Are Banks Open Today? Bank Holidays 2026

Bank holidays have a funny way of sneaking up on us. One minute you are planning to visit the local bank, and the next you realize today is a federal holiday with different hours. So, whether you are hoping for a long weekend or just wondering why Monday feels quieter than usual, you have come to the right place!

Want to know what’s ahead for 2026? Let’s break down how many bank holidays there are in 2026, when to expect the next one, and what it means for your banking experience.

Are Bank Holidays and Federal Holidays the Same Thing?

Not exactly, but they are closely related. A federal holiday (also called a “national holiday”) is a day recognized by the U.S. government. Federal offices are closed on these days, and many schools and businesses may also adjust their schedules.

Meanwhile, a bank holiday is when financial institutions are closed for normal operations. Most banks, including Academy Bank, follow the Federal Reserve holiday schedule, which aligns with nationally recognized holidays in the USA. That’s why people often use the terms “federal holiday” and “bank holiday” interchangeably.

Here are the key differences you should know:

• A federal holiday applies to government operations
• A bank holiday applies specifically to banking and payment systems

Because financial institutions rely on the Fed to process payments, deposits, and transfers, banks close on the same days as the Federal Reserve—even if other businesses remain open.

How Many Bank Holidays Are There in 2026?

Banks that follow the Fed holiday schedule observe 11 bank holidays in 2026. Here are the dates Academy Bank recognizes:

• January 1 (Thursday) — New Year’s Day
• January 19 (Monday) — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day)
• February 16 (Monday) — Presidents Day
• May 25 (Monday) — Memorial Day
• June 19 (Friday) — Juneteenth National Independence Day
• July 3 (Friday) — Independence Day (observed, since July 4 falls on a Saturday)
• September 7 (Monday) — Labor Day
• October 12 (Monday) — Indigenous Peoples Day (Columbus Day)
• November 11 (Wednesday) — Veterans Day
• November 26 (Thursday) — Thanksgiving Day
• December 25 (Friday) — Christmas Day

Those dates are the official bank holidays. However, some banks may choose to close early or operate on reduced hours on other dates that are not federal holidays, such as Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve. Hours can vary by location, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead if you plan to visit a bank location.

When is the Next Bank Holiday?

The nearest observed holiday depends on when you are reading this article, but it will always be the next upcoming date on the Federal Reserve holiday calendar.

For example:

• If it is early in the year, the next federal holiday may be Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January or Presidents Day in February.
• Later in 2026, it could be Memorial Day, Labor Day, or another national holiday that falls on a Monday.

If you are planning your finances around a 2026 bank holiday—especially one that creates a long weekend—it is smart to schedule your payments, transfers, or money needs at least one business day in advance.

Can You Still Bank on a Bank Holiday?

While bank branches close on federal holidays, your banking doesn’t have to stop! At Academy Bank, our digital banking tools are available 24/7, even on national holidays.

That means you can still:

• Check your account balances
• Pay bills online
• Transfer funds between accounts
• Deposit checks using mobile deposit*
• Monitor transactions and account activity.

Plus, through our nationwide network of free ATMs, you can access cash without interruption. So even if there is a bank holiday Monday or a much-anticipated long weekend, you are never disconnected from your money!

Academy Bank Online