U.S. Bank Holidays 2026–2027
The Federal Reserve observes 11 holidays each year. On these days, the ACH network, Fedwire, and check clearing all shut down — even if some bank branches stay open. Each guide below covers bank-by-bank closures, payment system status, settlement timelines, and payroll deadlines.
11
Federal holidays per year
2
Holidays where stock market stays open (Columbus Day, Veterans Day)
2
Holidays where TD Bank stays open (Columbus Day, Presidents' Day)
24/7
FedNow & RTP instant payments work every holiday
2026 Federal Reserve Holiday Calendar
New Year's Day
Thursday, January 1Only 1 business day before the weekend. Year-start banking crunch.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, January 19Full shutdown — banks AND stock market close. Tax season begins.
Presidents' Day
Monday, February 16TD Bank stays open. Tax refund season in full swing.
Memorial Day
Monday, May 25Summer banking hours begin at some branches after this weekend.
Juneteenth
Friday, June 19Newest federal holiday (since 2021). 3-day weekend.
Independence Day
Saturday, July 4 (observed Fri, July 3)Falls on Saturday — banks observe Friday. Markets may diverge.
Labor Day
Monday, September 772-hour banking gap. FINRA early close on Friday (1 PM).
Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day
Monday, October 12The most confusing holiday. Some banks open, stock market trades.
Veterans Day
Wednesday, November 11Only mid-week closure. 24-hour gap, not 72. Stock market trades.
Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 264-day banking disruption. Black Friday has reduced hours.
Christmas Day
Friday, December 25Christmas Eve early closures. Only 4 business days to New Year's.
Understanding U.S. Bank Holidays
What Closes on a Federal Holiday
When the Federal Reserve closes, the entire interbank payment infrastructure shuts down. ACH transfers (direct deposits, bill payments, bank-to-bank transfers), Fedwire (wire transfers), and check clearing all pause. No money moves between banks, even at banks that keep their branches open.
This is why Columbus Day and Presidents' Day can be confusing: TD Bank's branches are open, but ACH transfers submitted that day don't settle until the next business day because the Fed is closed.
What Always Works
Regardless of the holiday: ATMs dispense cash, mobile banking apps work for balance checks and internal transfers, and FedNow / RTP instant payments operate 24/7/365 at participating banks.
Zelle works for sending payments, but settlement depends on whether both banks use instant rails (RTP/FedNow) or standard ACH. On holidays, standard ACH Zelle transfers show as “pending” until the next business day.
Credit Card Due Date Protection
Under the CARD Act (Regulation Z §1026.10), if your credit card due date falls on a federal holiday, a payment received the next business day is treated as on time. No late fee, no penalty APR. This applies to every holiday on this list.
The Stock Market Exception
Two federal holidays are exceptions: the NYSE and NASDAQ stay open on Columbus Day and Veterans Day, even though the Federal Reserve is closed. This creates a rare disconnect where you can trade stocks but can't wire money to your brokerage via Fedwire. Bond markets close on both days.
Critical Banking Corridors in 2026
Thanksgiving–Christmas Corridor
Nov 26 → Dec 25. Three federal closures (Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas) in 45 days. Only 4 business days between Christmas and New Year's.
Summer Gap
May 25 → Sep 7. After Memorial Day, banks get the longest uninterrupted stretch: Juneteenth (Jun 19) and Independence Day (Jul 4 observed Jul 3) are the only closures in 15 weeks.
Year-End → Year-Start
Dec 25 → Jan 19 (MLK Day). Christmas, New Year's, and MLK Day create 3 closures in 25 days as tax season begins.
Days That Are NOT Federal Holidays — But People Ask
These dates are not on the Federal Reserve's holiday calendar. Banks are open. But thousands of people search every month wondering if they should go:
Bank-Specific Hours Guides
Hours vary by bank. Each guide covers weekday, Saturday, drive-through, holiday closures, and what works when the branch is closed:
Check Any Bank's Status Right Now
Use our bank checker to see if your specific bank is open today, on any date, in any U.S. city.