Bank holidays close most banks, but not all financial services on that day

A bank holiday is a day when the Federal Reserve and most U.S. banks shut their doors. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to someone at a branch, you cannot do those things on a bank holiday. However, ATMs stay open, online banking works normally, and some credit unions and smaller banks may operate on their own schedules.

The easiest way to know if today or tomorrow is a bank holiday is to check your bank's website or call the branch directly. Most banks list their holiday schedule on the homepage or in the FAQ section. You can also look at a Federal Reserve calendar — the Fed publishes the official list of days when it closes, and most banks follow that same schedule.

Bank holidays are different from public holidays. A day can be a public holiday (meaning schools and government offices close) without being a bank holiday, and vice versa. For example, some states observe holidays that banks do not, and some banks close on days that are not federal holidays at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank branches close on bank holidays, but ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps work normally.
  • The Federal Reserve publishes an official calendar of bank holidays each year on its website.
  • Most banks follow the Federal Reserve schedule, but some credit unions and regional banks may have different closure dates.
  • A day can be a public holiday without being a bank holiday, so checking your specific bank's schedule is the only way to be sure.

The Federal Reserve's official bank holiday list

The Federal Reserve closes on ten days each year. These 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, and Thanksgiving Day. The day after Thanksgiving is not a federal bank holiday, though some individual banks choose to close.

You can find the current year's exact dates on the Federal Reserve's website under "Holiday Schedules." The Fed updates this page each year, and the dates are the same every year (except when a holiday falls on a weekend, in which case the closure moves to the nearest weekday).

Most large banks — Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, and others — close on all ten of these days. However, some smaller banks, credit unions, and online-only banks may have different policies. A few banks stay open on certain holidays or close on additional days for religious observances.

What you can and cannot do on a bank holiday

On a bank holiday, you cannot visit a branch to deposit checks, withdraw cash, open an account, or speak to a banker in person. Wire transfers initiated through a branch also will not process until the next business day. If you need to report a lost or stolen card and speak to someone when ready, you can usually reach a customer service phone line, though wait times are often longer.

What does work: ATMs dispense cash and accept deposits 24 hours a day, even on bank holidays. Online banking portals and mobile apps let you transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and check your balance. Debit and credit card transactions process normally. Direct deposits and automatic bill payments scheduled before the holiday go through on time.

If you send a check by mail or initiate a transfer online on a bank holiday, the transaction will process the next business day. Some banks show the transaction as pending when ready, but the money does not actually move until the bank reopens.

How to find your bank's specific holiday schedule

Start with your bank's website. Most banks have a "Holiday Hours" or "Branch Closures" page, or you can search the site for "bank holidays." If you cannot find it online, call your local branch or the customer service number on the back of your card. A representative can tell you which days your bank closes.

If you bank at a credit union, check the credit union's website or call directly — credit unions sometimes observe different holidays than banks. The same applies if you use an online-only bank; some of these banks process transactions 24/7 even on federal holidays, though they may not have customer service staff available.

Write down your bank's holiday schedule or save it in your phone. This is especially useful if you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash on a specific day.

What happens if you need banking services on a holiday

If you need cash, use an ATM. Most ATMs are available around the clock, including on bank holidays. If you need to deposit a check and your bank has mobile check deposit (a feature in the mobile app that lets you photograph the check), you can deposit it from home on the holiday itself.

If you need to speak to someone, try calling customer service. Most large banks have phone lines open on bank holidays, though wait times are longer and some services (like opening a new account) may not be available. If your issue is urgent and you cannot reach your bank, consider whether it can wait until the next business day.

For wire transfers or other time-sensitive transactions, plan ahead. If you know you will need something done by a specific date, initiate it before the bank holiday arrives.

Bank holidays versus public holidays

A public holiday is a day when federal, state, or local government offices close and most people do not work. A bank holiday is specifically a day when banks close. These often overlap — for example, Independence Day is both a public holiday and a bank holiday. But they are not the same thing.

Some states observe holidays that banks do not. For example, some states close government offices on Robert E. Lee's birthday, but banks do not close on that day. Conversely, banks close on Juneteenth, and while it is now a federal holiday, some state and local governments may not observe it in the same way.

If you are unsure whether a particular day affects your bank, check your bank's schedule rather than assuming based on whether schools or government offices are closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?

Yes. Debit card transactions process normally on bank holidays. You can use your card at stores, ATMs, and online merchants. The only thing you cannot do is visit a branch in person or speak to a banker.

Will my direct deposit come through on a bank holiday?

Direct deposits scheduled to arrive on a bank holiday usually arrive on the next business day instead. However, some employers and payroll systems process deposits early if they know a holiday is coming. Check with your employer or payroll department if you are unsure when your deposit will arrive.

What if I need to report fraud on a bank holiday?

Call your bank's customer service number on the back of your card. Most banks have fraud departments available on holidays, though you may wait longer than usual. If you cannot reach anyone, you can also report fraud through your online banking portal or mobile app.

Do online banks close on bank holidays?

Online-only banks do not have physical branches, so they do not "close" in the traditional sense. However, customer service may have reduced hours or be unavailable on bank holidays. Check your bank's website to see its holiday schedule.

Is the day after Thanksgiving a bank holiday?

No. The day after Thanksgiving is not a federal bank holiday, though some individual banks choose to close. Check your specific bank's schedule to see if it will be open.