The next federal bank holiday depends on today's date, but the most common ones ahead are Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January, Presidents' Day in February, Memorial Day in May, Independence Day in July, Labor Day in September, Columbus Day in October, Veterans Day in November, and Christmas in December

Bank holidays are days when most banks close their physical branches and do not process certain transactions. The federal government sets these holidays, and banks must observe them. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to someone in person, you cannot do it on a bank holiday — the branch will be closed.

The exact date of the next bank holiday shifts year to year because some holidays fall on a specific day of the week rather than a fixed calendar date. For example, Memorial Day is always the last Monday in May, so it falls on a different date each year. Other holidays like Christmas stay on December 25th no matter what day of the week it lands on.

Even though branches close, your online banking, ATM access, and automatic payments usually continue to work. Money you deposit on a bank holiday may not show up in your account until the next business day, though — the bank is not processing deposits that day.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank holidays change the date each year for holidays like Memorial Day and Labor Day, which fall on specific weekdays rather than fixed calendar dates.
  • Physical bank branches close on federal bank holidays, but ATMs, online banking, and automatic bill payments continue to work normally.
  • Deposits made on a bank holiday will not be processed until the next business day, so plan ahead if you need the money quickly.
  • If a holiday falls on a weekend, most banks observe it on the nearest weekday instead — usually the Friday before or Monday after.
  • Your bank's website or a quick phone call can confirm whether a specific branch will be closed on a day you are planning to visit.

How bank holidays affect your transactions

When a bank is closed for a holiday, you cannot walk in and speak to a teller, but most of your banking still happens behind the scenes. Automatic bill payments scheduled for that day usually go through on time. Direct deposits from your employer may arrive a day late, depending on when your employer's payroll system sends them. Checks you deposit at an ATM or through a mobile app will be processed the next business day instead of that day.

Wire transfers and other time-sensitive transactions are where bank holidays matter most. If you need to send money urgently and a bank holiday falls in the next day or two, the transfer may not go through until after the holiday. This is why banks recommend sending wire transfers early in the week when possible.

ATM withdrawals and balance checks work normally on bank holidays because ATMs do not close. If you need cash over a holiday weekend, withdraw it before the holiday or use an ATM from your bank or a network your bank belongs to.

The federal bank holiday calendar

The United States observes eleven federal bank holidays each year. New Year's Day falls on January 1st. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the third Monday in January. Presidents' Day is the third Monday in February. Memorial Day is the last Monday in May. Juneteenth National Independence Day is June 19th. Independence Day is July 4th. Labor Day is the first Monday in September. Columbus Day is the second Monday in October. Veterans Day is November 11th. Thanksgiving Day is the fourth Thursday in November. Christmas Day is December 25th.

Some banks also close on the day after Thanksgiving, though this is not a federal holiday. A few banks in specific states may observe additional state holidays, so check with your bank if you live in a state with its own observances.

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 means you get the same day off, just shifted to a weekday when the bank would normally be open.

Planning around bank holidays

If you know a bank holiday is coming and you need to do something in person, visit your branch the day before. This is especially important if you need to deposit a large check, open a new account, or discuss a banking problem with someone face-to-face.

For routine deposits, use your bank's mobile app or ATM instead of waiting for a branch to open. Most banks let you photograph checks with your phone and deposit them when ready. ATM deposits are also processed the next business day, just like branch deposits, so you do not lose time by using the machine.

If you are expecting a direct deposit or a payment that needs to clear by a certain date, check whether a bank holiday falls between now and that date. If it does, the deposit may arrive a day later than usual. Contact your employer or the person sending the payment to confirm when they will send it, so you know when to expect it.

What stays open on bank holidays

Your bank's website and mobile app work on bank holidays just like any other day. You can check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills online, and review your transaction history. Online transfers between your accounts at the same bank usually happen when ready, even on a holiday.

ATMs at your bank stay open around the clock, including bank holidays. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, and check your balance whenever you need to. If your bank is part of a shared ATM network, you can use ATMs from other banks in that network as well.

Automatic payments you have set up — like rent, insurance premiums, or loan payments — continue on schedule. If the payment date falls on a bank holiday, it usually goes through on that day or the next business day, depending on how your bank processes it. Check your account a day or two after a holiday to confirm the payment went through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose money if a bank holiday falls on a day I was planning to deposit a check?

No, you do not lose money. Your deposit will be processed the next business day instead. The only cost is the delay — if you need the money right away, deposit it the day before the holiday or use your bank's mobile app to deposit it remotely.

Will my direct deposit arrive late if a bank holiday is coming?

It may arrive one day late. Your employer sends the deposit on their schedule, but your bank processes it on the next business day after receiving it. If your employer sends it on a bank holiday, your bank will not process it until the day after the holiday. Contact your employer's payroll department if you need to know exactly when they send deposits.

Can I still pay my bills on a bank holiday?

Yes, if you pay online or set up automatic payments. If you need to pay by check or in person, do it before the holiday. Online bill payments usually process on time even if you submit them on a holiday, though the payment may not reach the recipient until the next business day.

What if I need to wire money on a bank holiday?

Most banks do not process wire transfers on bank holidays. If you need to send money urgently, do it before the holiday. If you submit a wire on a holiday, it will be processed the next business day, which may be too late if the recipient has a important date.

How do I know if my specific branch will be closed?

Call your branch directly or check your bank's website. Most banks list holiday hours on their website and in their mobile app. Some branches in busy areas may stay open on certain holidays, so it is worth confirming before you make the trip.