How Many US Bank Holidays Are There? A Complete Guide to Federal and Observed Days

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If you’ve ever wondered exactly how many bank holidays the United States recognizes, you’re not alone. It’s a question a lot of folks ask when they’re planning time off, scheduling payments, or just trying to figure out if the bank will be open. The short answer is that the US government officially designates 11 federal holidays each year. But here’s where it gets a little tricky: not every bank observes all 11, and some states add extra holidays. So when people say “bank holidays,” they usually mean the days when most banks are closed—and that list is pretty standard across the country. But like anything with banking, there are nuances. Let’s break it down so you can keep your cash flow straight.

First off, the official federal holidays are set by law in Title 5 of the United States Code. 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), Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November), and Christmas Day (December 25). That’s 11 total. However, some federal holidays like Inauguration Day (January 20 every four years) only apply to Washington D.C. and certain federal employees, so it’s not considered a standard bank holiday. Also, while many people think Good Friday or Easter Monday are bank holidays, they aren’t federal ones—though some banks close anyway depending on the region.

Now, for banks specifically, the vast majority follow the Federal Reserve’s holiday schedule, which matches those 11 federal holidays. But here’s the thing: banks can also close on additional days if they choose. For example, many banks observe the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) or Christmas Eve as early closing days or full closures. Some credit unions might add extra holidays like a “staff appreciation day.” So the exact number of bank holidays you’ll experience can vary from institution to institution. But if you’re just looking for the core number of days when the Federal Reserve is closed and banks are not processing transactions, it’s 11.

One more twist: When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, it’s typically observed on the preceding Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, it’s observed on the following Monday. This can shift the actual day you’ll see the bank closed. For instance, if Christmas lands on a Saturday, banks close on Friday the 24th. So the count of bank holidays stays at 11 in terms of observed days, but the calendar dates move around. Also, some states have their own holidays—like Texas’s “Texas Independence Day” or California’s “Cesar Chavez Day”—that might cause local bank branches to close, but those aren’t nationwide.

So to sum up: the official number of US bank holidays is 11 per year. But depending on where you bank and what custom observances your bank follows, you might experience 11 to 14 days when you can’t make in-person transactions or expect electronic transfers to be delayed. Always check your bank’s holiday schedule online, especially around the end-of-year rush. And if you’re trying to plan a payment deadline, avoid the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas because those holidays stack up quickly.

Questions related to how many US bank holidays there are

Are all 11 federal holidays observed by every bank? Yes, most major banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, etc.) close on all 11. But smaller local banks or credit unions might choose to stay open on holidays like Presidents’ Day or Columbus Day—though that’s rare. The safest bet is to assume they’re closed on the 11 standard ones unless you check.

What about online banking and ATMs on bank holidays? Great question. Even though branches are closed, online banking usually works, and ATMs are typically available. However, transactions might not be processed until the next business day. For example, if you deposit a check on a bank holiday, it likely won’t start clearing until the following day. So if you need money to clear by a certain date, don’t bank on a holiday.

Do stock market holidays match bank holidays? Not exactly. The NYSE and Nasdaq have their own schedule—usually 9 to 10 holidays per year. They often close for Good Friday (which banks don’t generally observe) but stay open on Veterans Day (when banks are closed). So if you’re trading, check the market calendar separately.

Is there a difference between a “bank holiday” and a “public holiday”? In the US, “bank holiday” specifically refers to days when banks are closed, while “public holiday” or “federal holiday” includes all government closures. But in everyday speech, people use them interchangeably. The key is that not all public holidays (like Christmas Day) are technically bank holidays—but in practice, they are, because almost everything shuts down.

How can I find my specific bank’s holiday schedule? Just Google “[your bank name] holiday schedule 2024” or check your bank’s website under the “Locations” or “Customer Service” section. Most publish their full list around October for the next year. If you’re planning ahead, it’s smart to bookmark that page.

Alright, to wrap it all up: the straight answer is 11 US bank holidays per year. But keep in mind that observed dates can shift, and some banks add extra closures. Always double-check with your own bank—especially around the holidays when you might be making big purchases or paying bills. I’m Holiday Little Assistant, and I hope this helps you plan ahead without any last-minute surprises. If you still have questions about how many US bank holidays there are or anything else holiday-related, just reach out to us at public holiday calendar.COM. Thanks for reading, and happy holiday planning!