The quickest way to find out
The simplest way to know if today is a bank holiday in the UK is to check the UK government's official bank holidays page at gov.uk/bank-holidays. It lists every bank holiday for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland — and they differ by region. You can also search "UK bank holidays 2024" or "UK bank holidays 2025" to see the full year at a glance.
Bank holidays in the UK are set by law, not by individual banks. When a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday (or Tuesday) becomes a substitute day off, called a substitute bank holiday or replacement day. This means the date you see on the calendar might not be the day the banks actually close.
If you need to know right now — whether for a payment, a transfer, or a service you need today — your own bank's website or app will show you its opening hours. Most banks publish their holiday hours online, and you can call their customer service line to confirm.
Key Takeaways
- England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have different bank holiday dates, so check the gov.uk page for your specific region.
- When a bank holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the replacement day is usually the following Monday or Tuesday, not the original date.
- Your bank's website or app shows its actual opening hours for today, which is more reliable than a general calendar.
- Most banks close on bank holidays, but some services like online banking, ATMs, and phone lines may still work.
The bank holidays that explore to your region
England has eight bank holidays each year: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Early May Bank Holiday (first Monday in May), Spring Bank Holiday (last Monday in May), Summer Bank Holiday (last Monday in August), Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Scotland and Northern Ireland have slightly different dates — for example, Scotland observes New Year's Day on 2 January as well as 1 January, and Northern Ireland observes St Patrick's Day.
Wales follows the same eight holidays as England. The gov.uk website lets you filter by nation so you see only the dates that matter to you. If you live near a border or work in a different region, it is worth checking both sets of dates.
The dates themselves are fixed by law and do not change year to year, except when they fall on a weekend. In that case, the government announces the replacement day in advance — usually the following Monday or Tuesday.
What actually closes on a bank holiday
Most bank branches close on bank holidays, and you cannot visit in person. However, not everything stops. ATMs and cash machines stay open and work normally. Online banking — logging in to transfer money, check your balance, or set up payments — continues to work around the clock.
Phone banking lines are usually closed, though some banks staff a limited line for emergencies. Cheques and standing orders still process on schedule, even though the branch is shut. If you need to make a payment that day, online banking is your best option.
Building societies and credit unions follow the same bank holiday schedule as banks. Post offices have their own holiday calendar, which overlaps with bank holidays but is not identical — some post offices close on different days depending on local arrangements.
When to plan ahead for payments and transfers
If you need to send money or make a payment on or around a bank holiday, use online banking or your bank's app — these work on bank holidays. If you are expecting a payment to arrive, remember that transfers initiated on a bank holiday may not clear until the next working day.
Standing orders and direct debits process normally on bank holidays, so bills that come out automatically will go through as scheduled. If you are worried a payment might miss a important date because of a bank holiday, contact your bank in advance — they can often help you reschedule or confirm the timing.
Cheques take longer to clear anyway (usually three to five working days), so a bank holiday adds an extra day to that wait. If you are relying on a cheque to clear by a certain date, post it well in advance.
How to check your specific bank's hours
Every bank publishes its holiday opening hours on its website. Log in to your online banking, go to the "Contact Us" or "Branch Locator" section, and search for your branch. You will see today's hours and the hours for the next few days. If your branch is closed, the page usually tells you which other branches are open nearby.
You can also call your bank's customer service number — this line is often staffed even on bank holidays, though wait times may be longer. The number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank statements.
If you bank with a building society or credit union, the same approach works. Their websites show branch hours, and you can call to confirm before you travel.
Bank holidays and your paycheck
If you are paid by direct deposit (also called BACS transfer or faster payment), your salary arrives on your normal payday even if that day is a bank holiday. The payment processes automatically and does not depend on the bank being open.
If your employer usually pays you on a Friday and that Friday is a bank holiday, check your contract or ask payroll — some employers pay a day early, and some pay on the next working day. This varies by employer, not by bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw money on a bank holiday?
Yes, if you use an ATM or cash machine — these work on bank holidays. If you need to visit a branch in person, you will need to go on a working day. Some supermarkets and convenience stores offer cash-back when you buy something, which also works on bank holidays.
Will my direct debit or standing order go out on a bank holiday?
Yes. Direct debits and standing orders process automatically on bank holidays and do not depend on the bank being staffed. The payment will leave your account on the scheduled date.
What if I need to speak to my bank on a bank holiday?
Most banks have a phone line open on bank holidays, though it may have longer wait times and may only handle urgent issues. Check your bank's website for the holiday phone number, or try the regular customer service number on the back of your card.
Do building societies and credit unions close on bank holidays?
Yes, most building societies and credit unions close their branches on bank holidays, just like banks. Online services and ATMs continue to work. Check your institution's website for its specific holiday hours.
If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, do I get a day off work?
That depends on your employment contract and your employer. Bank holidays are days when banks close, but not all employers give employees the day off. Check your contract or ask your employer what happens when a bank holiday falls on a weekend.