The federal government recognizes 11 bank holidays each year
The United States observes 11 federal bank holidays annually. These are days when most banks, federal offices, and the stock market close. The list is set by federal law and applies nationwide, though individual states and private employers can add their own holidays on top of these.
The 11 holidays are: New Year's Day, Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., Washington's Birthday (Presidents' Day), Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
What matters for your account: if you need to deposit a check, transfer money, or speak to someone at your bank on a federal holiday, most branches will be closed. ATMs and online banking usually work normally. Some banks stay open on certain holidays depending on state law or company policy, so check your specific bank's schedule rather than assuming all branches are closed.
Key Takeaways
- Eleven federal bank holidays close most U.S. banks, though ATMs and online banking remain available.
- The holidays are set by federal law and include New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and eight others.
- Individual banks may stay open on some federal holidays depending on state law or their own policy.
- Transactions you initiate online or at an ATM on a holiday usually process the next business day.
- Some states recognize additional holidays beyond the federal list, which may affect local bank branches.
The complete list of federal bank holidays
Here are the 11 holidays observed by federal banks and offices:
| Holiday | Typical Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. | Third Monday in January |
| Washington's Birthday (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 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
When a holiday falls on a weekend, the federal government typically observes it on the nearest weekday. For example, if Christmas falls on a Saturday, banks close on Friday instead. If New Year's Day falls on a Sunday, banks close on Monday.
What actually closes on a federal bank holiday
Federal Reserve banks, most commercial banks, and the stock market (NYSE and NASDAQ) all close on these 11 days. Federal offices shut down. Credit unions often close as well, though some stay open depending on their policies.
What stays open: ATMs run 24/7 regardless of holidays. Online banking portals remain accessible. Mobile apps work normally. You can send money, check balances, and set up transfers on a holiday—the transaction just won't clear until the next business day.
If you deposit a check at an ATM on a holiday, it enters the queue but won't be processed until the next business day. The same applies to wire transfers initiated online: they sit in the system and move the next day the bank is open.
How bank holidays affect your transactions
Most routine transactions you initiate on a holiday will process the next business day. A check deposit at an ATM on Thanksgiving will clear on Friday. A wire transfer sent online on Independence Day will leave your account on Thursday.
Incoming transfers and deposits may also be delayed. If someone sends you money on a holiday, it typically arrives the next business day. Some transfers take longer depending on the sending bank and the type of transfer (ACH transfers usually take one to two business days regardless).
If you need cash on a holiday, use an ATM. If you need to speak to someone at your bank, you will have to wait until the next business day. Some banks offer phone support on holidays, but branch staff will not be available.
State holidays that may affect your local bank
Some states recognize additional holidays beyond the federal 11. For example, Texas observes Confederate Heroes Day, and some counties in other states close for local observances. If your state or county has an extra holiday, your local bank branch may close even though the federal holiday list does not include it.
Check your bank's website or call ahead if you are unsure whether a specific day is a holiday in your area. Large national banks like Chase or Bank of America usually follow federal holidays only, but regional banks and credit unions may honor state holidays as well.
Planning around bank holidays
If you need to deposit a check or complete a transaction that requires a teller, plan for the business day before or after a holiday. If a holiday falls on a Monday, Friday is your final note to visit a branch before the weekend.
For recurring bills or automatic payments, set them up a day or two before a holiday to avoid delays. If you are expecting a deposit or transfer, assume it will arrive the day after the holiday rather than on the holiday itself.
Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated on a holiday may take longer than usual because the receiving bank will also be closed. If timing is critical, send the transfer the business day before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card or ATM on a bank holiday?
Yes. ATMs work 24/7 on holidays, and debit card purchases at stores and online go through normally. The transaction may not post to your account until the next business day, but the card itself functions without interruption.
Do all banks close on federal holidays?
Most do, but not all. Some banks stay open on certain holidays depending on state law or company policy. Call your bank or check their website to confirm whether your specific branch is open on the holiday you are interested in.
If I deposit a check on a holiday, when does it clear?
The check enters the system on the holiday but does not clear until the next business day. If you deposit on a Friday holiday, it clears on Monday (assuming Monday is not also a holiday).
Do credit unions close on the same holidays as banks?
Most do, but some credit unions have different schedules. Check with your credit union directly to confirm which holidays they observe.
What if a holiday falls on a weekend?
The federal government observes it 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.