Most U.S. banks close on federal holidays, but the day varies by location and institution
Whether your bank is open today depends on three things: whether today is a federal holiday, whether your bank observes that holiday, and whether you're using a branch or an ATM. Federal holidays when most banks close include New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Some banks also close on Good Friday.
ATMs and online banking work on holidays when branches don't. If you need cash or to move money today and your branch is closed, the ATM in your bank's lobby or at a partner network will still function. Transfers between your own accounts, bill payments, and deposits through mobile apps all process normally on holidays—they just won't post until the next business day.
The fastest way to know if your specific branch is open is to search "[Your Bank Name] hours" plus your city, or call the branch directly. Most banks list holiday hours on their websites by late November for the year ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Federal holidays when banks typically close are New Year's Day, MLK Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
- ATMs and online banking remain available on holidays even when branch locations are closed.
- Deposits and transfers made on a holiday will process the next business day, not when ready.
- Your bank's website or a phone call to your local branch is the only reliable way to confirm today's hours, since some banks vary by location.
How to find your bank's hours right now
Open your bank's website or mobile app and look for a "Locations" or "Find a Branch" section. Enter your zip code or the branch you use. Most banks display today's hours directly on that page, along with a note if the branch is closed for a holiday.
If the website doesn't show hours clearly, call the branch. The main number is usually on your debit card or bank statements. A recorded message will tell you whether the branch is open today. If you're calling after hours, the message will confirm the next business day's opening time.
For banks without a local branch—online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Marcus—there is no physical location to close. You can transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks through your phone any day of the week. Customer service lines may have reduced hours on holidays, but your account itself stays accessible.
What you can and cannot do when your bank is closed
You can withdraw cash from any ATM owned by your bank or in its network. You can deposit checks through a mobile app or ATM envelope (if your bank offers it). You can transfer money between your own accounts, send money to other people through Zelle or similar services, and pay bills online. None of these actions require a teller or a physical branch.
What you cannot do is speak to a person, open a new account, get a cashier's check, or resolve a dispute that requires a teller's judgment. If you need one of those services and the branch is closed, you'll have to wait until the next business day. If the issue is urgent—for example, you've been charged a fraudulent transaction—call the customer service number on the back of your card. Many banks staff phone lines on holidays for fraud and account emergencies.
When deposits and payments post if you act on a holiday
Any transaction you make on a holiday—a transfer, a bill payment, a mobile check deposit—enters the system but does not post to your account until the next business day. If you deposit a check on a Saturday or holiday, it typically posts on the following Monday or business day. If you pay a bill on a holiday, it processes the next business day.
This matters if you're cutting it close on a due date. If a bill is due on a Friday and you pay it on Thursday evening, it posts Friday. If you pay it on Friday evening or Saturday, it posts Monday—which may be late depending on the creditor's rules. For time-sensitive payments, send them the business day before the important date.
Federal holidays when banks close
| Holiday | Typical Date | Banks Usually Closed |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Yes |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January | Yes |
| Presidents' Day | Third Monday in February | Yes |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May | Yes |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Yes |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September | Yes |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday in October | Yes |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Yes |
| Thanksgiving | Fourth Thursday in November | Yes |
| Christmas | December 25 | Yes |
| Good Friday | Varies (before Easter) | Some banks only |
What to do if you need cash and the branch is closed
Use an ATM. Your bank's ATM is free and available 24/7. If you don't have a bank ATM nearby, use one in your bank's network—most large banks belong to networks like Allpoint, MoneyPass, or CO-OP that include thousands of ATMs nationwide. Using an out-of-network ATM usually costs $2 to $3, but it's faster than waiting for the branch to reopen.
If you need a large amount of cash and don't have it on hand, plan ahead. Withdraw what you need the business day before a holiday. If you're caught without enough cash on a holiday and no ATM is nearby, ask a friend or family member to send you money through Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App, then use that to pay for what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check on a holiday?
Yes, through your mobile app or an ATM envelope if your bank offers it. The check will post the next business day. If you need the money to clear faster, deposit it the business day before the holiday instead.
Will my bill payment go through if I submit it on a holiday?
It will enter the system but won't process until the next business day. If the bill is due on the holiday itself, submit it the day before. If it's due after the holiday, submitting it on the holiday is usually fine, but check your creditor's rules.
Do online banks close on holidays?
No. Banks without physical branches stay open every day. You can transfer money, deposit checks, and manage your account anytime. Phone customer service may have reduced hours, but your account is always accessible.
What if I need to dispute a charge and the branch is closed?
Call the customer service number on the back of your card. Most banks staff fraud and dispute lines on holidays. If it's not urgent, you can also report it through your mobile app or online banking portal, and a representative will contact you the next business day.
Can I use my debit card on a holiday if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online store regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The transaction processes normally.