Banks close on federal holidays, not on random days

Your bank is closed today because of a federal holiday, a state holiday specific to where you live, or a local observance. The federal holidays that shut down most banks nationwide are set by law and happen on the same dates every year — though the actual day of the week shifts. If your bank is open but you cannot reach anyone, it may be observing a state or local holiday that does not affect all banks.

The fastest way to know whether your specific bank is open is to call the branch directly or check their website. Most banks post holiday hours online, and many show a banner on their homepage when they are closed. If you need to do something today and your bank is closed, you can usually handle routine transactions through their mobile app or ATM — transfers, bill pay, and balance checks work around the clock.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal holidays that close most banks are New Year's Day, MLK Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
  • Some states and cities observe additional holidays that close banks in those areas only — check your local government's holiday calendar to see what applies where you live.
  • Calling your branch or checking their website is the only reliable way to know if your specific bank is closed today, because holiday observance varies by location and institution.
  • ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking work on holidays, so you can transfer money, pay bills, and check balances even when branches are closed.

The federal holidays that close banks nationwide

The Federal Reserve and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management set the list of federal holidays when banks must close. These are: New Year's Day (January 1), Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (third Monday in January), Presidents' Day (third Monday in February), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (first Monday in September), Columbus Day (second Monday in October), Veterans Day (November 11), Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November), and Christmas Day (December 25).

When one of these holidays falls on a Saturday, many banks close on Friday instead. When it falls on a Sunday, they close on Monday. This is why the actual day your bank closes shifts from year to year. For example, if Christmas falls on a Saturday, your bank will likely be closed on Friday, December 24.

Not every bank closes on every federal holiday. Some large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo close on all of them. Credit unions and smaller regional banks sometimes stay open on a few federal holidays, particularly Columbus Day and Veterans Day. The only way to know for certain is to contact your bank directly.

State and local holidays that affect some banks only

Beyond federal holidays, individual states observe their own holidays, and banks in those states often close. For example, some Southern states observe Confederate Memorial Day, which is not a federal holiday. Texas observes Emancipation Day (June 19, though it overlaps with Juneteenth). Some states have holidays honoring local historical figures or events. If you live in or bank in a state with a state-specific holiday, your bank may be closed even though it is a normal business day elsewhere in the country.

Cities and counties sometimes declare local holidays as well. These are less common at banks, but they do happen. The most reliable source for state and local holidays is your state government's official website or your city or county clerk's office. Once you know what holidays your state observes, check your bank's website to see whether they close on those days.

How to check if your bank is open today

The fastest method is to call your branch directly. The phone number is on your debit card, your bank's website, or in your mobile app. If the branch is closed, you will usually hear a recorded message saying so, along with the hours they will reopen. Many banks also display holiday hours on their homepage or in a banner when you log into online banking.

If you cannot reach anyone by phone, check the bank's website for a branch locator tool. Most banks list holiday hours there. You can also search "[Your Bank Name] holiday hours" to find the information quickly. Some banks send email or text notifications about closures, so if you are enrolled in alerts, check those.

What you can do when your bank is closed

Bank branches close, but the bank's systems do not. You can use an ATM to withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), and transfer money between your own accounts. Mobile apps and online banking portals work 24/7, so you can pay bills, send money to other people, check your balance, and review transactions.

If you need to speak to someone, most banks have a customer service phone line that operates on holidays. The wait time is usually longer than on regular business days, but you can reach a representative. If your issue requires a branch visit — such as opening a new account, getting a cashier's check, or resolving a fraud claim — you will need to wait until the branch reopens.

Why banks close on holidays

Federal law requires banks to close on federal holidays so that employees have the day off and so that the Federal Reserve, which processes large interbank transactions, can shut down for maintenance and reconciliation. When the Federal Reserve is closed, banks cannot process certain types of transactions, so closing branches makes sense operationally.

State and local holidays are observed by banks in those areas out of respect for local observances and to give employees time off. Some banks also close on holidays that are not federally mandated because their customer base observes them — for example, a bank in a heavily Jewish neighborhood might close on Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my direct deposit go through if the bank is closed today?

Yes. Direct deposits are processed by the Federal Reserve's automated systems, which run on holidays. The money will land in your account on the scheduled date, even if your branch is closed. You will see it in your account by the next business day at the latest.

Can I use my debit card at other banks' ATMs on a holiday?

Yes. ATMs from other banks work on holidays. You may be charged a fee by the ATM operator if it is not your bank's ATM, but the transaction will go through. Your own bank's ATMs are always free and always available.

What if I need cash and the ATM is out of money?

ATMs can run out of cash on busy holidays. If that happens, you will need to wait until the branch reopens to withdraw from a teller. Some grocery stores and convenience stores offer cash back when you use your debit card to make a purchase, which is an alternative if you need small amounts.

Do online banks close on holidays?

Online banks do not have physical branches, so they do not close in the traditional sense. However, they may have reduced customer service hours on federal holidays. You can still access your account, transfer money, and use ATMs on holidays, but reaching a representative by phone may take longer.

If a holiday falls on a weekend, is the bank closed on Friday or Monday?

It depends on the bank and the holiday. Most banks close on Friday if the holiday is on Saturday, and on Monday if it is on Sunday. However, some banks follow different rules. Check your bank's specific holiday schedule to be certain.