Check the Federal Reserve's official holiday calendar
The fastest way to know if today is a bank holiday is to look at the Federal Reserve's holiday schedule, which lists every day U.S. banks close. The Federal Reserve publishes this calendar each year on its website. Banks follow this same list, so if the Fed is closed, your bank is closed.
You can also call your bank directly — the quickest method if you need an answer right now. The phone line will tell you when ready whether branches are open today, and customer service can confirm the holiday name and date. The customer service number is on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website.
Your bank's website or mobile app usually displays holiday hours under a "Locations" or "Hours" section. Many banks show a banner on their homepage on the actual holiday, stating that branches are closed. Some banks also send email or text alerts about upcoming holidays if you have notifications turned on.
Key Takeaways
- The Federal Reserve publishes the official U.S. bank holiday calendar each year, and all banks follow the same schedule.
- Calling your bank's customer service line is the fastest way to confirm whether today is a holiday and when branches reopen.
- Your bank's website or mobile app usually displays holiday closures under hours or locations information.
- Bank holidays are set by federal law and do not change year to year — the same days close every year.
- ATMs and online banking remain available on bank holidays even when physical branches are closed.
The ten federal bank holidays each year
U.S. banks close on ten federal holidays. These are the same every year: New Year's Day (January 1), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January), Presidents' Day (third Monday in February), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Juneteenth (June 19), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (first Monday in September), Columbus Day (second Monday in October), Veterans Day (November 11), and Christmas Day (December 25).
When a holiday falls on a Saturday, banks typically close on Friday instead. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, banks typically close on Monday. This rule keeps the closure aligned with the actual holiday while respecting the weekend. For example, if Christmas falls on a Sunday, your bank will be closed on Monday, December 26.
Some banks may also close on additional state or regional holidays depending on where you live. Check with your specific bank if you think today might be a local holiday in your area. A few states observe holidays that others do not, and banks in those states may honor them.
Why banks close on these days
Bank holidays exist because the Federal Reserve, which is the central banking system for the United States, closes on these days. When the Federal Reserve closes, it cannot process transfers between banks, clear checks, or handle large transactions. Individual banks close their branches because they cannot conduct normal business without access to the Federal Reserve's systems.
This does not mean your money disappears or that you lose access to it. Deposits made on a bank holiday are processed the next business day. Transfers you initiate online or through an ATM are queued and processed when the bank reopens. Your account balance updates normally once processing resumes.
What you can still do on a bank holiday
ATMs work on bank holidays — you can withdraw cash and check your balance anytime. Online banking, mobile apps, and phone banking remain available. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills online, and deposit checks through mobile check deposit if your bank offers it. These services run 24/7 regardless of whether branches are open.
What you cannot do is visit a physical branch, speak to a teller, or conduct transactions that require a banker's when ready action — like opening a new account, explore for a loan, or resolving a dispute that needs human review. These wait until the next business day when staff return to the branch.
How to plan ahead for bank holidays
If you need cash or must complete a transaction that requires a branch, withdraw money or handle it the business day before the holiday. If you are depositing a check by mail, remember that it will not be processed until after the holiday, so plan for extra time in your budget.
If you are waiting for a wire transfer or a payment to arrive, and the holiday falls during the processing window, expect a one-day delay. Most banks post holiday schedules on their websites by November of the previous year, so you can plan major transactions in advance. Marking holidays on your calendar helps you avoid surprises when you need branch services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my direct deposit come through on a bank holiday?
Direct deposits scheduled for a bank holiday are usually processed the next business day instead. Contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit to confirm the exact timing, as some payroll systems adjust automatically and others do not.
Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?
Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs and stores on bank holidays. Transactions at stores are processed normally. ATM withdrawals may take slightly longer to show in your account if the holiday extends the processing window, but the money is deducted when ready.
What if I need to reach my bank on a holiday?
Call the customer service number on the back of your card or on your bank's website. Many banks staff phone lines on holidays, even when branches are closed. Online chat and mobile app support are also often available.
Do credit unions follow the same holiday schedule as banks?
Most credit unions follow the Federal Reserve's holiday schedule, but some observe additional holidays or have different hours. Check your credit union's website or call to confirm their specific holiday calendar.