May Day is the first Monday in May, and most banks, post offices, and government offices close for the day

In the United Kingdom, May Day is an official bank holiday that falls on the first Monday of May each year. When a bank holiday lands on a weekday, most high street banks close entirely — you cannot visit a branch or use in-person services. Post offices, building societies, and many government offices also shut. However, ATMs and online banking remain available, so you can still withdraw cash and check your balance.

The exact date changes each year because it is always the first Monday in May. In 2024, May Day falls on 6 May. In 2025, it falls on 5 May. If you need to do banking business that requires a branch visit — such as opening an account, getting a banker's draft, or speaking to someone in person — you should plan ahead and visit before the holiday or after.

May Day is one of eight bank holidays in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland each year. The others are New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Spring Bank Holiday (late May), Summer Bank Holiday (late August), Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Scotland has two additional holidays: 2 January and St Andrew's Day on 11 November.

Key Takeaways

  • May Day is always the first Monday in May, and banks, post offices, and most government offices close on that day.
  • ATMs and online banking work normally on bank holidays, so you can withdraw cash and check balances without visiting a branch.
  • If you need in-person banking services, plan your visit for the working day before or after the holiday.
  • Building societies and credit unions also close on May Day, though some may have different opening hours on the surrounding days.

What stays open and what closes on May Day

Most high street banks close completely on May Day — both the branch itself and any in-branch services. This includes Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, Santander, and the Post Office. You cannot visit a teller, speak to an adviser, or use the branch facilities. However, you can still use the ATM outside the branch to withdraw cash or check your balance, and you can use online banking or your mobile app to transfer money, pay bills, or check transactions.

Post offices close on May Day as well, so you cannot post parcels, buy stamps, or access Post Office services. If you need to send something urgently, post it on the Friday before or wait until the Tuesday after. Building societies and credit unions also close on the day itself, though some may open for limited hours on the surrounding days — it is worth checking with your specific branch.

Supermarkets, shops, and most businesses remain open on May Day, though some may have reduced hours. Petrol stations, pharmacies, and restaurants typically operate as normal. If you are unsure whether a specific service will be open, contact them directly or check their website.

Planning banking tasks around May Day

If you need to visit your bank branch, do it on the Friday before May Day or the Tuesday after. Many people wait until the last moment, so branches can be busier than usual on the day before a bank holiday. If you can, visit earlier in the week or later in the following week to avoid queues.

For tasks that cannot wait — such as reporting a lost or stolen card, or freezing your account due to fraud — call your bank's phone line. Most banks have a 24-hour customer service number on the back of your card or on their website. These lines stay open on bank holidays, and advisers can help you over the phone even if branches are closed.

If you are expecting a payment or transfer to arrive around May Day, remember that bank transfers usually take one to two working days. A transfer sent on Friday will not arrive until Tuesday at the earliest, because the bank holiday does not count as a working day. If timing is tight, send money earlier in the week.

How May Day affects wages and salary payments

If you are paid by bank transfer, your employer usually sends the payment on a set day each month — often the last working day of the month or a specific date like the 25th. If that date falls on May Day, your employer should send the payment on the last working day before the holiday instead. This means you receive your money on Friday if May Day is on Monday.

However, some employers may send payments on the actual date regardless, which means the money arrives in your account on the next working day — Tuesday. Check with your payroll department if you are unsure when to expect your payment in a month when May Day falls close to your normal pay date.

If you receive benefits or pension payments, these also follow the bank holiday calendar. Payments due on a bank holiday are usually made on the last working day before instead. Contact your benefits office or pension provider if you need to confirm the exact date for your payment.

Paying bills and managing money on a bank holiday

You can pay bills online or through your mobile app on May Day without any problem — the banking system runs 24 hours a day, and payments process normally. However, if you are paying a bill to a company that also closes on bank holidays, they may not process your payment until the next working day. This usually does not matter unless you are paying something with a strict important date.

Direct debits and standing orders also run on bank holidays. If a bill is due on May Day, the payment leaves your account as scheduled. The company receiving the payment may not process it until Tuesday, but your bank will deduct the money on the correct date.

If you need cash and the ATM is broken or out of service, you can usually withdraw cash from a supermarket when you buy something — most supermarkets offer this service on bank holidays. Alternatively, wait until the next day when branches reopen.

International banking and May Day

If you send money abroad on May Day, the transfer may take longer than usual. Your UK bank processes the payment, but the receiving bank in another country may be closed if they also observe a bank holiday on that date. Some countries have their own May Day holiday on 1 May rather than the first Monday, so timing can vary.

If you are expecting money from abroad, check whether the sending country observes May Day. Money sent from the United States, for example, will not be delayed because the US does not observe May Day as a federal holiday. Money from European countries may be delayed if they are closed on 1 May.

Planning ahead for May Day

If you know you need to visit your bank branch in May, check the date of May Day that year and book your visit for the week before or the week after. This is especially important if you need to open a new account, explore for a mortgage, or discuss something that requires an appointment.

If you are moving house or changing jobs around May Day, plan your banking tasks early. You may need to update your address with your bank, set up a new account, or arrange a mortgage — all things that need a branch visit or a phone call to customer service. Do these things before the holiday week if possible.

Keep your bank's phone number and website address handy in case you need help on or around May Day. Most banks offer 24-hour phone support and online chat, even when branches are closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card or withdraw cash on May Day?

Yes. ATMs work 24 hours a day, including on bank holidays, so you can withdraw cash at any time. You can also use your debit card to pay in shops, restaurants, and online. Only in-person branch services close on May Day.

Will my salary be delayed if it is due on May Day?

Most employers send salaries on the last working day before a bank holiday, so you receive your money on Friday if May Day is on Monday. Check with your payroll department to confirm the exact date, as some employers may send on the actual date and the money arrives the next working day.

What if I need to report fraud or a lost card on May Day?

Call your bank's 24-hour customer service line — the number is on the back of your card or on their website. These lines stay open on bank holidays, and advisers can freeze your account, cancel a card, or report fraud when ready.

Do building societies close on May Day?

Yes, most building societies close on May Day. However, some may have different opening hours on the days surrounding the holiday. Contact your building society directly to check their hours.

How long does a bank transfer take if I send it on the Friday before May Day?

A transfer sent on Friday usually arrives on Tuesday, because the bank holiday on Monday does not count as a working day. Bank transfers typically take one to two working days, so the Monday closure adds an extra day to the journey.