending on the bank.

How to plan ahead for bank holidays

Mark the federal holiday dates on your calendar at the start of each year so you are not caught off guard. If you know you will need to visit a branch or speak to a representative, do it the business day before the holiday. For time-sensitive transactions like wire transfers or loan applications, submit them at least one business day before a holiday to avoid delays.

If you receive a paycheck via direct deposit, it will post to your account on the next business day after the holiday, even if the holiday falls on a Friday. Some employers process payroll the day before a holiday to account for this, but you should check with your HR department to know when your specific paycheck will arrive.

Finding your bank's specific holiday schedule

Visit your bank's website and look for a "Holiday Hours" or "Branch Hours" page. Most banks list their closures for the entire year. You can also call the main customer service number and ask directly, or visit a branch in person and ask staff to show you the posted holiday schedule.

If you bank with a large national bank like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, you can search their name plus "holiday hours" to find the official schedule. Credit unions often post their schedules on their website under "About Us" or "Contact Us." If you cannot find the information online, a phone call to your branch is the fastest way to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all banks close on the same holidays?

Most banks close on the eleven federal holidays recognized by the Federal Reserve, but some regional banks and credit unions close on additional state holidays. Your specific bank may have a different schedule, so checking with them directly is the only way to be certain.

Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?

Yes. You can use your debit card at ATMs and stores on a bank holiday. Online purchases and payments also work normally. Only transactions that require your bank to process them internally — like wire transfers or speaking to a representative — are delayed until the next business day.

Will my direct deposit arrive on a bank holiday?

Direct deposits scheduled for a bank holiday will post on the next business day. If your payday falls on a holiday, your employer may process payroll the day before to may support you receive it on time, but this varies by employer.

What if I need to deposit a check today and the bank is closed?

If your bank offers mobile check deposit through its app, you can deposit the check today and it will post to your account on the next business day. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, you will need to wait until the next business day to visit an ATM or branch.

How do I know if my credit union is open today?

Call your credit union's main number or check their website for holiday hours. Credit unions sometimes observe different holidays than banks, so do not assume they follow the same schedule as your bank.