Are banks open today? (2024)

Banks and credit unions typically open their doors to customers Monday through Friday and close on weekends and federal holidays. For holidays, many of these institutions follow the holiday schedule observed by the Federal Reserve, which is the central bank that regulates the nation’s banking system.

Bank closures could affect your banking activities and the funds available in your account. For example, if you deposit a check on a holiday, you may not be able to get the money until at least the next business day.

But it’s still possible to manage your finances when banks are closed. Here is a complete list of federal bank holidays in 2024 and where to go when your branch isn’t open.

Full list of bank holidays for 2024

When the Federal Reserve shuts down on federal holidays, most member banks (including online banks) follow suit. They do this because bank transactions are limited until the Fed reopens, said Jennifer Troyan, an executive vice president and manager of business operations and strategy at California Bank & Trust.

Federal holidays are also known as bank holidays. These include:

If a bank holiday falls on a Saturday, banks stay open the Friday before. And for holidays that land on a Sunday, banks usually close the following Monday.

What holidays are banks open?

There are plenty of non-federal holidays on the calendar, and banks and credit unions are typically open on those days. Some examples of major non-federal holidays include:

If a bank offers Saturday and Sunday hours and a holiday falls on a weekend, the bank may modify its hours or close. So it’s a good idea to check the hours at the specific branch you want to visit. You can usually find holiday hours on the bank’s websites, social media accounts and automated phone messages.

Are any banks open on federal bank holidays?

The Federal Reserve doesn’t require banks to close on holidays, but they often do. If the holiday falls on a Saturday, the bank stays open the previous Friday. A holiday that occurs on a Sunday is usually observed the following Monday.

Online banks that don’t have physical branch locations typically also follow this schedule. So any transactions you start on a bank holiday will be processed the next business day.

That being said, every financial institution is different. For instance, some banks are open on federal holidays and may close early on non-federal holidays like Christmas Eve. Also, individual states or municipalities might recognize extra holidays or follow a different operating schedule. So it’s always a good idea to check hours with your local bank branch.

Do transactions go through on bank holidays?

The short answer is no. Banks and credit unions won’t process transactions on federal holidays even if they’re open to the public. This is true regardless of whether you use an online or brick-and-mortar bank.

So if you deposit a check into your account, set up a wire transfer or make an automated clearing house (ACH) payment, the transaction will be processed on the next business day. (A business day is usually considered a weekday when the Federal Reserve is open.) The same goes for any prescheduled transactions, like recurring bill payments.

Where can I get cash when banks are closed?

When your bank is closed, you can get cash at an ATM or a retailer that offers cash-back debit card transactions. Check your bank or credit union’s website for options, or use its self-service phone line.

How can I cash a personal check when banks are closed?

It’s still possible to cash a paycheck or personal check when your financial institution is closed. You have two main options:

• Visit a retailer, such as a department store, pharmacy or grocery store, that offers check-cashing services
• Go to a check-cashing store

With both options, “oftentimes they will charge a fee to perform the transaction,” Troyan said. Because these fees can add up over time, it may be best to use these services sparingly.

Using an ATM on a federal bank holiday

At an ATM, you can typically deposit checks, withdraw cash, transfer funds and check your account balance. And while “branches may be closed during holidays, ATMs aren’t,” Troyan said.

So you can handle basic banking functions at these machines any day of the year. Use your bank’s mobile app, website or automated phone message to find an ATM near you. Many banks and credit unions offer a network of ATMs you can use without paying fees — whether the institution operates online or at a brick-and-mortar location. Some ATMs are even available 24/7.

You can also use an ATM outside your bank’s network, but you may pay a fee to do so.

Alternatives to banking on federal bank holidays

Online banks, credit unions and physical branches are typically closed on federal holidays, but you still have options for your banking needs.

• Bank online: You can use online banking services to open bank accounts, transfer money, set up bill payments, go over statements and monitor your balances.
• Use a mobile banking app: These apps may offer the same services as your online banking account plus extra options like check deposits.
• Call the bank: Many banks and credit unions have automated phone lines that help you with basic services, while others may offer live customer support even on holidays.
• Use a payment app: If you need to send money to someone when your bank isn’t open, consider using a payment app such as Venmo or PayPal. These apps typically allow you to send and receive money instantly, though you may pay a fee.

Any transactions will likely get processed on the next business day, but you can get the ball rolling. You can also plan future transactions by “checking your bank’s holiday schedule ahead of time and visiting your local branch if needed prior to the holiday,” Troyan said.

How will bills be processed on bank holidays?

If a bill’s due date falls on a federal holiday, you have the option of paying it a few days early. Or you can pay it on the due date, and your provider should consider the payment on time as long as you initiate the payment before the cut-off time.

But if you’re concerned about missing the due date and paying extra fees, it could be a good idea to call your provider. Ask when the payment will be processed and whether you need to reschedule it to avoid the bank holiday.

If you are scheduling the payment via your bank’s bill pay system, you’ll want to make allowances for the bank holiday. It is unlikely that your bank will allow you to schedule a payment on a holiday.