2025 National Bank Holiday Schedule: 11 Essential Dates
Plan your finances for 2025! Get the complete list of 11 US national bank holidays, from New Year's Day to Christmas, and learn how to manage your money around them.
Chloe Peterson
A financial literacy expert dedicated to making money management simple and accessible for everyone.
Ever had that moment? You pull up to the bank on a seemingly normal weekday, ready to make a deposit or speak to a teller, only to be greeted by locked doors and a small, apologetic sign. It’s a frustratingly common experience, and it almost always happens on a bank holiday you forgot was coming.
These aren’t just random days off for bank employees. They are official U.S. Federal Reserve holidays, and they create ripple effects across the entire financial system. From delayed paychecks to stalled stock market trading, these dates are crucial anchors in our financial year. For 2025, there are 11 such days you need to circle on your calendar.
This guide will not only give you the complete 2025 bank holiday schedule but also provide practical tips to navigate them without a hitch. Let’s make sure your financial plans don't hit an unexpected roadblock.
Why Bank Holidays Are a Bigger Deal Than You Think
When the Federal Reserve System closes, nearly every financial institution in the country follows suit. This is because the Fed’s services, like the processing of checks, wire transfers (FedWire), and Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions, are unavailable. Think of it as the central nervous system of the nation's finances taking a day off.
Here’s what that means for you:
- Delayed Transactions: A direct deposit or bill payment scheduled for a bank holiday won’t be processed until the next business day.
- Payroll Pauses: If you're a business owner, running payroll right before a holiday requires planning to ensure your team gets paid on time.
- Stock Market Standstill: The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ typically close on these days, pausing all trading activity.
- No In-Person Services: Need to access a safe deposit box, apply for a loan, or get a document notarized? You’ll have to wait.
Knowing these dates isn’t just about convenience; it’s about smart financial management.
The Complete 2025 National Bank Holiday Schedule
Let's break down the 11 essential dates for 2025. We’ve grouped them by season to help you visualize the year ahead.
Winter Kick-Off: Q1 Holidays
New Year's Day: Wednesday, January 1, 2025
The year starts with a quiet day for the financial world. As a mid-week holiday, it’s a brief pause before business resumes on Thursday. Plan any year-end financial moves for the last week of December.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Monday, January 20, 2025
The first long weekend of the year. This holiday honors the legacy of the Civil Rights leader. Since it’s a Monday, any transactions initiated over the weekend won't be processed until Tuesday, January 21st.
Presidents' Day: Monday, February 17, 2025
Officially Washington's Birthday, this holiday gives us another three-day weekend. It's a great time for retail sales but a quiet one for banking. Remember that any financial business you have will need to wait until Tuesday.
Spring & Summer Breaks: Q2 & Q3 Holidays
Memorial Day: Monday, May 26, 2025
The unofficial start of summer is a solemn day of remembrance and another key three-day weekend. With summer travel planning in full swing, make sure you have your cash and travel funds sorted before this weekend hits.
Juneteenth National Independence Day: Thursday, June 19, 2025
As the newest federal holiday, Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. In 2025, it falls on a Thursday. This is a key date to watch, as it can disrupt the flow of a typical business week. Many people may take Friday, June 20th off, creating a four-day weekend, which could extend financial processing delays.
Independence Day: Friday, July 4, 2025
Perfectly placed on a Friday in 2025, this holiday creates a classic summer long weekend. Banks will close on Friday, so any weekly payrolls or payments due will need to be handled by Thursday at the latest.
Fall & Year-End Holidays: Q3 & Q4 Holidays
Labor Day: Monday, September 1, 2025
Marking the unofficial end of summer, this Monday holiday provides a final long weekend for warm-weather fun. It’s a standard bank closure, so plan for a Tuesday return to financial business.
Columbus Day: Monday, October 13, 2025
While a Federal Reserve holiday, it's worth noting that observance of this day varies. Some states and cities recognize it as Indigenous Peoples' Day, and some businesses may remain open. However, you can count on banks and the stock market being closed.
Veterans Day: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
This mid-week holiday honors all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Unlike some other holidays, many retail and other businesses stay open. But for banking, it’s a definite closure. The Monday before will be a crucial day for any pressing financial tasks.
Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 27, 2025
This one is a major anchor in the holiday season. Banks and markets are closed. While Black Friday is a massive retail day, many financial operations are still impacted. ACH and wire transfers won't process again until the following Monday for most transactions initiated late Wednesday or Thursday.
Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25, 2025
The final bank holiday of the year. Like Thanksgiving and Juneteenth, its position on a Thursday in 2025 makes for a short work week and potential for an extended break. Plan all your holiday-related financial needs, from cash for gifts to last-minute transfers, well in advance.
Smart Planning for Bank Closures
Knowing the dates is step one. Acting on them is step two. Here’s how to stay ahead of the game.
For Your Personal Finances
- Review Your Autopay Schedule: If a bill is due on a holiday, it will likely be debited the next business day. Ensure funds are available to avoid overdraft fees.
- Plan for Cash: If you're heading out for a long weekend, withdraw any cash you might need by the Thursday or Friday before a Monday holiday.
- Embrace Digital Tools: Mobile check deposit, Zelle, Venmo, and online banking are your best friends during a bank holiday. Just be aware that even digital transfers can be delayed if they rely on the ACH system.
For Small Business Owners
- Payroll is Priority: If your payday falls on a bank holiday or the day after, submit your payroll 1-2 business days earlier than usual to ensure your employees are paid on time. This is especially critical for the mid-week holidays in 2025.
- Manage Your Cash Flow: Expect delays in receiving client payments (checks, wires, ACH) made right before a holiday. Ensure you have enough operating capital to cover your own expenses.
- Communicate with Clients: If you're expecting a large payment, remind your client of the banking holiday to ensure they initiate the transfer with enough lead time.
The Takeaway: A Year of No Surprises
The 2025 bank holiday schedule is more than just a list of days off; it’s a financial road map. By marking these 11 dates and understanding their impact, you can avoid frustrating delays and keep your financial life running smoothly.
Whether you're planning a vacation around a long weekend, timing a major purchase, or running a business, a little foresight goes a long way. Here’s to a well-planned, financially savvy 2025!