Banks follow a fixed federal holiday schedule, not a daily one
Banks close on the same days every year — not based on what today is. The Federal Reserve publishes a calendar each year listing the exact dates when banks will be closed. If today is one of those dates, your bank will not process transactions, and ATMs may not work. If today is not on that list, your bank is open during normal hours, even if some other businesses are closed.
The fastest way to know is to call your bank's customer service line or check their website. Most banks display holiday hours on their homepage or in the mobile app. You can also look at the Federal Reserve's official holiday calendar — it is the same for all banks nationwide.
Key Takeaways
- Banks close on 11 federal holidays each year, and the dates are the same for all banks nationwide.
- The Federal Reserve publishes the official holiday calendar every year, and your bank's website will show which days they are closed.
- Calling your bank's main number or checking their app is the fastest way to confirm whether they are open today.
- Some banks stay open on holidays that fall on weekends by closing on the following Monday instead.
- ATMs and online banking may work on holidays, but deposits and transfers will not process until the next business day.
The 11 federal holidays when banks close
Banks close on these dates every year: 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 holiday falls on a Saturday, most banks close on Friday instead. When it falls on a Sunday, they close on Monday. This means the actual closure date can shift by one day depending on the year. For example, if Christmas falls on a Saturday, your bank will close on Friday, December 24.
Some banks may also close on additional days that are not federal holidays — for instance, some regional banks close on state holidays. Check your specific bank's calendar to be certain.
How to find your bank's holiday schedule
Your bank's website almost always has a holiday hours section. Look for "Holiday Hours," "Branch Hours," or "Closures" in the footer or main menu. The page will list every closure date for the current year and sometimes the next year as well.
If you use mobile banking, open the app and look for a branch locator or hours section. You can also call your bank's main customer service number — the automated system usually announces holiday closures, or a representative can tell you when ready.
The Federal Reserve's official holiday calendar is published at federalreserve.gov under "Holidays and Special Closings." This calendar applies to all banks, so if your bank's website does not clearly state their hours, the Federal Reserve calendar is the authoritative source.
What still works on bank holidays
ATMs usually work on holidays because they are automated machines. However, any deposit you make at an ATM on a holiday will not be credited to your account until the next business day. Transfers between your own accounts may process, but transfers to other people's accounts will not.
Online banking platforms stay open, so you can view your balance, pay bills, and set up transfers. The transfers you schedule on a holiday will process on the next business day. Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated on a holiday will not begin processing until the following day.
If you need cash and your bank is closed, you can use ATMs from other banks, though you may pay an out-of-network fee. Some credit unions and online banks also remain open on federal holidays, so if you have an account elsewhere, you may be able to access funds that way.
What does not work on bank holidays
You cannot visit a branch or speak to a representative. Deposits made at a teller window will not be accepted. Loan applications, account changes, and any service that requires a person will have to wait until the next business day.
Wire transfers and ACH transfers do not process on holidays. If you send a wire on a holiday, it will not leave your account until the next business day. Checks deposited on a holiday will not clear until at least the day after the bank reopens.
Credit card payments made on a holiday are usually recorded as received on that day, so you will not be late. However, the payment itself will not be processed until the next business day. If you are cutting it close to a due date that falls on a holiday, pay a day or two early to be safe.
Planning around bank closures
If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash, do it before the holiday. Most people wait until the last moment, which creates long lines on the day before a closure. Going a few days early saves time and stress.
If you are expecting a deposit or transfer on a holiday, assume it will not arrive until the next business day. Payroll deposits sometimes post early, but do not count on it. If you need the money on a specific date, plan as if the holiday adds one extra day to the timeline.
For bill payments, submit them at least two business days before the due date if the due date falls on or right after a holiday. Online payments usually process faster than mailed checks, so use your bank's bill pay feature when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw money from an ATM on a bank holiday?
Yes, ATMs work on bank holidays. However, any deposit you make will not be credited until the next business day. Withdrawals process when ready, but transfers to other accounts will not.
Do all banks close on the same federal holidays?
Yes, all banks close on the 11 federal holidays set by the Federal Reserve. Some banks may also close on additional state or regional holidays, so check your specific bank's calendar.
What if a holiday falls on a weekend?
If a holiday falls on Saturday, banks close on Friday. If it falls on Sunday, banks close on Monday. Your bank's website will show the actual closure date for each holiday.
Will my paycheck deposit on a bank holiday?
Payroll deposits sometimes post early, but do not count on it. If payday falls on a holiday, assume the deposit will arrive the next business day. Check with your employer about their deposit schedule.
Can I pay my credit card bill on a bank holiday?
You can submit a payment online on a holiday, and it will usually be recorded as received that day. The payment itself will not process until the next business day, but you will not be marked late.