The fastest way to know if your bank is closed

The simplest answer is to call your bank's customer service number or check their website — they will tell you when ready which days they are closed this week. Most banks post their holiday schedule on the homepage or in the "Contact Us" section. If you are in a hurry, a quick phone call takes 30 seconds.

If you do not have your bank's number handy, you can also visit your bank's mobile app, where holiday closures are usually listed under "Branch Hours" or "Locations". Some banks send text or email alerts about upcoming closures, so check your messages if you have signed up for notifications.

The reason you need to check with your specific bank is that not all banks observe the same holidays. Federal holidays are the days the U.S. government recognizes, but individual banks decide which ones to observe. Some banks stay open on certain federal holidays while others close. A few banks are open seven days a week.

Key Takeaways

  • Call your bank's customer service line or visit their website to learn about they are closed this week — this is faster and more accurate than any other method.
  • Federal holidays do not automatically mean your bank is closed; each bank chooses which holidays to observe.
  • Most banks close on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, but some stay open on other federal holidays.
  • If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash on a holiday, look for ATMs or mobile banking options, which work even when branches are closed.

The federal holidays most banks observe

The federal holidays that cause the most bank closures are New Year's Day (January 1), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (first Monday in September), Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November), and Christmas Day (December 25). Most banks close on all six of these days.

Some banks also close on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January), Presidents' Day (third Monday in February), and Veterans Day (November 11), but this varies by bank and region. A few banks stay open on these days, especially in areas where the holiday is less widely observed.

Federal holidays that rarely cause bank closures include Juneteenth (June 19), Independence Day observed (if July 4 falls on a weekend), and Thanksgiving observed (if the holiday falls on a weekend). Check with your bank if you are unsure about a specific date.

What you can do if your bank is closed

If you need to move money and your bank branch is closed, you have several options that do not require a teller. ATMs work 24 hours a day, even on holidays, so you can withdraw cash or deposit checks at any ATM your bank operates. Most banks also let you transfer money between your own accounts through their website or app, even on holidays.

If you need to send money to someone else, mobile payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, or your bank's own app usually work on holidays. Wire transfers and ACH transfers (electronic transfers between bank accounts) can be set up online, though they may not process until the next business day.

If you have a question that only a person can answer, most banks have customer service phone lines open on holidays, even if branches are closed. You will not be able to speak to someone at a physical location, but you can call the main number and reach someone who can help.

Planning ahead for holiday closures

If you know you will need cash or need to make a deposit before a holiday, do it the day before. Checks deposited on a holiday through an ATM or mobile app will not be processed until the next business day anyway, so there is no advantage to waiting.

If you are expecting a paycheck or a transfer to arrive on a holiday, it will not hit your account until the next business day. Banks do not process deposits on federal holidays, so plan your spending accordingly. If you are cutting it close on money, deposit or withdraw what you need before the holiday arrives.

If you have automatic bill payments set to go out on a holiday, they will usually process on the next business day instead. Check with your bank or the company you are paying to confirm the exact timing, especially if the payment is due on a specific date.

Why banks close on different days

The Federal Reserve, which is the central banking system of the United States, closes on federal holidays and does not process certain types of transactions. This affects when banks can clear checks and process wire transfers. However, individual banks are not required to close their branches on every federal holiday — they can choose which ones to observe.

Banks make these decisions based on their customers' needs, local customs, and staffing. A bank in a city with a large population might stay open on some holidays because enough customers need services. A smaller bank in a rural area might close on more holidays because fewer people will come in.

Some banks are owned by larger financial institutions that set holiday schedules for all their branches, while others set their own schedules. Credit unions and online banks sometimes have different holiday schedules than traditional banks.

Online and mobile banking on holidays

If your bank has online banking or a mobile app, you can use those services on any holiday. You can check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and deposit checks by taking a photo of them. These services do not depend on branches being open.

The one thing you cannot do online is withdraw cash or deposit cash, because those require an ATM or a person. You also cannot get a cashier's check or a certified check online, though some banks can mail these to you if you order them in advance.

If you are new to online banking and have questions about how to use it, most banks have tutorials on their websites or in their apps. You can also call customer service before the holiday to learn how to do what you need to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all banks close on the same holidays?

No. While most banks close on major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, each bank decides which holidays to observe. Some banks stay open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day or Presidents' Day. Call your bank to find out their specific schedule.

Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?

Yes. You can use your debit card at any store, restaurant, or ATM on a holiday. The only thing you cannot do is visit a branch and speak to a teller. Online banking and ATMs work 24/7.

Will my direct deposit arrive on a bank holiday?

Direct deposits that arrive on a federal holiday will not be processed until the next business day. If your paycheck is scheduled to arrive on a holiday, it will show up in your account the next day instead.

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

You can deposit checks on a holiday using your bank's mobile app (if it has mobile check deposit) or by using an ATM that accepts deposits. The check will not be processed until the next business day, but it will be in the system.

Are credit unions closed on the same days as banks?

Credit unions often have different holiday schedules than banks. Some credit unions stay open on holidays that banks close, and vice versa. Check with your credit union directly to find out their schedule.