Most banks are closed on January 1st because it is a federal holiday

January 1st is a federal holiday in the United States, which means most traditional banks will be closed that day. This includes the major national banks, regional banks, and most community banks. If you need to visit a branch, withdraw cash, or speak to someone in person, you will not be able to do so on January 1st itself.

However, "closed" does not mean you lose access to your money entirely. You can still use ATMs, make transfers online, pay bills through your bank's website or app, and deposit checks through mobile deposit. These services work the same way on January 1st as they do on any other day.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal banks close on January 1st, but ATMs and online banking remain available all day.
  • Credit unions may have different holiday schedules, so check with yours directly before the holiday.
  • If you need cash, withdraw it on December 31st or use an ATM on January 1st.
  • Banks reopen on January 2nd with normal business hours unless that day falls on a weekend.
  • Wire transfers and ACH transfers may process more slowly during the holiday, so plan ahead if you need funds to move between accounts.

What you can and cannot do on January 1st

You cannot walk into a bank branch, speak to a teller, or meet with a loan officer on January 1st. You also cannot use services that require a person on the other end — like calling customer service to dispute a transaction or getting a cashier's check issued same-day.

What you can do: withdraw cash from any ATM (yours or another bank's), transfer money between your own accounts online, send money to someone else through your bank's app or website, deposit checks using mobile deposit, pay bills online, and check your balance. These functions do not require the bank to be staffed, so they work around the clock.

If you use a different bank's ATM, you may be charged a fee by both your bank and the ATM owner. Plan ahead and use your own bank's ATM if possible.

Credit unions may have different hours

Credit unions are not required to follow the same federal holiday schedule as banks, though most do close on January 1st. Some smaller credit unions stay open or have limited hours. Call your credit union before January 1st to confirm whether they will be open and what services are available.

If your credit union is open on January 1st, hours are often shorter than usual. Ask whether you can access all services or only certain ones.

When banks reopen and what happens to pending transactions

Banks reopen on January 2nd with their normal business hours, unless January 2nd falls on a weekend (which it does not in 2025). If January 2nd were a Saturday or Sunday, banks would reopen on Monday, January 3rd.

Transactions you started before the holiday — like wire transfers or ACH transfers — may not process until after the bank reopens. A wire you send on December 31st might not reach the other bank until January 2nd or later. If you need money to arrive by a specific date, send it several days early.

Checks you deposit on January 1st through mobile deposit will be processed when the bank reopens, so they may take longer to clear than usual.

How to prepare before January 1st

If you know you will need cash on January 1st, withdraw it on December 31st. Most banks have extended hours on the last business day of the year, though you should check your branch's schedule.

If you need to send money to someone, do it on December 30th or 31st so it has time to process before the holiday. If you are waiting for a paycheck or transfer to arrive, remember that it may be delayed by a day because of the holiday.

If you have bills due on January 1st or 2nd, pay them online before December 31st. Do not wait until the holiday to handle time-sensitive transactions.

What to do if you have an emergency on January 1st

If you need to report fraud, a lost card, or a stolen account, call your bank's customer service line. Most banks have a phone number on the back of your card that operates 24/7, even on holidays. You do not have to wait until January 2nd to report a problem.

If your debit card is lost or stolen, call when ready to freeze it. You can request a replacement card over the phone, and it will be mailed to you. In the meantime, you can still access your money through ATMs and online banking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on January 1st if the bank is closed?

Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and any store on January 1st, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The bank's closure only affects in-person services at the branch.

Will my direct deposit arrive on January 1st?

Direct deposits scheduled for January 1st may arrive on that day, but some employers delay payroll when January 1st is a federal holiday. Check with your employer to confirm when your paycheck will be deposited. If it is delayed, it usually arrives on January 2nd.

What if I need a cashier's check on January 1st?

You cannot get a cashier's check on January 1st because it requires a teller. Plan ahead and request one on December 31st. Some banks can mail one to you, but this takes several days.

Do online banks close on January 1st?

Online banks do not have physical branches, so they do not "close" in the traditional sense. You can access your account, transfer money, and withdraw cash from ATMs on January 1st just as you would any other day. However, customer service phone lines may have reduced staffing.

Can I deposit a check at an ATM on January 1st?

Yes, if your bank's ATMs accept check deposits. The check will be processed when the bank reopens on January 2nd, so it may take longer to clear than usual.