The quickest way to know
Check the Federal Reserve's official holiday calendar at federalreserve.gov, or call your bank directly. Your bank observes the holidays that matter to your account — not all banks close on the same days, and some observe holidays on different dates depending on when the federal holiday falls.
If this Friday is a federal holiday, most large banks will be closed and you will not be able to visit a branch or use ATMs that require a teller. Online banking and bill pay usually work normally. If this Friday is not a federal holiday but your bank is still closed, it is a bank-specific closure — call the number on the back of your card to confirm.
The federal holidays that close most U.S. banks are: 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).
Key Takeaways
- The Federal Reserve publishes the official federal holiday schedule each year, and most banks follow it, though some may observe additional closures.
- When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, banks typically close on the nearest weekday instead — usually Friday if the holiday is on Saturday, or Monday if it is on Sunday.
- Your specific bank may close on days that are not federal holidays, so calling your bank is the only way to be certain about your branch.
- Online banking, mobile apps, and automated systems usually work on bank holidays even when branches are closed.
How the Friday rule works when holidays land on weekends
When a federal holiday falls on Saturday, most banks close on Friday instead. When a holiday falls on Sunday, most banks close on Monday. This is called observance — the bank is observing the holiday on a different day so it falls on a business day.
For example, if Independence Day (July 4) falls on a Saturday, banks close on Friday, July 3. If Christmas (December 25) falls on a Sunday, banks close on Monday, December 26. The Federal Reserve announces these observed dates each year, and most banks follow the same schedule, but not all — some regional banks or credit unions may observe on different days.
This matters because if you need cash or need to deposit a check, you cannot assume a bank is open just because it is a weekday. Check the calendar or call ahead.
Where to find the official holiday list
The Federal Reserve Board publishes the complete list of federal holidays and their observed dates at federalreserve.gov/aboutthefed/boardmeetings.htm. This is the source most banks use to set their own schedules. The list includes the date of each holiday and, when applicable, the date banks will observe it.
Your bank's website usually has its own holiday schedule under "Branch Hours" or "Holiday Hours." If you cannot find it online, call the branch directly or the customer service number on your card. Credit unions often have different schedules than banks, so if you use a credit union, check its site first.
What you can and cannot do on a bank holiday
When a bank is closed on a holiday, you cannot visit a branch, speak to a teller, or use a teller-operated ATM. However, most banks keep their ATMs running 24/7, so you can withdraw cash if you have a card. Mobile banking apps and online banking platforms usually work normally — you can check balances, transfer money between your own accounts, and set up bill payments.
Deposits made at an ATM or through mobile deposit on a holiday are typically processed the next business day. Checks deposited on a Friday holiday will not clear until Monday or Tuesday. Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated on a holiday may not process until the next business day, depending on the time you submit them.
If you need to speak to someone at your bank on a holiday, some banks offer phone support or chat support even when branches are closed. Check your bank's website or call the main number to see if holiday customer service is available.
Regional and bank-specific closures
Not every bank closes on every federal holiday. Some regional banks, smaller institutions, and credit unions may stay open on certain federal holidays or close on days that are not federal holidays. For example, some banks in states with state-specific holidays may close on those days even if they are not federal holidays.
The safest approach is to assume your bank follows the Federal Reserve schedule, but confirm by checking your bank's website or calling before you need something on a Friday you think might be a holiday. Many banks send email or text alerts about holiday closures, so if you are enrolled in those notifications, you will get a reminder.
Planning ahead for holiday weekends
If a holiday falls on a Friday or Monday, you are dealing with a three-day weekend. Plan any banking you need to do — deposits, withdrawals, account changes — for the day before the holiday. If you need cash over the weekend, withdraw it on Thursday.
If you have a bill due on a holiday, pay it a few days early. Payments submitted on a holiday may not post until the next business day, and if the due date is the holiday itself, you could be marked late depending on your creditor's policy. The same applies to loan payments, credit card payments, and rent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my direct deposit hit on a bank holiday?
Direct deposits scheduled for a bank holiday usually post the next business day instead. If your paycheck is set to deposit on a Friday that is a bank holiday, it will likely arrive on Monday. Check with your employer or the bank that processes payroll to confirm the exact timing for your account.
Can I use my debit card on a bank holiday?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant or ATM on a bank holiday. Your bank's branch may be closed, but the card itself is not affected. You can make purchases, withdraw cash from ATMs, and use online banking normally.
What if I need to speak to my bank on a holiday?
Call the customer service number on the back of your card. Many banks offer phone support on holidays even when branches are closed. Some also offer chat or email support through their website. Check your bank's site to see what options are available.
Do credit unions close on the same days as banks?
Most credit unions follow the Federal Reserve holiday schedule, but some observe different days or additional holidays. Check your credit union's website or call to confirm its holiday hours. Do not assume it closes on the same day as your bank.
What happens to checks I deposit on a bank holiday?
Checks deposited at an ATM or through mobile deposit on a holiday are processed the next business day. If you deposit on a Friday holiday, the check will not clear until Monday or later, depending on the check's origin bank. Plan accordingly if you need the funds quickly.