How Many Bank Holidays Are There in the USA? Let’s Break It Down!

Hello everyone, I am your dedicated public holiday assistant. Recently, a reader asked me about how many bank holidays they have in the USA. I get this question a lot, so let me clear things up for you once and for all. We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of what “bank holidays” really mean in America and how many you can expect throughout the year. Stick with me, and you’ll have all the info you need to plan your vacations, errands, and days off like a pro.

First off, when Americans talk about “bank holidays,” they usually mean federal holidays. These are the days when the federal government shuts down, most banks close their doors, and plenty of people get a paid day off. The United States officially recognizes 11 federal holidays, but here’s the catch: not all of them are observed by every bank or business. The federal government sets these dates, and while most banks follow along, some private companies might stay open or have their own quirks. The 11 federal holidays 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), 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). Oh, and Inauguration Day rolls around every four years on January 20, but it’s only a federal holiday for workers in the D.C. area and some government employees.

Now, you might be thinking, “That’s only 11, but I feel like banks close way more than that!” Well, that’s because some states add their own holidays into the mix. For example, Texas celebrates Texas Independence Day in March, and Massachusetts has Patriots’ Day in April. Banks in those states might close for those local observations, but they don’t count as official federal holidays across the whole country. Also, some banks choose to close for extra days like Good Friday or the day after Thanksgiving, but that’s up to each institution. So, while the number of federal holidays is a solid 11, the actual “bank holidays” you experience can vary depending on where you live and which bank you use. Most big national banks like Chase or Bank of America stick to the federal list, but smaller credit unions might have their own schedules. To be safe, always check your bank’s holiday calendar online before making plans.

Questions related to how many bank holidays they have in the USA

Let’s tackle some common questions that pop up around this topic. First, people often ask, “Are all federal holidays bank holidays?” The answer is pretty much yes, but with a footnote. Federal holidays are technically when the Federal Reserve is closed, so most banks follow that cue. But some banks might stay open for certain holidays like Columbus Day, especially if they’re in a state that doesn’t observe it. Another big one is, “Do banks close for all 11 holidays every year?” Yep, for the most part, but you’ll see closures on Presidents’ Day and MLK Day, even though some stores stay open. Also, folks wonder, “How do bank holidays affect mail and government services?” Well, the USPS doesn’t deliver mail on federal holidays, and most DMV offices are shut. So plan ahead if you need to send a package or renew your license. Lastly, a lot of people ask, “Are bank holidays the same as public holidays?” Not exactly—public holidays include things like New Year’s, but “bank holidays” specifically focus on when financial institutions are closed. In everyday chit-chat, though, people use the terms interchangeably.

Another frequent question is, “What’s the deal with bank holidays that fall on weekends?” Good point! If a holiday lands on a Saturday, most banks observe it on the previous Friday. If it’s on a Sunday, they’ll usually close the following Monday. This is why you might see New Year’s Day celebrated on a Monday or Friday instead of the actual date. Also, some folks think the USA has more bank holidays than 11 because they remember days like Flag Day or Earth Day, but those aren’t federal holidays—just observances. So, don’t get fooled by random days off from work; stick to the official list from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) if you want the real deal.

Finally, I get questions about whether banks close for things like the Fourth of July or Christmas when they land on a Saturday. In those cases, the banks still shut, but the observance might shift. It’s a bit of a headache, but honestly, most banks post their holiday schedules online months in advance. So if you’re ever unsure, just Google your bank’s name plus “holiday hours 2025” and you’re golden. The bottom line is that the USA officially has 11 bank holidays, but your personal experience might feel like more or less depending on where you bank and live.

public holiday calendar.COM Thank you for reading, I hope this article can help you fully understand how many bank holidays they have in the USA, if you have more questions, please contact us. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or just want to know when your local branch is closed, we’ve got your back. Stay tuned for more holiday tips and tricks from your favorite holiday little assistant!