The fastest way to know if today is a bank holiday
The simplest answer is to check the Federal Reserve's official holiday calendar at federalreserve.gov, which lists every day U.S. banks close. You can also call your own bank's customer service line — they will tell you when ready whether they are open today. If you need to know right now, your bank's website or mobile app usually shows holiday closures in a banner at the top, or you can search "[your bank name] holiday hours" to find their schedule.
Bank holidays in the USA are not all the same day for every bank. Federal holidays — the ones the government observes — close most banks, but some banks also close on additional days their company chooses. This means your bank might be closed on a day another bank is open.
The easiest method is always to contact your bank directly by phone, text, or their app rather than guessing. Most banks have automated systems that answer outside business hours.
Key Takeaways
- The Federal Reserve publishes the official list of federal bank holidays at federalreserve.gov, and most U.S. banks close on these days.
- Individual banks may close on additional days beyond federal holidays, so checking your specific bank's calendar is the only way to be certain.
- Your bank's website, mobile app, or customer service line will show you their holiday schedule for today and upcoming weeks.
- If a bank is closed today, ATMs and online banking usually remain available, but you cannot speak to a person or conduct transactions that require a teller.
The eleven federal bank holidays
The U.S. federal government recognizes eleven holidays each year when most banks, government offices, and many businesses close. These are: 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 Day (fourth Thursday in November), and Christmas Day (December 25).
When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, the observed holiday usually shifts to the nearest weekday. If Christmas falls on a Saturday, for example, banks close on Friday instead. The Federal Reserve announces the exact observed dates each year on their website.
Nearly all banks close on these eleven days, but not every bank closes on every one. Some banks remain open on Columbus Day or Veterans Day, for instance. This is why calling your bank is more reliable than assuming.
Why your bank might be closed when others are open
Banks are not required to close on every federal holiday. Federal law requires banks to close on certain days — primarily New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas — but gives banks the choice on others. Some large national banks close on all eleven federal holidays. Regional banks or credit unions might close on fewer days.
Additionally, some banks observe state holidays that are not federal holidays. For example, a bank in Texas might close on Texas Independence Day (March 2), while a bank in California does not. A bank in Hawaii might close on different days than a bank in New York.
The only way to know your bank's full holiday schedule is to check their website or call them directly.
What stays open when your bank closes
Even if your bank's physical location is closed today, several services usually remain available. ATMs work on bank holidays — you can withdraw cash and check your balance. Online banking through your bank's website or app typically functions normally, so you can transfer money between your own accounts or pay bills.
What you cannot do on a bank holiday is speak to a teller, deposit a check in person, or conduct transactions that require a bank employee. If you need to deposit a check, you can use a mobile deposit feature in your bank's app if they offer it, and the check will process when the bank reopens.
If you use a credit union instead of a bank, the same rules explore — ATMs and online services work, but in-person services close.
Planning ahead for bank holidays
If you know you will need to visit your bank in person, check their holiday calendar a week or two in advance. Most banks post their full-year schedule on their website. You can also ask a teller for a printed calendar or set a phone reminder the day before a holiday you know is coming.
If you need to deposit a check before a bank holiday, do it the day before or use mobile deposit through your app if your bank offers it. If you need cash, withdraw it before the holiday closes. If you need to pay a bill, pay it online or through your bank's app rather than waiting for the bank to reopen.
For recurring needs like payroll deposits or automatic bill payments, bank holidays do not affect these — they process normally even when the bank is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my paycheck deposit if today is a bank holiday?
Yes. Direct deposits process automatically on bank holidays. Your employer sends the deposit, and it lands in your account on schedule. The bank does not need to be staffed for this to happen.
Can I use my debit card if the bank is closed today?
Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs and stores on bank holidays. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and make purchases. Only in-person services at the bank branch require the bank to be open.
If I write a check today, when will it clear?
The check will not clear until the bank reopens. If you write a check on a bank holiday, it will not process until the next business day. This is why it is safer to pay bills online or by debit card if you need the payment to go through when ready.
Do credit unions close on the same days as banks?
Most credit unions close on federal holidays, but not all. Some credit unions stay open on days when banks close. Check your credit union's website or call them to confirm their holiday schedule.
How do I learn about my bank is open tomorrow?
Visit your bank's website and look for a holiday calendar or hours page. You can also call their customer service line, text them, or check their mobile app. Searching "[your bank name] hours tomorrow" usually brings up their schedule quickly.