The fastest way to know if today is a bank holiday
The U.S. Federal Reserve publishes a calendar each year listing every day banks close. You can check it in seconds: go to federalreserve.gov, find the holiday schedule for the current year, and see whether today's date appears. If it does, most banks will be closed and you cannot process transfers, deposits, or withdrawals at a branch or through some online services.
The 11 federal holidays when banks close are fixed by law: New Year's Day, Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Some of these fall on the same date every year. Others move—for example, Presidents' Day is always the third Monday in February, and Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday in November.
If today is one of these dates, or the day after if the holiday fell on a weekend, your bank is closed. If you need to move money today and it is a holiday, you will have to wait until the next business day, or use an ATM or mobile app if your bank supports it.
Key Takeaways
- The Federal Reserve website shows the exact dates banks close each year, updated annually.
- Banks close on 11 federal holidays, most of which fall on the same date every year, though some move to the nearest weekday if they land on a weekend.
- Online transfers and bill payments may process on a holiday but will not settle until the next business day.
- ATMs and mobile banking apps usually work on bank holidays, but branch services and phone support do not.
Why banks close on different dates than you might expect
When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, most banks close on Friday instead. When it falls on a Sunday, they close on Monday. This rule keeps the banking system aligned across the country—if one bank observed the holiday on a different day, payments between banks would get stuck.
For example, if Independence Day (July 4) falls on a Saturday, banks close on Friday, July 3. If it falls on a Sunday, they close on Monday, July 5. The Federal Reserve publishes these adjusted dates in advance, so you can plan around them.
What still works on a bank holiday
ATMs operate 24 hours on holidays—you can withdraw cash or check your balance. Mobile banking apps let you view accounts, transfer money between your own accounts, and set up bill payments, though the actual movement of money will not happen until the next business day.
Online bill pay and external transfers (moving money to another bank) will accept your request on a holiday, but the transaction will not settle until the next business day. If you submit a transfer on a holiday, the receiving bank will not see the money until the day after the holiday ends.
How to find the full holiday schedule for the year
The Federal Reserve publishes its holiday calendar on federalreserve.gov under "Banking Information." You can also check your own bank's website—most banks list their holiday hours in the customer service or locations section. Some banks close on additional days beyond federal holidays, so it is worth checking your specific bank rather than assuming the Federal Reserve calendar covers everything.
If you use a credit union, check its website separately. Credit unions follow the same federal holidays as banks, but some may have different policies on when they close if a holiday falls on a weekend.
Planning around bank holidays for time-sensitive payments
If you need to move money and a bank holiday is coming up, submit the request at least one business day before the holiday. A transfer submitted on Wednesday for a Friday holiday will process on Thursday. A transfer submitted on Friday for a Monday holiday will not process until Tuesday.
For bill payments with a specific due date, submit them at least two business days before the due date if a holiday falls in between. If your electric bill is due on July 5 and July 4 is a bank holiday, pay on July 2 or earlier to make sure the payment reaches the utility company on time.
What happens to direct deposits and automatic payments on a holiday
Direct deposits scheduled for a bank holiday will arrive on the next business day instead. If your paycheck normally deposits on Friday and Friday is a bank holiday, the deposit will arrive on Monday. Your employer sends the payment on schedule, but the banking system does not process it until banks reopen.
Automatic bill payments (like mortgage or insurance payments you have set up to deduct automatically) will also process on the next business day if they are scheduled for a holiday. The payment will still be on time as long as the next business day is before your due date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all banks close on the same federal holidays?
Yes. All banks in the United States close on the 11 federal holidays set by law. However, some banks may close on additional days beyond federal holidays, so check your bank's specific schedule. Credit unions follow the same federal holidays but may have different weekend adjustment rules.
Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?
Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs and merchants on bank holidays. You can withdraw cash, make purchases, and check your balance. The only thing you cannot do is visit a branch or call customer service.
Will my check deposit clear on a bank holiday?
No. If you deposit a check on a bank holiday (through an ATM or mobile app), it will not clear until the next business day. The bank does not process deposits while closed.
What if I need to contact my bank on a holiday?
Most banks do not staff phone lines on federal holidays. Check your bank's website for holiday hours—some larger banks offer limited phone support. You can usually message your bank through its mobile app or website, though a response may not come until the next business day.
Does the stock market close on the same days as banks?
Not always. The stock market closes on most federal holidays, but there are differences. For example, banks close on Columbus Day, but the stock market stays open. Check the NYSE or NASDAQ calendar if you trade stocks.