We’ve all been there, needing to run to the bank at the last minute, and wondered are banks open today? Having a bank holiday schedule can help you quickly know if a bank is open – and what to do if it isn’t.
Whether you’re looking to go to the bank for personal finance or business reasons, knowing when a bank is closed can help ensure that a trip to the bank will not end in disappointment.
It’s also important to note that even if the bank is closed, there are alternative ways to bank.
This article will provide a detailed list of bank holidays and show you how to get banking services, even on a bank holiday.
Bank Holidays by Month
These are the bank holidays in 2024 for each month throughout the year observed by banks, credit unions, and the Federal Reserve System.
There are 11 bank holidays a year, also known as Federal holidays.
This year, bank holidays most often fall on a Monday or Friday, with a few exceptions, including Juneteenth and Thanksgiving Day.
January
- January 1, 2024 – New Year’s Day (Monday)
- January 15, 2024 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday)
February
- February 19, 2024 – Washington’s Birthday/President’s Day
March
- None
April
- None
May
- Monday, May 27, 2024 – Memorial Day (Monday)
June
- June 19, 2024 – Juneteenth (Wednesday)
July
- July 4, 2024 – Independence Day (Thursday)
August
- None
September
- September 2, 2024 – Labor Day (Monday)
October
- October 14, 2024 – Columbus Day (Monday)
November
- November 11, 2024 – Veterans Day (Monday)
- November 28, 2024 – Thanksgiving Day (Thursday)
December
- December 25, 2024 – Christmas Day (Wednesday)
What Are Bank Holidays?
Bank holidays are days when financial institutions such as banks and credit unions are closed. Bank holidays are different from public holidays since banks can still open on a public holiday unless that public holiday also happens to be a bank holiday.
Some bank holidays have a fixed date – the holiday is celebrated on a particular date, regardless of the day of the week. An example of this is Christmas Day. Christmas is always celebrated on 25th December, whether it’s a Monday, Sunday, or any other day in between.
Some other bank holidays have a floating date, meaning the date will vary, but the day will not. An example of this is Martin Luther King Day.
Martin Luther King Day always falls on a Monday, but the date can vary between the 15th and the 21st of January.
Other Holidays to Keep In Mind
There are several other holidays in the US, such as state holidays, which are not considered bank holidays. Banks are usually open during non-bank holidays; however, certain states might have some exceptions.
- March 29, 2024 – Good Friday. A Christian holiday remembering the crucifixion of Christ. As the name suggests, it is held on the Friday preceding Easter. In some countries, such as the UK, Easter Monday is a bank holiday.
- November 29, 2024 – Black Friday. Black Friday is a day of sales and discounts celebrated on the Friday right after Thanksgiving. All banks usually open on this day (keep in mind that queues might be longer than usual).
- December 24, 2024 – Christmas Eve. While Christmas Eve is not a bank holiday, many banks across the US will work shorter hours.
- December 31, 2024 – New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Eve is not a bank holiday in the US. However, some banks might close earlier than usual on this day.
Banking Hours
Banking hours differ from one bank to another. However, most will open Monday-Friday between 8:00 and 9:00 in the morning and close between 4:00 and 6:00 in the evening.
Some banks and credit unions also open on Saturdays; however, the hours are usually shorter.
How To Get Bank Services On a Bank Holiday
Several options might be available even if you need to bank on a bank holiday.
Knowing these can help you ensure you get access to banking services, even if you can’t access all banking services this way.
One thing to remember here is that some of these methods require some planning, such as internet and mobile banking, which may require you to sign up for the service.
Setting up such services might not be possible on a bank holiday, so take the time to set these up beforehand so that they are available when you need them the most.
In-Store Branch
As the name suggests, in-store bank branches are bank branches located within a store.
While these special branches might not offer all the services you’d find in a regular bank, they still provide many essential banking services to get you through an emergency. These include:
- Check to cash
- Cash deposits and withdrawals
- Document notarization
- Checkbook ordering
- Cashier’s checks
- Loan Officer
Remember that not all in-store branches offer all of these services, and some might even offer additional services.
You might want to check the bank’s or the store’s website to ensure that the in-store branch is open and offers the services you require.
If they are closed or do not offer the services you need, do not give up. There are still more options that might be available to you.
Online Banking
Most banks and credit unions offer their customers online banking services. Typically, you can access them from any web browser on your computer and get access to your accounts right from the comfort of your own home.
Access is usually free with your bank account; however, some banks require you to opt-in for the service. There might be a verification process before you can log in for the first time – the process itself can differ from one bank to the next.
Online banking will typically provide some services, including checking your balances, transferring funds between your accounts, and making ACH transfers.
Keep in mind that even if you make an ACH transfer during a bank holiday, the bank will not process the transfer while it’s closed. Some banks open with reduced hours on Saturday but are generally closed on Sunday.
Mobile Banking App
If you can’t use online banking for whatever reason, you can use your bank’s mobile banking app.
You can typically download apps from the App Store if you have an Apple device, such as iPhone or iPad, or the Google Play Store if you have an Android device.
Mobile banking apps have all of the features found in online banking. Usually, they will also include additional functionality, such as mobile check deposit, which allows you to deposit checks right from your phone.
Even so, remember that the bank will not process the check until it reopens.
ATMs
You can also go to an ATM if you do not have access to online banking or mobile banking.
Just make sure it’s a network ATM, which is an ATM that belongs to your bank’s ATM network.
The services available at an ATM can change from one network to another but will typically include:
- Cash withdrawal
- Cash deposit
- Check deposit
- Funds transfer
- Payments
- Check balances
Remember to use an ATM you must have a debit card linked to your account. Debit cards are typically linked to a checking account.
However, some banks will also provide access to any savings accounts that you might have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are banks open on Christmas Eve?
Christmas Eve is actually not a bank holiday, and banks are typically open on this day. Most banks work reduced hours, so be sure to check your bank’s website if you are unsure.
Are banks open on New Year’s Eve?
Just like Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve is not a bank holiday, and most banks are open on this day. But most banks will work reduced hours. Ensure you either check the bank’s website or call them if you plan on visiting a branch.
Are banks open on Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is a bank holiday, so banks will be closed. This year, Veterans Day will fall on Monday, November 11th. Banks will be open the following business day, Tuesday, November 12th.
What to do if the bank isn’t open today
Online banks and online-only accounts have shown us that it is perfectly possible to bank without visiting a branch.
You can access your accounts 24/7, right from your computer or phone.
While such accounts might make bank opening hours irrelevant, some services, such as safety boxes, still require visiting a physical branch.
One last thing to remember is that even online banks might not offer support on a bank holiday.
As discussed earlier, banks might not process certain bank transfers until the next business day when banks are open.
Even so, a little bit of planning can go a long way to help you ensure you do not miss any deadlines.
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