Most banks are closed on July 5 if it falls on a Friday after Independence Day

July 5 is a bank holiday in the United States when July 4 (Independence Day) falls on a Thursday. Banks observe the holiday on the following Friday. If July 4 is on a different day of the week, July 5 is a regular business day and most banks operate on their standard schedule.

The Federal Reserve and the banking system follow a fixed list of holidays each year. When a federal holiday lands on a weekday, banks close that day. When it lands on a weekend, banks typically close on the nearest weekday — usually the Friday before if the holiday is on a Sunday, or the Monday after if it's on a Saturday.

Even on days when major banks are closed, some financial services remain available. ATMs work around the clock. Online banking, mobile apps, and bill pay continue to function. Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated before the bank's cutoff time on the previous business day will process, though they may not settle until the next business day after the holiday.

Key Takeaways

  • July 5 is a federal bank holiday only when July 4 falls on a Thursday; otherwise it is a regular business day.
  • On bank holidays, physical branches close but ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps remain available 24/7.
  • Transactions initiated before the cutoff on the last business day before a holiday will process, but settlement may be delayed.
  • Credit unions and smaller regional banks may follow different holiday schedules, so check with your specific institution.
  • If you need to deposit a check or speak to a banker on a holiday, plan to visit the branch on the next business day.

How to check if your specific bank is open

The easiest way is to search "[Your Bank Name] hours" in Google Maps or your bank's website. Google shows holiday hours prominently at the top of the search result. Most banks post their holiday schedule online by early June.

Call your branch directly if you are unsure. The phone number is on your debit card, your bank statement, or the bank's website. A recorded message will tell you whether the branch is open and what services are available.

Credit unions and regional banks sometimes observe different holidays than the Federal Reserve's official list. A bank in your state may close on a state holiday that is not a federal holiday. Your bank's website will show the exact days it closes.

What you can do on a bank holiday

ATMs dispense cash and accept deposits 24 hours a day, even when the branch is closed. Deposited checks will be processed the next business day. Cash deposits are available when ready in most cases.

Online banking and mobile apps work normally. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and check balances. Peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Zelle process transfers on holidays, though the receiving bank may not credit the money until the next business day.

Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated before the cutoff time on the last business day will leave your account, but they will not settle in the receiving account until the next business day after the holiday. Most banks have a cutoff time between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. for same-day processing.

What you cannot do on a bank holiday

You cannot speak to a banker, explore for a loan, or resolve account issues in person. If you have a fraud dispute or a frozen account, you will need to wait until the branch reopens or call the bank's customer service line if it operates on holidays.

You cannot deposit a check at a teller window. ATM deposits work, but checks deposited in the ATM will not clear until the next business day. If you need the money when ready, you will have to wait.

Cashier's checks and money orders cannot be purchased. If you need one urgently, some grocery stores and check-cashing services sell money orders on holidays, though not cashier's checks.

Planning ahead for holiday banking

If you know you will need cash or need to deposit a check before July 5, do it on July 3 or July 4 (if July 4 is not the holiday itself). Most banks are open on July 4 unless it falls on a weekday and is the actual Independence Day holiday.

If you need to pay a bill that is due on or shortly after July 5, pay it online before the holiday. Online bill pay processes on holidays and will reach the payee by the due date if you schedule it correctly.

If you are expecting a deposit or transfer to arrive around July 5, remember that it will not settle until the next business day after the holiday. Payroll deposits scheduled for July 5 will arrive on July 8 if July 5 is a bank holiday.

State and regional variations

Some states observe additional holidays that are not federal holidays. For example, some Southern states observe Confederate Memorial Day, and some states in the Northeast observe Evacuation Day. Your bank may close on these days even though the Federal Reserve does not.

Banks headquartered in a particular state sometimes close on that state's holidays. If your bank is a regional institution, check its website for the full holiday schedule.

The safest approach is to assume your bank follows the Federal Reserve's holiday list unless you know otherwise. That list includes New Year's Day, MLK Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my paycheck deposit on July 5 if it is a bank holiday?

No. If July 5 is a bank holiday, payroll deposits scheduled for that day will arrive on July 8 (the next business day). Employers typically schedule payroll to arrive on business days, so check your pay stub or payroll system to see the actual deposit date.

Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?

Yes. Debit cards work at any merchant, ATM, or online retailer on bank holidays. The transaction will process normally. If you are making a purchase that requires the merchant to verify funds with your bank, it may take longer to process, but the transaction will go through.

What if I need to report fraud on July 5?

Call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card. Most banks have fraud departments that operate 24/7, even on holidays. If you cannot reach anyone, file a report through your online banking portal or mobile app, and follow up with the bank the next business day.

Do online banks close on July 5?

Online banks do not have physical branches, so they do not "close" in the traditional sense. Their websites and apps work 24/7. However, customer service phone lines may have reduced hours or be closed on bank holidays. Check your bank's website for holiday hours.

Can I get a cashier's check on July 5 if the bank is closed?

No. Cashier's checks can only be issued by a bank teller. If you need one urgently, some check-cashing services and grocery stores can issue money orders, which work similarly for most purposes, but they are not the same as a cashier's check.