Banks close on federal holidays and Sundays, with a few exceptions for online services

Most banks in the United States close on Sundays and on the 11 federal holidays recognized by the Federal Reserve. The holidays 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. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, most banks close on Friday instead. If it falls on a Sunday, they close on Monday.

The exact closure dates depend on which bank you use and where it operates. Some banks stay open on certain holidays that others close for. Credit unions follow similar patterns but may have different holiday schedules. Online banking, bill pay, and ATM withdrawals usually work on closed days — the closure affects in-person branch services and phone support, not the systems themselves.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks close on all 11 federal holidays plus Sundays, though the specific days vary slightly by bank and region.
  • When a federal holiday falls on Saturday, most banks close Friday; when it falls on Sunday, they close Monday.
  • ATMs and online banking continue to work on days branches are closed, but you cannot speak to a person or conduct in-person transactions.
  • Your bank's website or phone line lists its exact holiday schedule, which may differ from other banks in your area.
  • Credit unions and smaller banks sometimes observe different holidays than large national banks.

The 11 federal holidays when banks close

The Federal Reserve recognizes 11 holidays each year. Banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System must close on these days. Most other banks follow the same schedule because it aligns with when the Federal Reserve itself is closed and settlement systems do not operate.

The holidays are: 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), and Christmas (December 25).

Some banks close on the day after Thanksgiving as well, though this is not a federal holiday. A few banks also close on Christmas Eve if it falls on a weekday, but this is less common.

What happens when a holiday falls on a weekend

When a federal holiday lands on Saturday, the Federal Reserve observes the holiday on Friday, and most banks close Friday instead. When a holiday lands on Sunday, the Federal Reserve observes it on Monday, and most banks close Monday. This rule applies to all 11 holidays.

For example, if Independence Day (July 4) falls on a Saturday, banks close on Friday, July 3. If Christmas (December 25) falls on a Sunday, banks close on Monday, December 26. Your bank's website will show the observed date for that year.

Which services still work when banks are closed

ATMs operate 24/7 on closed days, so you can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks (if your ATM accepts deposits) without visiting a branch. Online banking portals and mobile apps remain open, and you can view your account, transfer money between your own accounts, and set up bill payments.

Transactions you initiate online or at an ATM on a closed day will process, but they may not settle until the next business day. For example, a transfer you make on a Sunday will show as pending in your account but will not move the money until Monday. Checks deposited at an ATM on a holiday will not clear until the next business day.

What you cannot do on a closed day is speak to a bank representative by phone, visit a branch in person, or conduct transactions that require a person to authorize them. Wire transfers, loan applications, and account disputes typically require a business day to process.

How to find your bank's specific closure dates

The easiest way is to visit your bank's website and search for "holiday hours" or "branch hours." Most banks publish their full-year holiday schedule. You can also call the main customer service number and ask, or visit your local branch and ask the teller to confirm the dates.

If you bank with a large national bank like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, the schedule is usually the same across all branches. Smaller regional banks and credit unions may have different schedules, so checking your specific institution matters.

Credit unions and smaller banks may have different schedules

Credit unions are not required to follow the Federal Reserve's holiday schedule. Many do, but some observe different holidays or close on additional days. Some credit unions close on Christmas Eve or the day after Thanksgiving even though these are not federal holidays.

Smaller regional banks sometimes close on holidays that larger banks stay open for, or vice versa. If you use a credit union or a bank with fewer than 10 branches, confirm the holiday schedule directly rather than assuming it matches the Federal Reserve calendar.

Planning around bank closures

If you need to move money or handle a transaction that requires a person, do it before a holiday. Checks take longer to clear around holidays because the banking system itself slows down — a check deposited the day before a three-day weekend may not clear until the following Wednesday.

Wire transfers initiated on a Friday before a Monday holiday will not process until Tuesday. If you are waiting for a wire transfer to arrive, account for the extra day. Bill payments set up online usually process on the next business day, so if you schedule one for a closed day, it will go out the day after the bank reopens.

For time-sensitive transactions, use online banking or ATMs on closed days, but plan for settlement to happen the next business day. If the next business day is also a holiday, add another day to your timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are banks closed on all Sundays?

Yes, virtually all banks in the United States close on Sundays. Some banks offer limited Sunday hours at certain locations, but this is rare. Online banking, ATMs, and mobile apps work on Sundays.

What if I need to deposit a check on a holiday?

Use an ATM if your bank's ATM accepts check deposits. The check will be deposited to your account, but it will not clear until the next business day. If the next day is also a holiday, it will clear the day after that.

Do wire transfers process on federal holidays?

No. Wire transfers initiated on a federal holiday will not process until the next business day. If you need money to move by a specific date, initiate the transfer at least one business day before, accounting for any holidays in between.

Is Juneteenth a bank holiday everywhere?

Yes, Juneteenth (June 19) became a federal holiday in 2021, and all Federal Reserve member banks close on this day. Some banks may observe it on June 20 if June 19 falls on a Sunday.

Can I still pay my bills online when the bank is closed?

Yes, you can schedule bill payments online any time, including on holidays. The payment will process on the next business day. If you schedule it for a closed day, it will go out the following business day.