How to learn about today is a banking holiday
The fastest way is to call your bank's customer service number on the back of your card or check their website — they will tell you when ready whether they are open. If you need to know the answer for planning purposes, the Federal Reserve publishes the official list of days when US banks close for federal holidays.
Banks do not all close on the same days. Most follow federal holidays, but some also observe state or regional holidays, and a few stay open on days others close. Your specific bank's holiday schedule is the one that matters for your account.
If you are trying to move money today and need it processed, assume your bank is closed if today is one of the federal holidays listed below. If you are not sure whether today is one of them, a quick phone call to your bank removes the guesswork.
Key Takeaways
- Federal banks close on ten federal holidays each year, but your bank may observe additional state holidays or stay open on some federal holidays.
- The fastest way to know if your bank is open today is to call the customer service number on your card or check their website.
- The Federal Reserve publishes the official federal holiday schedule, but individual banks set their own hours.
- If you need money to move today, assume your bank is closed and plan accordingly rather than waiting to find out.
The federal holidays when most US banks close
The Federal Reserve recognizes ten federal holidays each year when most banks close. These 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), and Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November).
Christmas Day (December 25) is also a federal holiday when banks close. Some banks also close on the day after Thanksgiving, though this is not a federal holiday.
These dates are set by federal law, but individual banks decide whether to observe them. Most do, but some regional or online banks may stay open on certain federal holidays.
Why your bank might be open or closed on a day you think is a holiday
Banks can choose to close on days beyond the ten federal holidays. Many states observe their own holidays — for example, some Southern states close on Confederate Memorial Day, and some states close on days honoring local figures. Your bank may close on state holidays even if the Federal Reserve does not.
Online banks and some regional banks sometimes stay open on federal holidays because they do not have physical branches to staff. If you bank online, your transfers might process on days when brick-and-mortar banks are closed, though the receiving bank may still be closed.
The only way to know your bank's actual schedule is to check with them directly. Their website usually lists holiday hours, or you can call customer service.
What happens if you try to do banking on a holiday
If you deposit a check or transfer money on a day your bank is closed, the transaction will not process until the next business day. If today is a holiday and tomorrow is a weekend, your transaction will not go through until Monday. This matters if you are counting on money arriving by a specific date.
Automated transactions like bill payments scheduled for a holiday usually process on the next business day instead. Check your bank's policy on this — some banks process scheduled payments early if the scheduled date falls on a holiday, while others delay them.
ATM withdrawals and debit card purchases work on holidays because they do not require the bank to be staffed. You can access your money, but you cannot speak to a person or complete transactions that need human review.
How to plan ahead if you need banking on or around a holiday
If you know a holiday is coming and you need to move money, do it the business day before. This gives you certainty that the transaction will process on time rather than waiting to see if your bank is open.
If you are expecting a deposit — a paycheck, a tax refund, or a transfer from someone else — remember that it may arrive a day later if it is scheduled for a holiday. Plan your budget assuming the later date.
For bills due on or near a holiday, pay them at least two business days early. If a bill is due on a Monday that is a federal holiday, pay it on the Friday before to avoid late fees.
Where to find your bank's specific holiday schedule
Most banks publish their holiday hours on their website under a section called "Hours" or "Holiday Hours." Search your bank's name plus "holiday hours" if you cannot find it on the main page.
If you cannot find it online, call the customer service number on your card. They can tell you whether they are open today and what their full holiday schedule is for the year.
If you use multiple banks, check each one separately — they may not all observe the same holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my check deposit process if I deposit it on a banking holiday?
No. Checks deposited on a holiday will not be processed until the next business day. If the holiday is on a Friday, your check will not process until Monday. Plan ahead if you need the money by a specific date.
Can I withdraw money from an ATM on a banking holiday?
Yes. ATMs work on holidays because they do not require bank staff. You can withdraw cash and check your balance anytime, but you cannot speak to a person or complete transactions that need manual review.
Do all banks close on the same federal holidays?
Most do, but not all. Some online banks and regional banks stay open on certain federal holidays. Your bank's schedule is what matters for your account, so check with them directly rather than assuming.
What if I scheduled a bill payment for a day that turns out to be a holiday?
The payment will usually process on the next business day instead. Check your bank's policy — some process scheduled payments early if the date falls on a holiday, while others delay them. Contact your bank if you are unsure.
How do I know if today is a holiday if I am not sure?
Call your bank's customer service number on the back of your card. They can tell you when ready whether they are open today and why. This takes one minute and removes all doubt.