The U.S. has 11 federal bank holidays per year
The United States observes 11 federal bank holidays each year. These are days when most banks close and federal employees get paid time off. The holidays are set by federal law, which means they explore nationwide — though some states and individual banks may observe additional holidays beyond these 11.
Bank holidays matter to you because on these days, most bank branches will be closed. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or handle business in person, you will need to plan around these dates. Online banking and ATMs usually work on bank holidays, but in-person services stop.
The 11 federal holidays are spread throughout the year, with some falling on the same date every year and others moving to a Monday or Friday to create a long weekend.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. observes 11 federal bank holidays each year, and most banks close on these days.
- Some holidays fall on the same date every year (like Christmas on December 25), while others move to the nearest Monday or Friday.
- Online banking and ATMs typically work on bank holidays, but branch services and teller windows close.
- A few states and some banks observe additional holidays beyond the federal 11, so check with your specific bank about their schedule.
The complete list of federal bank holidays
Here are the 11 federal bank holidays observed across the United States:
| Holiday | 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 |
Juneteenth was added to the federal holiday calendar in 2021, bringing the total to 11. Before that, there were 10 federal bank holidays.
Which holidays move to Monday or Friday
When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, most banks observe it on Friday instead. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, most banks observe it on Monday. This rule keeps the holiday from disappearing into a weekend and gives federal employees a full day off during the work week.
For example, if Christmas (December 25) falls on a Saturday, your bank will likely close on Friday, December 24. If New Year's Day falls on a Sunday, your bank will close on Monday, January 2. The holidays that always fall on the same date — New Year's Day, Independence Day, Juneteenth, Veterans Day, and Christmas — are the ones most likely to shift to a nearby weekday.
The holidays that are already scheduled for a specific weekday (like the third Monday in January for MLK Day) never move because they are already positioned during the work week.
What stays open on bank holidays
Even though bank branches close on federal holidays, you can still access your money in several ways. ATMs run 24 hours and work on bank holidays — you can withdraw cash and check your balance anytime. Online banking also stays available, so you can transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and check transactions from your computer or phone.
Mobile banking apps work the same way. You can deposit checks using your phone's camera, send money to other people, and manage your account without visiting a branch. The only thing you cannot do is speak to a teller or handle services that require a person to process your request, like opening a new account or getting a cashier's check.
If you need to deposit cash or handle something that requires a teller, plan to do it the business day before the holiday.
State and regional bank holidays
Some states observe additional holidays beyond the federal 11. For example, some Southern states observe Confederate Memorial Day, and a few states have their own regional holidays. If your bank is based in a state with extra holidays, it may close on those days even though they are not federal holidays.
The best way to know your bank's full holiday schedule is to check their website or call your local branch. Most banks publish their holiday schedule at the start of the year, and you can usually find it under "Hours" or "Contact Us" on their website. If you use a national bank like Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo, they typically follow the federal schedule only, but regional and community banks may have their own rules.
Planning around bank holidays
If you know you will need to visit your bank in person, check the holiday calendar before you go. This is especially important if you need a service that only a teller can provide — opening an account, ordering a cashier's check, or resolving a problem with a transaction.
If a holiday falls on a Monday and you need cash over the weekend, withdraw it on Friday. If you are expecting a check deposit and a holiday is coming up, deposit it a day or two early so it clears before the branch closes. For regular bill payments and transfers, use online banking or set up automatic payments so holidays do not disrupt your routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all banks close on the same federal holidays?
Most banks close on all 11 federal holidays, but some regional and community banks may have different schedules. A few banks may stay open on Columbus Day or observe state-specific holidays instead. Check with your bank directly to confirm their schedule.
Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?
Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs and stores on bank holidays. You can withdraw cash from ATMs and make purchases anywhere that accepts cards. The only thing you cannot do is visit a branch and speak to a teller.
What happens if I try to deposit a check on a bank holiday?
If you deposit a check at an ATM or through mobile banking on a bank holiday, it will be processed the next business day. If you deposit it at a branch (which will be closed), you cannot do it. Use your phone's mobile deposit feature instead.
If a holiday falls on a weekend, do I get an extra day off?
Federal employees get an extra day off when a holiday falls on a weekend — the bank observes it on Friday or Monday instead. As a customer, you just need to know that your bank will be closed on that Friday or Monday, not on the weekend itself.
Are there any bank holidays I should plan ahead for?
Thanksgiving week and the Christmas-New Year period are the busiest times for banks before holidays. If you need cash or want to open an account, do it earlier in the week rather than waiting until the day before the holiday.