The UK has between 8 and 10 bank holidays each year, depending on where you live

Bank holidays are days when most banks, government offices, and many businesses close. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, there are 8 bank holidays set by the government each year. Scotland has 9. Some regions also observe additional local holidays, which can push the total to 10 in certain areas.

The exact number matters because it affects when you can visit your bank in person, when you can expect payments to clear, and when customer service lines may be closed. If you're new to the UK banking system or returning after time away, knowing which days banks shut helps you plan ahead for things like withdrawals, transfers, or speaking to someone about your account.

Key Takeaways

  • England, Wales, and Northern Ireland observe 8 bank holidays per year; Scotland observes 9.
  • Bank holidays fall on fixed dates (like Christmas and Boxing Day) and moveable dates (like Easter Monday), so the calendar shifts slightly each year.
  • On bank holidays, most physical bank branches close, but online banking, ATMs, and phone lines may still work depending on your bank.
  • Payments sent on a bank holiday may not clear until the next working day, so timing matters if you need money urgently.
  • Some regions have additional local holidays that may affect specific branches or services in that area.

The fixed bank holidays that happen on the same date every year

Four bank holidays fall on the same calendar date each year: New Year's Day (1 January), Christmas Day (25 December), Boxing Day (26 December), and in Scotland only, 2 January. These are the easiest to plan around because they don't move.

If one of these dates falls on a weekend, the bank holiday is usually moved to the next weekday. For example, if Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, the holiday becomes Monday 27 December instead. This is called a "substitute bank holiday" and your bank will treat it the same way as the original date.

The moveable bank holidays that change date each year

The other bank holidays shift because they're tied to Easter, which changes each year. Easter is calculated using the lunar calendar, so it can fall anywhere between 22 March and 25 April. The bank holidays that move with it are Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Early May Bank Holiday (which is always the first Monday in May, so it's fixed to a day of the week rather than a date).

Spring Bank Holiday (the last Monday in May) and Summer Bank Holiday (the last Monday in August) are also fixed to a day of the week, so they move slightly on the calendar each year. This means you need to check the current year's calendar rather than remembering a specific date.

How bank holidays affect your banking

On a bank holiday, physical bank branches are closed and you cannot visit in person. However, most banks keep their online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs running normally. You can check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, and withdraw cash from ATMs on a bank holiday.

Payments you send on a bank holiday usually don't clear until the next working day. This matters if you're paying a bill or sending money to someone else — the recipient won't see it arrive until after the holiday ends. If you need money to reach someone urgently, send it before the bank holiday begins.

Phone banking and customer service lines may have reduced hours or be closed entirely on bank holidays, depending on your bank. If you need to speak to someone about a problem with your account, you may have to wait until the next working day.

Regional differences: Scotland and local holidays

Scotland observes 9 bank holidays instead of 8 because it has an additional holiday on 2 January. Some Scottish banks may also observe different dates for Spring and Summer Bank Holidays, so check with your specific bank if you're in Scotland.

Some regions have additional local holidays that affect specific areas. For example, some councils in England observe a local holiday on a date that's not a national bank holiday. These rarely affect banking services across the whole country, but if you live in a region with a local holiday, your local branch may close on that day.

Planning around bank holidays when you need banking services

If you know you'll need to visit a branch, withdraw cash, or send a payment that needs to clear quickly, check the bank holiday calendar before you plan. Most banks publish their holiday closures on their website or in their mobile app.

For urgent payments, use online banking or your mobile app rather than waiting to visit a branch. If you need to speak to someone, call ahead on a working day to ask about phone banking hours during the upcoming holiday. Some banks offer extended hours on the day before a bank holiday to help customers prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do ATMs work on bank holidays?

Yes, most ATMs work normally on bank holidays. You can withdraw cash and check your balance. However, some ATMs in very small locations or inside bank branches may be unavailable if the branch is closed. If you need cash on a bank holiday, use an ATM in a supermarket or shopping centre rather than one inside a bank building.

Can I send money on a bank holiday?

You can send money using online banking or your mobile app on a bank holiday, but it won't clear until the next working day. If the bank holiday is followed by a weekend, the payment may not arrive until Tuesday. Plan ahead if the money needs to reach someone by a specific date.

What happens if I need to speak to my bank on a bank holiday?

Most banks close their phone lines on bank holidays, though some offer a limited service for emergencies. Check your bank's website or the back of your debit card for a number to call if you have an urgent problem. For non-urgent issues, contact them on the next working day.

Are bank holidays the same in every part of the UK?

No. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have 8 bank holidays; Scotland has 9 because it observes 2 January. Some regions also have local holidays that may affect specific branches. Check with your bank about holidays in your area.

If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, do I get an extra day off?

If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the government usually declares the next weekday as a substitute bank holiday instead. Banks will be closed on that weekday. You don't get an extra day off — the holiday is moved, not added.