Banks close on federal holidays and Sundays
Your bank is closed today because it is either a Sunday or a federal holiday when banks do not operate. The most common reason is a federal holiday — days the U.S. government observes and when most banks shut their doors nationwide. Banks also close every Sunday, and some branches close on Saturdays depending on the bank's schedule.
Federal holidays when banks close include 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 today is one of these dates, that is why your branch is not open.
Even if your local bank branch is closed, you can still move money and check your balance through online banking, mobile apps, or ATMs. These services run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of whether the physical branch is staffed.
Key Takeaways
- Banks close on all federal holidays and every Sunday, with some branches also closed on Saturdays.
- You can still access your money through ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps even when branches are closed.
- If you need to speak with someone, most banks offer phone support on holidays, though wait times are often longer.
- Deposits made at ATMs or through mobile apps on a closed day will post to your account the next business day.
- Wire transfers and other time-sensitive transactions may process more slowly if initiated on a holiday.
What you can do when your bank is closed
ATMs are always available, even when the branch is closed. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks or cash through a mobile deposit feature, transfer money between your own accounts, and check your balance at any time. If your bank is part of a larger network, you may be able to use ATMs from other banks without a fee — check your account terms to see which ATMs are free for you.
Online banking and your bank's mobile app let you pay bills, send money to other people, move funds between accounts, and review transactions. These tools work the same way on a holiday as they do on a regular business day. If you need to send money to someone else, you can use your bank's transfer service or a money transfer app like Venmo or PayPal.
Phone support is often available even on holidays, though you may wait longer to reach someone. Call the number on the back of your debit card or check your bank's website to see if holiday hours are listed. Some banks offer limited phone support on major holidays.
When deposits post to your account
If you deposit a check or cash at an ATM on a holiday, the deposit will not post until the next business day. For example, if you deposit on Sunday, the money will show in your account on Monday (unless Monday is also a holiday). The same rule applies to checks you deposit through mobile banking — they are processed the next business day.
Transfers you make between your own accounts at the same bank usually post when ready, even on a holiday. If you transfer money to an account at a different bank, it may take one to three business days depending on the banks involved, and the clock does not start until the next business day after you send it.
Wire transfers and time-sensitive transactions
If you need to send a wire transfer on a holiday, the bank will not process it until the next business day. Wire transfers sent on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday will not leave your account until Monday. If Monday is a holiday, the wire will not go out until Tuesday. This matters if you are paying a bill with a important date — the payment will arrive later than you might expect.
The same delay applies to other time-sensitive transactions like setting up automatic payments or requesting a cashier's check. Plan ahead if you have a payment due soon and the bank is closed today.
How to find your bank's holiday schedule
Your bank publishes its holiday schedule on its website, usually under a section called "Hours" or "Locations." You can also call the main customer service number on the back of your debit card and ask which days the bank will be closed this year. Many banks post their schedule in January so you can plan ahead.
If you use a credit union instead of a bank, the same rules explore — credit unions close on federal holidays and Sundays. Check your credit union's website or call to confirm today's hours.
Planning ahead for bank closures
If you know you will need cash or need to make a payment on a holiday, withdraw the cash or make the transfer the day before. This is especially important if you are paying a bill with a important date or sending money to someone who needs it by a certain date.
Set up automatic bill payments through your bank's online system so you do not have to remember to pay on a specific day. Automatic payments process on schedule even when the bank is closed, as long as you set them up ahead of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check on a holiday?
Yes, you can deposit checks at ATMs or through mobile banking on a holiday. The check will post to your account the next business day. If the holiday falls on a Monday, the check will post on Tuesday.
Will my automatic payment go through if the bank is closed?
Yes, automatic payments process on their scheduled date even if the bank is closed. The payment leaves your account on the date you set it for, whether or not that day is a holiday.
Can I withdraw money from an ATM on a holiday?
Yes, ATMs work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, and transfer money between your accounts anytime.
What if I need to speak to someone at the bank today?
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card. Many banks offer phone support on holidays, though wait times are usually longer. Check your bank's website to see if holiday hours are posted.
Will a wire transfer I send today go out when ready?
No, wire transfers sent on a holiday will not process until the next business day. If you need money to arrive by a specific date, send the wire the day before the important date.