Banks were closed yesterday if it was a federal holiday or weekend
Most banks in the United States close on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and on federal holidays. If yesterday was a Saturday, Sunday, or one of the 11 federal holidays the banking system observes, your bank was almost certainly closed. The federal holidays that trigger bank closures 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 also close on additional state holidays depending on where they operate. For example, banks in certain states may close on Election Day or other regional observances. If you're unsure whether yesterday was a closure day, check your bank's website or call their customer service line — they list all closure dates for the year.
If yesterday was a regular business day and your bank appeared closed, the branch itself may have had limited hours, staffing issues, or a temporary closure. This is different from a system-wide closure. Online banking and ATM access usually remain available even when physical branches are closed.
Key Takeaways
- Banks close on all weekends and the 11 federal holidays recognized by the Federal Reserve, including Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Independence Day.
- Some states observe additional holidays that trigger bank closures, so your specific bank's schedule may differ from the federal standard.
- A closed branch does not mean the banking system is down — online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs typically work during branch closures.
- You can check your bank's closure calendar on their website or by calling their main number to confirm whether a specific date was a closure day.
The 11 Federal Holidays When Banks Close
The Federal Reserve sets the official closure schedule for the banking system. These 11 days are observed nationwide:
| Holiday | Typical Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January |
| Presidents' Day | Third Monday in February |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May |
| Juneteenth | June 19 |
| Independence Day | July 4 |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday in October |
| Veterans Day | November 11 |
| Thanksgiving | Fourth Thursday in November |
| Christmas | December 25 |
When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, banks typically observe the closure on the nearest weekday. For example, if Christmas falls on a Saturday, banks close on Friday instead. Your bank's website will show the exact date they observe the holiday.
State and Regional Holiday Closures
Beyond the federal holidays, some states recognize additional days when banks must close. These vary by location and are set by state banking regulators. For instance, some states close banks on Election Day, while others may observe state-specific commemorative days.
If you bank in a state with regional holidays, your bank's closure calendar will reflect these. The easiest way to find out is to log into your online banking portal — most banks display their full closure schedule there. You can also call your branch directly and ask for the year's closure dates.
What Still Works When Banks Are Closed
When a bank branch is closed, you can still access your money and conduct many transactions. ATMs remain operational during closures, so you can withdraw cash, deposit checks (at ATMs with deposit capability), and check your balance. Mobile banking apps work the same way they do on any other day — you can transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and view transactions.
Online banking portals also stay open. You can log in from your computer or phone to move money, set up payments, or review your account. The only services you cannot use are those that require a person — speaking to a banker, getting a cashier's check, or opening a new account.
If you need to make a time-sensitive transaction and the bank is closed, consider whether an ATM or online transfer will solve the problem. Many bill payments can be scheduled in advance, so you do not have to wait for the branch to reopen.
When a Bank Closes Outside of Holidays
If yesterday was a regular business day and your bank branch was closed, something else happened. The branch may have had reduced hours, temporary closure for renovations, or staffing shortages. Some banks also close individual branches permanently as they consolidate locations.
If you need to know why a specific branch was closed, call the main customer service number listed on your bank's website. They can tell you whether the closure was temporary or permanent and direct you to the nearest open branch or ATM.
How to Plan Around Bank Closures
The best way to avoid problems is to handle time-sensitive transactions before a closure. If you know a holiday is coming and you need a service that requires a banker — like a cashier's check or a loan decision — visit the branch a few days before. Most banks post their closure calendar online at the start of the year, so you can plan ahead.
For regular payments and transfers, use online banking or set up automatic payments. These do not depend on branch hours and will process even if the branch is closed. If you need cash, withdraw it before the closure rather than waiting until afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all banks close on the same federal holidays?
Yes, all banks in the United States close on the 11 federal holidays set by the Federal Reserve. However, some banks may also close on additional state or regional holidays depending on where they operate. Check your specific bank's website to confirm their full closure schedule.
Can I use my debit card or ATM when the bank is closed?
Yes. ATMs and debit cards work during bank closures. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has that feature), and check your balance. Online transfers and bill payments also work normally.
What if I need to deposit a check on a holiday?
If your bank has an ATM with mobile deposit or check deposit capability, you can deposit the check there. Otherwise, you will need to wait until the branch reopens. Mobile deposit through the bank's app is often the fastest option if your bank offers it.
Do credit unions follow the same closure schedule as banks?
Most credit unions close on the same federal holidays as banks, but some may have different schedules. Check your credit union's website or call them directly to confirm their closure dates.
If a holiday falls on a weekend, when does the bank close?
Banks observe the closure on the nearest weekday. If a holiday falls on Saturday, the bank typically closes on Friday. If it falls on Sunday, they close on Monday. Your bank's calendar will show the exact date.