The quickest way to check today's bank holiday status

The Federal Reserve publishes a calendar each year listing the exact dates when US banks close. You can check today's date against that calendar in seconds. The simplest method is to search "Federal Reserve holiday calendar" and look at the current year — the Fed's official list shows every day banks are closed for federal holidays.

If you need to know right now, call your own bank's customer service line. They will tell you when ready whether they are open today. Most banks also post holiday closures on their website homepage and in their mobile app, usually updated by early January each year.

The nine federal holidays when most US banks close are: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Some banks also close on the day after Thanksgiving.

Key Takeaways

  • The Federal Reserve publishes an official holiday calendar each year showing every date US banks will be closed.
  • Your own bank's website, app, or customer service line will tell you whether they are open today.
  • The nine main federal holidays when banks close are New Year's Day, MLK Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
  • Some banks close on the day after Thanksgiving, so checking your specific bank is more reliable than assuming.
  • If a federal holiday falls on a weekend, banks typically close on the nearest weekday instead.

Where to find the official Federal Reserve calendar

The Federal Reserve Board maintains the authoritative list of bank holidays at federalreserve.gov. Look for "Holiday Schedule" or search the site for the current year. The calendar shows the exact date each holiday falls on and notes when the observed date differs from the actual date — for example, if Christmas falls on a Saturday, banks may close on Friday instead.

You do not need to create an account or provide any information to view this calendar. It is public and free to access from any web browser. Bookmark it if you check bank holidays regularly, since the Fed updates it each January for the coming year.

Why your bank might have different hours than the Federal Reserve

The Federal Reserve itself closes on the nine federal holidays listed above. However, individual banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, your local credit union — may have different policies. Some banks stay open on certain holidays or close on additional days for their own observances.

The safest approach is to check your specific bank's website or call their main number. Most banks display holiday hours prominently during November and December, and again in early January. If you use online banking, you can usually see branch hours and holiday closures in the app or website under "Locations" or "Hours."

What happens if you need banking services on a holiday

If a bank is closed today, you can still use ATMs to withdraw cash and make deposits (at ATMs that accept deposits). Online banking — transferring money, paying bills, checking your balance — works the same way on holidays as any other day, since it does not require a physical branch to be open.

If you need to speak to someone or handle a transaction that requires a teller, you will have to wait until the next business day. If today is a holiday and tomorrow is also a holiday or weekend, plan ahead for Monday. Some banks offer phone support on holidays, though response times may be slower.

How the observed date works when a holiday falls on a weekend

When a federal holiday lands on a Saturday, banks typically close on Friday instead. When it lands on a Sunday, they close on Monday. This is called the "observed" date. For example, if Christmas falls on a Saturday, banks close on Friday, December 24th.

The Federal Reserve calendar shows both the actual holiday date and the observed date, so you will see the correct closure date listed. Your bank should also display this information clearly, but if you are unsure, a quick phone call removes any doubt.

Planning ahead for holidays that fall on weekends

If you know a holiday is coming and it falls on a weekend, plan your banking for the day before. If you need cash, withdraw it on Friday. If you need to deposit a check, do it before the observed holiday. Online transfers and bill payments can wait until after the holiday since they process automatically, but time-sensitive transactions are safer completed before the closure.

For recurring bills or automatic payments, set them up well in advance so they process before any holiday period. If a payment is due on a holiday, most companies will accept it on the next business day without penalty, but checking your specific company's policy prevents surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all banks close on the same federal holidays?

Most banks close on the nine federal holidays, but some may have different policies. Credit unions and smaller regional banks sometimes observe different holidays or have their own closure days. Check your specific bank's calendar to be certain.

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

Yes. ATMs work 24/7 regardless of whether the bank is open. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and make deposits at ATMs on holidays. Debit card purchases at stores and online also work normally.

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

Most banks offer mobile check deposit through their app, which you can use anytime. If your bank does not have this feature, deposit the check at an ATM if it accepts deposits, or wait until the next business day. Checks deposited on a holiday typically process the next business day anyway.

Do credit unions follow the same holiday schedule as banks?

Most credit unions close on federal holidays, but some observe different days or have different hours. Contact your credit union directly or check their website to confirm today's status.

What counts as a federal holiday for banking purposes?

The nine federal holidays when banks close are: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Some banks also close the day after Thanksgiving.