How to learn about a specific Monday was a bank holiday
The fastest way to check is to look at the Federal Reserve's official holiday calendar or your bank's website directly. Most banks post their holiday schedules online, and they list which days their branches will be closed. If you're asking about a Monday that has already passed, you can search your bank's site for "holiday schedule" plus the year, or call their customer service line to confirm whether that date was observed.
The reason this matters: not every federal holiday falls on a Monday, and not every Monday that is a federal holiday means your bank was closed. Banks sometimes observe holidays on different days depending on when the holiday falls and their own policies. For example, if Independence Day (July 4) lands on a Saturday, some banks observe it on Friday; if it lands on a Sunday, they may observe it on Monday.
If you're trying to figure out why a transaction didn't go through or a payment wasn't processed on a Monday you thought was a regular business day, the answer is almost always on your bank's own holiday list, not on a general federal calendar.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank's own holiday schedule determines whether your branch was closed, not the federal holiday calendar alone.
- Federal holidays that fall on weekends are often observed on the nearest weekday, which can shift the closure to a different day.
- You can find your bank's holiday schedule on their website under "Hours" or "Holiday Schedule," or by calling customer service.
- If a transaction failed on a Monday, checking your bank's holiday list for that specific date is the quickest way to confirm whether the bank was closed.
The difference between federal holidays and bank holidays
A federal holiday is a day the U.S. government recognizes, but that does not automatically mean banks close. Banks are private institutions and can choose which federal holidays to observe. Most major banks observe the same 10 or 11 holidays as the federal government, but some regional or smaller banks may have different schedules.
The federal holidays most banks observe are: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Some banks also close on the day after Thanksgiving.
The key difference: just because the government recognizes a holiday does not mean your specific bank will be closed that day. Always check your bank's schedule, not the federal calendar.
When federal holidays shift to a different day
If a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, banks typically observe it on the Friday before. If it falls on a Sunday, banks typically observe it on the Monday after. This is why a Monday might be a bank holiday even though the actual federal holiday date is different.
For example, if Christmas (December 25) falls on a Saturday, your bank will likely close on Friday, December 24. If New Year's Day (January 1) falls on a Sunday, your bank will likely close on Monday, January 2. This shift can catch people off guard, especially when they're expecting to do banking on what they thought was a regular Monday.
Where to find your bank's specific holiday schedule
The most reliable source is your bank's website. Look for a link labeled "Hours," "Holiday Schedule," "Branch Hours," or "Locations." Most banks list their holiday closures for the entire year on one page.
If you bank online or use a credit union, check their website first—many online banks have different holiday schedules than brick-and-mortar banks. If you cannot find the information online, call your bank's main customer service number or visit a branch in person and ask for a printed holiday schedule.
Keep in mind that some banks may have different schedules for different regions. If you have accounts at multiple branches, confirm the schedule for the specific branch you use.
What happens to transactions on bank holidays
If you try to deposit a check, transfer money, or make a payment on a day your bank is closed, the transaction usually processes the next business day. Online transactions submitted after hours or on a holiday typically sit in a queue and move forward once the bank reopens.
Wire transfers and ACH payments (like bill payments) submitted on a holiday may also be delayed by one or more days. If you have a payment due on a holiday, submit it the business day before to avoid a late fee. Some banks allow you to schedule transactions in advance, which can help you avoid holiday delays.
How to plan around bank holidays
If you know a Monday is a bank holiday and you need to move money or deposit a check, do it on the Friday before. If you're expecting a deposit or payment to arrive on a holiday, assume it will not clear until the next business day.
For recurring bills or payments, check whether your bank's holiday schedule affects the processing date. Many people set up automatic payments without realizing that a holiday in the middle of the month can shift when the payment actually leaves their account.
If you're waiting for a time-sensitive transaction—like a mortgage payment, rent, or a bill that has a due date—contact your bank or the recipient ahead of time to confirm how the holiday will affect the timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
If Monday is a bank holiday, when will my deposit clear?
Deposits made on a bank holiday typically clear the next business day. If you deposit a check on a Monday that is a holiday, it will usually process on Tuesday. For time-sensitive deposits, submit them on the Friday before the holiday.
Do all banks close on the same federal holidays?
Most major banks close on the same 10 or 11 federal holidays, but not all banks observe every holiday. Credit unions, smaller regional banks, and online banks may have different schedules. Always check your specific bank's holiday list rather than assuming.
If a federal holiday falls on Sunday, is Monday always a bank holiday?
Usually, yes. When a federal holiday falls on Sunday, banks typically observe it on Monday. However, some banks may observe it on a different day, so check your bank's schedule to be certain.
Can I do online banking on a bank holiday?
Yes. Online banking platforms are usually available 24/7, even on holidays. However, transactions submitted after business hours or on a holiday may not process until the next business day.
What if I need to access my money on a bank holiday?
If you have an ATM card, you can withdraw cash from an ATM on a holiday. For other services, you will need to wait until the next business day when the branch reopens, or use your bank's online platform if available.