Banks close on federal holidays, weekends, and sometimes for local observances
If a bank was closed when you tried to visit, it was almost certainly a Saturday, Sunday, or a federal holiday. The major federal holidays when all banks close are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Some banks also close on Election Day if it falls on a weekday, though this varies by state and institution.
Banks do not set their own holiday schedules — the Federal Reserve determines which days banks must close. Individual banks sometimes add extra closures for local holidays or observances, so a bank in one city might be open when a branch in another city is closed. The only way to know for certain whether your specific branch was closed today is to check that branch's hours directly, either on the bank's website or by calling the location.
Weekend closures are permanent and predictable. Most banks operate Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some branches staying open until 6 p.m. or opening on Saturday mornings. Credit unions follow similar patterns but sometimes have different hours, so if you bank at a credit union, check their schedule separately.
Key Takeaways
- Banks close on all federal holidays, including New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, plus weekends.
- Some banks close on Election Day or local observances, so check your specific branch's posted hours rather than assuming a national rule applies.
- The Federal Reserve publishes the official list of federal holidays when banks must close; individual banks cannot stay open on those days.
- Credit unions and online banks may have different holiday schedules than traditional banks, so verify hours before making a trip.
How to learn about your bank is open right now
The fastest way is to search "[your bank name] hours" plus your city or zip code. Google will show you the branch location, phone number, and today's hours in the first result. If you use mobile banking, open the app and look for a "Locations" or "Find a Branch" section — most apps show real-time hours and whether the branch is currently open.
If you cannot find the information online, call the branch directly. The phone number is usually on your bank statement, your debit card, or the bank's website. A staff member can tell you when ready whether they are open today and what time they close. This is also the best way to confirm if a branch is closed for a reason other than a holiday — some branches close temporarily for renovations or staffing issues.
What to do if your bank is closed and you need access to money
If you need cash and your bank branch is closed, you can use an ATM. Most banks operate ATMs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even when the branch itself is closed. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and sometimes transfer money between your own accounts at an ATM. If you use a bank that is part of a larger network, you may be able to use ATMs at other branches or partner banks without a fee.
If you need to speak to someone or handle a transaction that requires a person — depositing a check, opening a new account, disputing a charge — you will have to wait until the branch reopens. Most banks reopen the next business day. If tomorrow is also a holiday or weekend, the branch will not open until the following business day.
Online banking lets you transfer money, pay bills, and move funds between accounts from anywhere, any time, even when branches are closed. If you have not set up online banking, you can usually do it through the bank's website or app in a few minutes using your account number and Social Security number.
Federal holidays when banks close every year
| Holiday | Typical Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January |
| Presidents' Day | Third Monday in February |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May |
| Juneteenth | June 19 |
| Independence Day | July 4 |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday in October |
| Veterans Day | November 11 |
| Thanksgiving | Fourth Thursday in November |
| Christmas | December 25 |
When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, banks close on the nearest weekday instead. For example, if Independence Day falls on a Saturday, banks close on Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, banks close on Monday. This shift is called an observed holiday, and it applies to all banks nationwide.
Why banks close on holidays when ATMs stay open
ATMs are machines that run on the bank's network but do not require staff to operate. They can process withdrawals, deposits, and transfers without a person present. Branches close because they need employees to handle customer service, process checks, open accounts, and resolve problems. On holidays, banks do not schedule staff, so branches shut down.
The Federal Reserve requires banks to close on federal holidays as a matter of policy and tradition. This gives bank employees a day off and aligns the banking system with the broader economy. Some banks have experimented with staying open on certain holidays, but most follow the federal requirement.
Planning ahead to avoid closed-branch problems
If you know a holiday is coming, deposit checks and withdraw cash a day or two before. This prevents you from being stuck without access to money if you need it during the closure. Check your bank's holiday schedule at the start of each year — most banks post this information on their website in December or January.
If you regularly need to handle banking on weekends or holidays, consider switching to a bank with extended hours or opening an account at an online bank. Online banks do not have physical branches, so they do not close for holidays in the traditional sense, though they may have limited customer service hours. You can still deposit checks by phone or mail and access your money through ATMs and transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all banks close on the same holidays?
Yes, all banks must close on federal holidays set by the Federal Reserve. However, some banks may also close on additional local holidays or observances that vary by region. Check your specific branch's schedule to be certain.
Can I deposit a check at an ATM if the bank is closed?
Most banks allow mobile check deposits through their app or website, which you can do anytime. Some ATMs also accept check deposits, but not all. If your bank's ATM does not have a deposit slot, use mobile deposit instead — the check will be processed when the bank reopens.
What happens if I need money on a holiday and the ATM is out of cash?
This is rare, but if an ATM runs out of cash, you will need to wait until the branch reopens or find another ATM at a different location. Banks monitor ATM cash levels and refill them regularly, especially before holidays when demand is higher.
Are credit unions closed on the same days as banks?
Credit unions follow similar federal holiday closures, but some may have different hours or additional closures. Check your credit union's specific schedule online or by phone, as it may differ from traditional banks in your area.