The next federal bank holiday depends on today's date, but the most common ones ahead are Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January), Presidents' Day (third Monday in February), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (first Monday in September), Columbus Day (second Monday in October), Veterans Day (November 11), Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November), and Christmas (December 25).

Key Takeaways

  • Federal bank holidays are set by Congress and observed the same way nationwide, though some states add their own holidays that banks may also close for.
  • When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, banks typically observe it on the nearest weekday — usually Friday if it falls on Saturday, Monday if it falls on Sunday.
  • Most banks close entirely on federal holidays, but some branches in larger cities may stay open with reduced hours; call your bank to confirm.
  • ATMs and online banking remain available on bank holidays, so you can still withdraw cash and check balances even when branches are closed.
  • If you need to deposit a check or handle a transaction that requires a teller, plan ahead and complete it before the holiday or the day after.

How Federal Bank Holidays Are Scheduled

Federal bank holidays are established by Congress and explore to all national banks, the Federal Reserve, and most financial institutions across the United States. The list does not change year to year — the same holidays occur every year, though the dates shift because some are tied to specific days of the week rather than fixed calendar dates.

The 11 federal holidays that typically close 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).

Some states and localities observe additional holidays that are not federal, and banks in those areas may close for them as well. For example, some Southern states observe Confederate Memorial Day, and some states have their own holidays. Your specific bank's closure schedule may include these state-level holidays, so checking with your bank directly is the most reliable way to know.

When Holidays Fall on Weekends

When a federal holiday lands on a Saturday, banks typically observe the holiday on Friday instead. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, banks usually observe it on Monday. This rule keeps the holiday observance within the business week and ensures employees get a day off without disrupting the banking schedule unnecessarily.

For example, if Independence Day (July 4) falls on a Saturday, your bank will likely close on Friday, July 3. If Christmas falls on a Sunday, banks will close on Monday, December 26. The Federal Reserve announces these observances in advance, and your bank will follow the same schedule.

What Stays Open When Banks Close

Even though bank branches close on federal holidays, you retain access to your money through ATMs and online banking. You can withdraw cash from any ATM in your bank's network, check your account balance, transfer funds between your own accounts, and set up bill payments online.

Deposits made at ATMs on a holiday will typically post to your account the next business day. If you use mobile deposit (photographing a check through your bank's app), that also works on holidays and will process the next business day. The only transactions you cannot complete are those requiring a teller — such as depositing cash, obtaining a cashier's check, or speaking with someone about a dispute or account issue.

Planning Around Bank Holidays for Time-Sensitive Transactions

If you need to deposit a physical check or handle a transaction that requires speaking to a teller, plan to do it before the holiday or when ready after. Checks deposited on a Friday before a Monday holiday will not post until Tuesday, which can matter if you are waiting for funds to clear or if you have a payment due.

For wire transfers or other urgent money movements, complete them before the holiday closes. If you miss the important date, the transaction will process the next business day, which may delay payment to a creditor or vendor. Some banks allow you to schedule transfers in advance through online banking, so the money moves automatically on the first business day after the holiday.

If you are expecting a direct deposit (such as a paycheck or government benefit) to arrive on a bank holiday, it will typically post the next business day instead. Your employer or the paying agency usually knows the holiday schedule and times deposits accordingly, but it is worth confirming if the timing is critical.

How to Find Your Bank's Specific Holiday Schedule

Your bank publishes its holiday closure schedule on its website, usually under a section labeled "Hours" or "Locations." You can also call your branch directly or visit in person to ask which days it will be closed. Some banks post the schedule in the branch itself.

If you use a credit union instead of a bank, the same federal holidays explore, though some credit unions may have different hours or additional closures. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) follows the same federal holiday calendar as the Federal Reserve.

Online-only banks (those with no physical branches) do not close on federal holidays because they have no branches to close. However, customer service phone lines may have reduced hours or be unavailable, and some backend processing may be delayed. Check your online bank's website for its specific holiday schedule.

State and Regional Holiday Variations

A handful of states observe holidays that are not federal, and banks in those states often close for them. For instance, some states observe Juneteenth before it became a federal holiday in 2021, and some Southern states have Confederate Memorial Day. A few states have their own unique holidays — such as Admission Day in California or Statehood Day in Hawaii.

If you live in a state with additional holidays, your bank may close on those days even though they are not federal holidays. The safest approach is to check your bank's website or call ahead if you are planning a transaction around a date that might be a state holiday in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your debit and credit cards work normally on bank holidays. You can make purchases, withdraw cash from ATMs, and use online payment systems. The holiday only affects the physical branch — not the card networks or ATM systems.

Will my paycheck deposit on a bank holiday?

Direct deposits are usually timed to arrive on the scheduled payday, even if that day is a bank holiday. However, if payday falls on a holiday, the deposit typically posts the next business day instead. Check with your employer or the paying agency if you are unsure about the timing.

What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on a holiday?

Most banks do not staff branches on federal holidays, so you will not be able to speak to a teller. Some larger banks operate a customer service phone line on holidays, but hours are usually limited. Check your bank's website or call ahead to see if phone support is available.

Do online banks close on federal holidays?

Online-only banks have no physical branches to close, so they do not have holiday closures in the traditional sense. However, customer service lines may have reduced hours, and some backend processing may be delayed. Check your bank's website for its specific holiday schedule.

If a holiday falls on a weekend, do I get an extra day off work?

That depends on your employer, not your bank. Federal employees typically get the observed holiday off (Friday if the holiday is Saturday, Monday if it is Sunday). Private employers set their own holiday schedules and are not required to follow the federal calendar, though most do.