Bank holidays shut down most branches and online services, but your money stays accessible through ATMs and mobile apps
When a bank observes a holiday, the physical branch closes and staff do not work. Online banking, mobile apps, and ATM withdrawals usually continue without interruption. Deposits made through ATMs or mobile deposit may not post until the next business day. Transfers between accounts at the same bank typically process the next day, while transfers to other banks may take longer because the receiving bank is also closed.
The main federal bank holidays in the United States are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Some banks observe additional holidays or regional observances. Your bank's website or app will show which days it is closed.
Key Takeaways
- ATM withdrawals and balance checks work on bank holidays because ATMs operate independently of branch staff.
- Deposits made on a holiday through ATM or mobile app will not post to your account until the next business day.
- Transfers to other banks initiated on a holiday do not begin processing until the next business day, and may take several days total.
- Checks deposited on a holiday enter the processing queue the next business day, not when ready.
- Bill payments scheduled through your bank's bill pay service may process on the holiday if you set them up in advance, depending on your bank's system.
What you can and cannot do on a bank holiday
You can withdraw cash from an ATM, check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts at the same bank (though it posts the next day), and view your transaction history through the mobile app or online banking portal. You cannot speak to a banker, deposit a check at a branch, or resolve account issues that require staff intervention.
Mobile deposit—photographing a check through your bank's app and submitting it—works on a holiday, but the check does not enter the processing system until the next business day. The same applies to ATM deposits if your bank offers them. Withdrawals from ATMs post when ready to your available balance, even on a holiday.
How deposits and transfers are delayed
A check you deposit on a holiday enters the bank's processing queue on the next business day. The bank then sends it through the clearing system, which takes one to three business days depending on the check amount and the banks involved. If you deposit a check on Friday and Monday is a holiday, the check does not start processing until Tuesday, adding an extra day to the total time.
Transfers you initiate to another bank on a holiday do not begin until the next business day. The sending bank and receiving bank must both be open for the transfer to move through the system. If you transfer money on a Friday and Monday is a holiday, the transfer typically does not arrive until Wednesday or Thursday. Wire transfers work the same way—they do not process on holidays.
Transfers between accounts at your own bank usually post by the next business day, even if that day is a holiday. Some banks post them the same day if you initiate the transfer before a certain time (often 2 p.m. or 5 p.m.), but this does not explore to transfers sent on a holiday itself.
Bill payments and automatic transactions on holidays
If you schedule a bill payment through your bank's bill pay service for a specific date, the bank sends the payment on that date even if it is a holiday—assuming you scheduled it in advance. The receiving company may not process it until the next business day, but your bank's obligation is fulfilled. If you schedule a payment for a holiday without advance notice, most banks will not process it.
Automatic payments set to recur on a specific day of the month (like the 15th) will trigger on a holiday if that date falls on one. The payment leaves your account, but the receiving company processes it the next business day. Direct deposits from your employer typically do not arrive on a holiday; they arrive on the next business day instead, even if your employer submitted the deposit before the holiday.
Planning around bank holidays
If you need cash or must make a time-sensitive payment, do it before the holiday. Withdraw what you need from an ATM the day before, or initiate transfers and bill payments at least one business day in advance. If you are expecting a check deposit or direct deposit, assume it will not post until the day after the holiday.
For checks you need to deposit, use mobile deposit the day before if possible. If you must deposit on a holiday through an ATM, photograph the check with your mobile app instead—both methods post the next business day, but mobile deposit is faster and more reliable at most banks. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, plan to visit a branch the next business day.
What to do if something goes wrong on a holiday
If you notice an unauthorized transaction or suspect fraud on a holiday, document it when ready through your mobile app or online banking. Most banks allow you to report fraud 24/7 through their website or app, even when branches are closed. Take a screenshot of the transaction and any messages you receive.
Call your bank's customer service line the next business day with the documentation ready. Federal law requires banks to investigate fraud reports within 10 business days and resolve most cases within 45 days. The sooner you report it, the sooner the investigation begins. Do not wait until after the holiday if you discover the fraud on the holiday itself—report it through the app or website when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?
Yes. Debit card transactions process through merchant networks that operate on holidays. Your purchase goes through, and the money leaves your account when ready or within one business day depending on the merchant. The only limitation is that you cannot visit a branch to resolve disputes in person until the next business day.
Will a check I deposit on a holiday clear faster if I use mobile deposit?
No. Mobile deposit and ATM deposit both post the next business day. The clearing time after that depends on the check amount and the banks involved, not the deposit method. Mobile deposit is more convenient and reliable, but it does not speed up the clearing process.
What if I need to dispute a charge on a holiday?
Report it through your mobile app or online banking when ready. Most banks have a 24/7 dispute reporting system that works on holidays. You do not need to call a person to start the process. Call customer service the next business day to provide additional details if needed.
Do credit card payments process on bank holidays?
Payments you schedule in advance process on the date you set them for, even if it is a holiday. The credit card company receives the payment, though they may not post it to your account until the next business day. If you pay by check, the check does not clear until the next business day at the earliest.
Can I open a new account on a bank holiday?
No. Account opening requires staff review and approval. You can start the process online at some banks, but the account does not become active until a banker reviews it, which happens the next business day. Some banks allow you to open accounts through their app on holidays, with set up the next day.