The quickest way to know if today is a bank holiday

The Federal Reserve publishes a calendar each year showing which days U.S. banks close. The easiest way to check is to visit the Federal Reserve's official website and look at their holiday schedule for the current year. 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, text or call your bank. Most banks display holiday closures on their website homepage and in their mobile app. Some banks close on different days than others, so checking with your specific bank is more reliable than a general list.

The ten federal bank holidays are the same every year, but the dates they fall on change. For example, Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday in November, and Memorial Day is always the last Monday in May. A few banks also observe additional holidays beyond the federal ten.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank's website or mobile app shows whether it is open today, and this is faster than searching online.
  • The Federal Reserve publishes an official holiday calendar each year that lists all federal bank holidays.
  • Most banks close on the same ten federal holidays, but some banks observe additional holidays depending on their location or policies.
  • Calling your bank's customer service line will give you an when ready answer about today's status.

The ten federal bank holidays that affect most banks

These are the days when most U.S. banks close their branches and do not process transactions:

  • 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 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)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)

When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, most banks observe the holiday on the nearest weekday instead. For example, if Christmas falls on a Saturday, banks typically close on Friday. The Federal Reserve announces the observed dates each year on their website.

Why your bank might close on days that are not federal holidays

Some banks close on additional days beyond the federal ten. These might include days like the day after Thanksgiving, New Year's Eve, or days that matter to a specific region or religious community. Credit unions sometimes follow different holiday schedules than traditional banks.

Banks in certain states may also observe state holidays. For example, some banks in the South close on Confederate Memorial Day, which is not a federal holiday. The best way to know what your bank observes is to check their specific holiday schedule on their website or call them directly.

What happens if you need banking services on a holiday

If a bank branch is closed today, you can still use ATMs to withdraw cash and check your balance. Most ATMs work 24 hours a day, even on holidays. You can also use your bank's mobile app or website to transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, or check your balance.

If you need to deposit a check or speak to someone, you will have to wait until the next business day. Some banks offer limited services through their customer service phone line even on holidays, though they may not be able to process all types of transactions. Online banks and some credit unions may have different holiday schedules, so it is worth checking their status separately.

How to find the Federal Reserve's official holiday calendar

The Federal Reserve's Board of Governors maintains the official list of federal bank holidays. You can find it by searching "Federal Reserve holiday schedule" and the current year. The page shows each holiday, the date it falls on, and the date banks will observe it if it lands on a weekend.

This calendar is the source that banks use to set their own schedules. It does not change during the year, so you can bookmark it and refer back to it whenever you need to know about upcoming holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all banks close on the same holidays?

Most banks close on the ten federal holidays, but some banks observe additional holidays. Credit unions and online banks may have different schedules. Always check with your specific bank rather than assuming based on a general list.

What if a holiday falls on a weekend?

Banks typically observe the holiday on the nearest weekday. If Christmas falls on Saturday, banks close on Friday. The Federal Reserve announces the observed dates each year on their website.

Can I use my debit card or ATM on a bank holiday?

Yes. ATMs work 24 hours, and you can use your debit card at stores and other ATMs. You can also use your bank's mobile app or website to check balances and transfer money. You just cannot visit a branch or speak to a teller.

Do online banks close on holidays?

Online banks do not have physical branches, so they do not "close" the way traditional banks do. However, some online banks may process transactions more slowly on federal holidays. Check your bank's website to see how they handle holiday processing.

Where can I find my bank's specific holiday schedule?

Visit your bank's website and search for "holiday hours" or "holiday schedule." Most banks list this information on their homepage or in the footer. You can also call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch to ask.