Bank holidays in 2026: the full list

The United States observes 11 federal bank holidays in 2026. These are days when most banks close and do not process transactions, though some banks may stay open depending on their own policies. The dates are set by federal law and do not change year to year — they fall on the same calendar dates or follow the same rules each time.

Here are the 11 federal holidays in 2026 when banks are typically closed:

  • New Year's Day — January 1 (Thursday)
  • Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. — January 19 (third Monday in January)
  • Washington's Birthday — February 16 (third Monday in February)
  • Memorial Day — May 25 (last Monday in May)
  • Juneteenth National Independence Day — June 19 (Friday)
  • Independence Day — July 4 (Saturday)
  • Labor Day — September 7 (first Monday in September)
  • Columbus Day — October 12 (second Monday in October)
  • Veterans Day — November 11 (Wednesday)
  • Thanksgiving Day — November 26 (fourth Thursday in November)
  • Christmas Day — December 25 (Friday)

When a holiday falls on a weekend, some banks observe it on the nearest weekday instead. For example, if Independence Day falls on a Saturday, a bank might close on Friday. Check with your specific bank about their holiday schedule, as policies vary.

Key Takeaways

  • There are 11 federal bank holidays in 2026, and most banks close on these days.
  • Some holidays fall on the same date each year (like Christmas on December 25), while others move to a different date based on a rule (like Memorial Day, always the last Monday in May).
  • When a holiday lands on a weekend, your bank may observe it on the nearest weekday instead, so the actual closure day can shift.
  • Not all banks follow the same holiday schedule — some may stay open or close on different days, so checking with your bank directly is the most reliable way to know.

Why banks close on federal holidays

Banks close on federal holidays because the Federal Reserve, which manages the nation's banking system, does not process transactions on these days. When the Federal Reserve is closed, banks cannot clear checks, process wire transfers, or move money between accounts through the federal system. This means that even if a bank's physical location were open, customers could not conduct most transactions that require the banking network.

Federal holidays are set by Congress and explore across all federal institutions. Banks are required to observe them, though individual banks may choose to stay open for limited services or customer access. Some banks in areas with large populations may keep a few branches open even on holidays, but they will not process standard transactions until the Federal Reserve reopens.

What you cannot do on a bank holiday

On a bank holiday, you cannot process transactions that move through the Federal Reserve system. This includes depositing checks, making wire transfers, transferring money between banks, or withdrawing cash from an ATM that requires real-time verification. You also cannot speak to a banker about opening an account or getting a loan, since branches are closed.

However, you can still use ATMs at your bank's locations to withdraw cash that was already available in your account. You can also use online banking to view your balance, pay bills through your bank's bill-pay system (though the payment will not process until the next business day), or transfer money between your own accounts at the same bank. Mobile banking apps work the same way — you can see your information and schedule transactions, but they will not complete until the bank reopens.

Planning around bank holidays in 2026

If you need to deposit a check or move money between banks, plan to do it before the holiday. Checks deposited on a holiday will not be processed until the next business day after the bank reopens. Wire transfers and ACH transfers (the system most banks use to move money between accounts) also will not go through on a holiday, so if you need money to arrive by a certain date, submit the request at least one business day before.

For bills due on or near a holiday, pay them a few days early. If a bill is due on a Monday that is a bank holiday, paying on the Friday before ensures your payment reaches the creditor on time. Many online bill-pay systems let you schedule payments in advance, so you can set them up weeks ahead and avoid the rush.

Holidays that fall on weekends in 2026

Two holidays in 2026 fall on weekends: Independence Day (July 4 is a Saturday) and Christmas Day (December 25 is a Friday). When Independence Day lands on a Saturday, the Federal Reserve observes the holiday on Friday, July 3, so banks will be closed that day instead. When Christmas falls on a Friday, banks close on Friday as scheduled.

Some banks may also close on the day after Christmas (December 26) if it falls on a Saturday, though this is not a federal requirement. Check your bank's specific holiday calendar to see whether they observe the day after Christmas or any other local holidays that might affect your branch.

State and local holidays that may affect your bank

In addition to the 11 federal holidays, some states and cities observe their own holidays, and banks in those areas may close on those days too. For example, some Southern states observe Confederate Memorial Day, and some states have holidays honoring local historical figures. These vary widely by location and are not observed nationwide.

Your bank's website usually lists all the days it will be closed in your state. If you do not see a holiday calendar online, call your branch or visit in person and ask for a list of closure dates for 2026. This is especially important if you live in a state with additional holidays or if you bank at a credit union, which may follow different rules than national banks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my bank be open on all 11 federal holidays?

Most banks will be closed on all 11 federal holidays, but some large banks keep a few branches open in major cities for limited services. Call your specific branch to ask whether it will be open on the holiday you are asking about. Even if a branch is open, you may not be able to process all transactions.

Can I use my debit card or ATM on a bank holiday?

Yes, you can use your debit card to buy things and withdraw cash from ATMs on a bank holiday. However, some ATMs that require real-time verification of your account may not work. ATMs that dispense cash from your available balance usually work fine. Test your bank's ATM before a holiday to make sure it works the way you expect.

If I deposit a check on the day before a holiday, when will it clear?

A check deposited the day before a holiday will not be processed until the day after the bank reopens. For example, if you deposit a check on Friday and Monday is a bank holiday, the check will not process until Tuesday. The bank counts the holiday as a non-business day.

Do credit unions follow the same holiday schedule as banks?

Most credit unions observe the same 11 federal holidays as banks, but some may have different rules or close on additional days. Check with your credit union directly about its 2026 holiday schedule, since policies vary by institution.

What happens to automatic payments on a bank holiday?

Automatic payments scheduled for a bank holiday will process on the next business day instead. If you have a bill due on a holiday, schedule your automatic payment for a few days before to make sure it arrives on time.