Most federal holidays close banks, but not all of them
Yes, banks close on federal holidays — but the list is shorter than you might think. The Federal Reserve recognizes 11 federal holidays each year, and banks shut down on all of them. However, some holidays that the federal government observes do not trigger bank closures. The difference matters if you need to deposit a check, transfer money, or visit a branch.
The 11 holidays that close banks are: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. If you need to do banking on any of these dates, you will have to wait until the next business day — or use ATMs and online banking, which run 24/7 regardless of holidays.
Some states and cities observe additional holidays that banks do not recognize federally. If your state observes a holiday that is not on the Federal Reserve list, your bank will likely stay open. You can call your branch or check your bank's website to confirm which days it closes in your state.
Key Takeaways
- Banks close on 11 federal holidays each year: New Year's Day, MLK Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
- State and local holidays do not close banks unless your specific bank chooses to close for them, which varies by institution and location.
- ATM withdrawals, online transfers, and mobile banking work on federal holidays even when branches are closed.
- Deposits made on a federal holiday typically post the next business day, not the holiday itself.
- Credit unions and some online banks may have different holiday schedules, so check with your institution directly.
How the Federal Reserve determines which days banks close
The Federal Reserve publishes an official list of holidays each year that triggers closures at member banks. This list is binding for all banks that are part of the Federal Reserve system, which includes most traditional banks you use for checking and savings accounts. The Fed does not make exceptions — if a holiday is on the list, the bank closes.
When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, the Fed observes it on the nearest weekday. If Independence Day lands on a Saturday, banks close on Friday. If it lands on a Sunday, banks close on Monday. This means you may see a bank closure on a day that is not technically the holiday itself.
The Federal Reserve publishes its holiday schedule each year on its website. You can look up the exact closure dates rather than relying on memory, especially for holidays like Presidents' Day that move each year.
What happens to deposits and transfers on a federal holiday
Any deposit you make on a federal holiday — whether at an ATM, through mobile deposit, or in a night drop box — will not post to your account until the next business day. If you deposit a check on Thanksgiving, it will not clear until Friday. This matters if you are counting on that money being available when ready.
Electronic transfers you initiate on a holiday also wait until the next business day to process. A wire transfer sent on Christmas Day will not leave your account until December 26. ACH transfers (the standard way to move money between accounts) follow the same rule.
If you need money to be available on a specific date, plan ahead. Deposit checks or initiate transfers the business day before, not on the holiday itself. Some banks allow you to schedule transfers in advance, which can help you time payments to arrive when you need them.
ATMs and online banking still work on federal holidays
Your bank's ATM network operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including federal holidays. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks at ATMs even when the branch is closed. Mobile deposits — where you photograph a check and submit it through your bank's app — also work on holidays, though the check will not post until the next business day.
Online banking and mobile apps have no holiday schedule. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and move funds to other banks through ACH at any time. The transaction will process on the next business day, but you can initiate it whenever you want.
If you need cash urgently on a holiday, an ATM is your only option at a traditional bank. Some credit unions and online banks may have different policies, so check with your institution if you think you might need access.
State and local holidays do not close banks
States and cities observe holidays that the federal government does not. Examples include Cesar Chavez Day (California), Emancipation Day (Washington, D.C.), and Robert E. Lee's Birthday (some Southern states). Banks do not close for these holidays unless the bank itself chooses to.
Some banks with branches in multiple states may close for state-specific holidays in those states only. A bank with branches in California and Nevada might close for Cesar Chavez Day in California but stay open in Nevada. Call your specific branch to confirm whether it closes for any state or local holidays.
If you are unsure whether your bank will be open on a particular day, check the bank's website or call the branch directly. Most banks list their holiday schedule online, and it is faster than guessing.
Credit unions and online banks may have different schedules
Credit unions are not part of the Federal Reserve system, so they set their own holiday schedules. Most credit unions close on the same 11 federal holidays as banks, but some may have different policies. A few credit unions stay open on certain holidays or close for additional days. Check with your credit union directly about its specific schedule.
Online banks that have no physical branches sometimes stay open on federal holidays because there is no branch to close. However, they may still delay processing of deposits and transfers until the next business day, following Federal Reserve guidelines. Read your online bank's holiday policy on its website.
If you use multiple financial institutions, do not assume they all follow the same schedule. A credit union, an online bank, and a traditional bank may all have different closure dates.
Planning around bank closures
If you know you will need banking services on or around a federal holiday, plan ahead. Deposit checks and initiate transfers the business day before. If a holiday falls on a Monday, do your banking on Friday. If it falls on a Friday, do it on Thursday.
Keep a list of the 11 federal holidays somewhere you can reference it — your phone, your calendar, or a note on your banking app. This takes the guesswork out of whether a day is a closure day.
For recurring payments or bills due around a holiday, schedule them to process a day or two before the holiday to avoid delays. Most banks allow you to set up automatic payments weeks in advance, which gives you control over the timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on a federal holiday?
Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs and merchant terminals on federal holidays. The bank branch is closed, but the payment network is not. You can buy groceries, withdraw cash, and check your balance without any problem.
Will a check I deposit on a holiday clear faster if I use mobile deposit?
No. Whether you deposit a check at an ATM, through mobile deposit, or in a night drop box, it will not post until the next business day. The method does not change the timeline — the holiday does.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on a federal holiday?
Most banks offer phone support on federal holidays, even if the branch is closed. Call the number on the back of your debit card or check your bank's website for holiday hours. Some banks have reduced staffing on holidays, so wait times may be longer.
Do wire transfers process on federal holidays?
No. Wire transfers initiated on a federal holiday will not leave your account until the next business day. If you need money to arrive urgently, send it the day before the holiday.
Are banks closed on Election Day?
No. Election Day is not a federal holiday, so banks stay open. However, some states may close government offices on Election Day, which can affect other services.