The fastest way to know if today is a bank holiday

The U.S. Federal Reserve and most banks observe 11 federal holidays each year. The easiest way to check if today is one of them is to look at your bank's website directly—search "[your bank name] holiday schedule" or call their customer service line. They will tell you when ready whether branches are closed and whether online services are running normally.

If you need to know right now, the Federal Reserve publishes its holiday calendar on its website, and the Office of Personnel Management maintains the official federal holiday list. Both are updated annually and show which days the government observes. However, not all banks follow the exact same schedule—some observe holidays on different dates or add regional holidays—so your specific bank's schedule matters more than the federal list.

The reason to check your bank rather than a general calendar is that banks sometimes close on days that are not federal holidays, or stay open on federal holidays if they choose. Your bank's operations are what affects whether you can visit a branch or reach customer service by phone.

Key Takeaways

  • The 11 federal holidays observed by most U.S. banks are fixed each year, but your specific bank may have its own schedule.
  • Your bank's website or customer service line will tell you whether branches are open today and whether online banking is affected.
  • Some banks close on days that are not federal holidays, and some stay open on federal holidays, so the federal list is not always accurate for your bank.
  • If you need to deposit a check or speak to someone by phone, call your bank before you go in or assume they are closed.

The 11 federal holidays most banks observe

The Federal Reserve recognizes these 11 holidays: New Year's Day (January 1), Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (third Monday in January), Washington's Birthday (third Monday in February), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Juneteenth National Independence Day (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 Saturday, many banks close on Friday instead. When it falls on a Sunday, they close on Monday. This shift means the actual closure date can move, so checking your bank's calendar is more reliable than remembering the date alone.

Not every bank closes on every federal holiday. Some regional banks, credit unions, and online-only banks have different schedules. A few banks stay open on some federal holidays to serve customers who need access. The only way to know for certain is to check with your bank directly.

What stays open and what closes on bank holidays

On a federal bank holiday, physical branches close and you cannot visit a teller in person. Phone lines to customer service are usually closed as well. However, online banking—checking your balance, transferring money between your own accounts, paying bills through your bank's website—typically remains available 24/7 even on holidays.

ATMs stay open on bank holidays. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), and check your balance at any time. Mobile banking apps also continue to work, though you may not be able to reach a human representative if you have a problem.

Payments and transfers you initiate online on a holiday usually process the next business day, not when ready. If you send a wire transfer or pay a bill on a holiday, expect it to go through on the following day when the bank reopens. Checks you deposit may also take longer to clear.

Why banks close on different days than you might expect

The Federal Reserve sets holidays for the banking system, but individual banks can choose to observe additional holidays or skip some federal holidays if they want. Some banks close for state holidays that are not federal holidays. Others stay open on federal holidays because they operate in states or regions where that holiday is not widely observed.

Credit unions sometimes follow a different schedule than traditional banks. Online banks may have no physical branches to close, so they operate normally on federal holidays but may delay processing of certain transactions. It is common for online banks to process transfers and payments the next business day even if you submit them during a holiday.

The safest assumption is that your bank follows the Federal Reserve's schedule, but the only way to be certain is to check. Most banks post their holiday hours on their website or in their mobile app, often updated several months in advance.

How to find your bank's specific holiday schedule

Visit your bank's website and look for "holiday hours," "branch hours," or "holiday schedule." Most banks list all closures for the year in one place. If you cannot find it on the main page, try the footer of the website or search within the site using those terms.

Call your bank's main customer service number and ask directly. A representative can tell you whether your branch is closed today and when it will reopen. This is the fastest way if you need an answer right now.

Check your mobile banking app. Many banks display holiday closures in the app under branch locator or hours information. Some apps send notifications on the day before a holiday to remind you that branches will be closed.

If you use a credit union, call the branch directly or visit their website. Credit union schedules vary more widely than bank schedules, so the federal holiday list is less reliable for them.

What to do if you need banking services on a holiday

Use your bank's ATM to withdraw cash or deposit checks. ATMs work on holidays and do not require a teller. If your bank has a mobile app, you can transfer money, pay bills, and check your balance from your phone at any time.

If you need to speak to someone, some banks operate a holiday customer service line. Check your bank's website or the back of your debit card for a number to call. Online banks often have chat support available on holidays even if branches are closed.

If your issue cannot wait until the next business day, consider visiting a different bank's ATM network if your bank is part of a shared ATM network. You can also go to a branch of a different bank if they are open and you need cash urgently, though they cannot access your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my direct deposit go through on a bank holiday?

Direct deposits scheduled for a bank holiday usually process on the next business day. Your employer sends the deposit, but your bank does not post it to your account until it reopens. Check with your employer or bank if you need the money on a specific date and a holiday falls in between.

Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?

Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant or ATM on a bank holiday. The transaction may not post to your account until the next business day, but you can still make the purchase. Online transactions may also be delayed in posting.

Do credit unions close on the same days as banks?

Most credit unions close on federal holidays, but some stay open or observe different holidays. Check your credit union's website or call them directly. Credit union schedules are less standardized than bank schedules.

What if I need to deposit a check urgently on a holiday?

Use your bank's ATM if it has a deposit slot. The check will be processed when the bank reopens the next business day. Mobile deposit through your bank's app also works on holidays and processes the next business day.

Are online banks open on federal holidays?

Online banks have no physical branches, so they do not "close" in the traditional sense. However, they may delay processing of certain transactions like wire transfers or bill payments until the next business day. Check your bank's website for their specific holiday policies.