Monday is a bank holiday only if it falls on one of the federal holidays the Federal Reserve observes

Monday itself is not automatically a bank holiday. Whether your bank closes on a Monday depends on whether that specific Monday is one of the days the federal government has designated as a holiday. The Federal Reserve observes ten federal holidays each year, and most banks follow the same schedule. If Monday is not one of those ten days, your bank will be open for business as usual.

The confusion often comes from the fact that some federal holidays are observed on different days depending on the year. For example, Memorial Day is always observed on the last Monday of May, so every Memorial Day falls on a Monday. But Independence Day (July 4) might fall on any day of the week, and when it does fall on a Monday, that Monday becomes a bank holiday.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks close on the ten federal holidays recognized by the Federal Reserve, regardless of what day of the week they fall on.
  • Some holidays are always on a Monday (Memorial Day, Labor Day), while others move around the calendar each year.
  • When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, banks typically observe it on the nearest weekday — usually the Friday before or Monday after.
  • You can check your specific bank's holiday schedule on their website or by calling their customer service line.
  • ATMs and online banking remain available on bank holidays, even though physical branches are closed.

The ten federal holidays banks observe

The Federal Reserve recognizes these ten holidays, and most banks close on all of them: New Year's Day (January 1), Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (third Monday in January), Washington's Birthday (third Monday in February, also called Presidents' Day), 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), and Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November).

Notice that five of these holidays are always on a Monday: MLK Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Columbus Day. This is by design — Congress moved these holidays to Mondays to create three-day weekends. The other five holidays fall on fixed dates, so they land on different days of the week each year.

What happens when a holiday falls on a weekend

When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, banks typically observe the holiday on Friday instead. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, banks typically observe it on Monday. This is called "observance" — the bank closes on a different day to honor the holiday without closing on a weekend when most branches are already shut.

For example, if Independence Day (July 4) falls on a Sunday, your bank will likely close on Monday, July 5. If it falls on a Saturday, your bank will likely close on Friday, July 3. The exact observance rules can vary slightly by bank, so if you need to know for certain, check your bank's website or call ahead.

How to find your bank's specific holiday schedule

Most banks publish their holiday schedule on their website, usually in a section labeled "Hours" or "Holiday Schedule." You can also call your bank's main customer service number and ask which days they will be closed. Some banks post this information in their branches as well.

If you use multiple banks, check each one separately — while most follow the Federal Reserve schedule, some banks may have slightly different observances or may close for additional holidays specific to their region or company. Credit unions may also follow a different schedule than banks, so verify if you use a credit union.

What you can still do on a bank holiday

Even though bank branches are closed on holidays, you can still access your money and conduct many banking tasks. ATMs work 24/7, including on bank holidays, so you can withdraw cash or check your balance. Online banking platforms also remain available, so you can transfer money between accounts, pay bills, or check transactions.

However, some services do require a person on the other end — if you need to speak with a banker, explore for a loan, or resolve a problem that requires human judgment, you will need to wait until the next business day. If you know a holiday is coming and you need to handle something that requires a teller or banker, plan ahead and visit your branch before the holiday.

Planning around bank holidays for important transactions

If you have a time-sensitive transaction — like depositing a check before a important date or transferring money for a bill payment — check the bank holiday schedule first. Deposits made on a holiday or after business hours may not post until the next business day, which could affect when the money is available.

For bill payments, most banks allow you to schedule payments in advance through online banking, and those payments will process on the date you choose even if it is a bank holiday. If you are expecting a deposit or payment to arrive on or near a holiday, give it an extra day or two. Banks often process transactions that arrive on holidays the next business day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my bank be open on Monday if it is not a federal holiday?

Yes. If Monday is not one of the ten federal holidays the Federal Reserve observes, your bank will be open during its normal business hours. You can check your bank's website or call to confirm their hours for that specific Monday.

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

Yes. ATMs work around the clock on bank holidays, and debit cards work at any ATM or merchant that accepts them. Online banking also remains available. You just cannot visit a physical branch or speak with a banker.

What if a holiday falls on a day my bank is normally closed?

Banks are normally closed on Sundays and Saturdays. If a federal holiday falls on a weekend, the bank observes it on the nearest weekday — usually Friday if the holiday is on Saturday, or Monday if it is on Sunday.

Do all banks close on the same holidays?

Most banks follow the Federal Reserve schedule and close on the same ten holidays. However, some banks or credit unions may have different observances. Check your specific bank's website or call them to be certain.

If I deposit a check on the day before a bank holiday, when will it clear?

Deposits made before the bank's cutoff time on the last business day before a holiday typically post that same day. However, the funds may not be available until the day after the holiday, depending on your bank's policy and the type of check.