The United States observes eleven federal bank holidays each year
The number of days your bank closes depends on which holidays the Federal Reserve recognizes. The Federal Reserve Board designates eleven federal holidays when most U.S. banks shut down. These are set by federal law, not by individual banks, so the closure dates are the same across the country.
However, not every bank closes on every federal holiday. Some banks stay open on certain days, and a few banks observe additional holidays beyond the federal list. Your specific bank's holiday schedule depends on its own policies and the states where it operates. If you need to know whether your bank will be open on a particular day, check your bank's website or call the branch directly.
Key Takeaways
- The Federal Reserve recognizes eleven federal holidays when most banks close nationwide.
- Individual banks may choose to stay open on some federal holidays or close on additional days based on state law or company policy.
- The federal holiday list includes New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, among others.
- Bank closures affect when deposits post and when you can access certain services, so knowing your bank's schedule matters for time-sensitive transactions.
The eleven federal holidays that close most banks
The Federal Reserve's official holiday calendar includes these eleven days:
| Holiday | Typical Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. | Third Monday in January |
| Washington's Birthday | 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 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, the Federal Reserve observes the holiday on the nearest weekday. If Christmas falls on a Saturday, for example, banks close on Friday. If New Year's Day falls on a Sunday, banks close on Monday.
Juneteenth was added to the federal holiday list in 2021, making it the most recent addition. This means the number of federal bank holidays increased from ten to eleven starting in 2022.
Why individual banks may have different schedules
A bank can choose to stay open on a federal holiday if it wants to. Some larger banks keep certain branches open on days like Presidents' Day or Columbus Day, particularly in busy urban areas or shopping districts. Other banks close on state holidays that are not on the federal list—for example, some banks in Texas close on Texas Independence Day (March 2), and some in Hawaii close on Kamehameha Day (June 11).
Regional and community banks sometimes observe holidays that national banks do not. Credit unions may also have their own holiday schedules separate from the Federal Reserve's calendar. The safest approach is to check with your specific bank rather than assume it follows the federal list exactly.
How bank holidays affect your transactions
When your bank is closed on a holiday, deposits you make do not post until the next business day. If you deposit a check on a Friday before a three-day weekend, it will not clear until Tuesday. Wire transfers and ACH transfers also pause during bank holidays, so timing matters if you need money to move by a certain date.
ATM withdrawals and online transfers between your own accounts usually work on holidays because they do not require bank staff to process them. However, if you need to speak to someone at the bank or conduct a transaction that requires human approval, you will have to wait until the bank reopens.
Some banks offer limited services on certain holidays—for example, a branch might open for a few hours on the day after Thanksgiving. Check your bank's specific holiday hours before you plan a transaction that depends on the bank being open.
When to plan around bank holidays
If you are paying a bill by check or bank transfer and the due date falls on or just after a bank holiday, send the payment earlier in the week. A payment sent on Thursday before a Monday holiday will not arrive until Tuesday, which could be late depending on your creditor's rules.
For payroll deposits, most employers time direct deposits to land in your account on payday even if it is a holiday. However, if your employer processes payroll on a holiday, the deposit may arrive the next business day instead. Ask your HR department how holidays affect your pay schedule.
If you are expecting a wire transfer or a payment from another institution, remember that the sending bank's holiday schedule also matters. A wire sent on a holiday may not process until the next day, even if your bank is open.
How to find your bank's specific holiday schedule
Your bank publishes its holiday schedule on its website, usually under a section called "Hours" or "Holiday Hours." You can also call your local branch or visit in person to ask which days it will be closed. Many banks send email notifications before major holidays to remind customers of closures.
If you use multiple banks or financial institutions, check each one separately. A credit union, an online bank, and a traditional brick-and-branch bank may all have different holiday schedules. Knowing the schedule for each account you use prevents surprises when you need to move money or make a time-sensitive transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all banks close on the same eleven federal holidays?
Most banks close on the eleven federal holidays recognized by the Federal Reserve, but individual banks can choose to stay open on some of them. Additionally, banks may close on state holidays or other days that are not on the federal list. Check your specific bank's schedule to be certain.
What happens if I need to deposit a check on a bank holiday?
If your bank has an ATM, you can deposit the check there on a holiday and it will be processed when the bank reopens. If you mail the check or use mobile deposit through your bank's app, the deposit will post on the next business day. The timing depends on your bank's processing rules, not on when you physically deposit it.
Do online banks close on federal holidays?
Online banks do not have physical branches, so they do not close in the traditional sense. However, they may not process certain transactions like wire transfers or customer service requests on federal holidays. Check your online bank's holiday schedule for details on which services pause and when.
If a holiday falls on a weekend, when does the bank close?
The Federal Reserve observes the holiday on the nearest weekday. If Christmas falls on Saturday, banks close on Friday. If New Year's Day falls on Sunday, banks close on Monday. Your bank will follow this rule unless it has a different policy.
Can I withdraw money from an ATM on a bank holiday?
Yes. ATMs work on bank holidays because they do not require bank staff to operate them. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts on any day, including holidays.