Every year, the US marks the birthday of George Washington on the third Monday of February. Also known as Presidents Day, this is the third federal holiday of the year after New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King Day. In 2024, it is celebrated on Monday, Feb. 19.
Presidents Day began as a commemoration of the birth of Washington, the first president of the United States. His birthday has been a federal holiday since 1885, but since 1971 this holiday became popularly known as Presidents Day to honor all the presidents of the United States.
The US government has not officially changed the name of the holiday, and continues to list the day as Washington’s Birthday.
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Are banks open on Presidents Day?
As it is a federal holiday, government offices will be closed on Monday, Feb. 19. But what about banks and post offices?
In the case of banks, they get to choose whether to close since they are private institutions. However, most of the largest banks follow the Federal Reserve calendar, so they also close during official holidays.
Some of the banks who won’t be open for business on Monday include Bank of America, Wells Fargo, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Chase, Citibank, US Bank, SunTrust Bank, Capital One, Citizens Bank, Santander Bank and BBVA Compass.
Although most banks will be closed on Monday, basic banking transactions through online banking or ATM will be available.
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Are post offices open on Presidents Day?
As for post offices, the United States Postal Service will be closed on Feb. 19. However, DHL, Fedex and UPS offices will be open.
As with other federal holidays, the stock market, schools, libraries and many private businesses will be closed. Most supermarkets, restaurants and pharmacies will remain open.
All US federal holidays in 2024
From New Year’s Day to Christmas Day, the United States has 11 federal holidays, with Juneteenth being the most recently added. Here is the complete list of official holidays in 2024:
- New Year’s Day – January 1
- Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday (third Monday of January) – January 15
- Washington’s Birthday or Presidents Day (third Monday of February) – February 19
- Memorial Day (last Monday of May) – May 27
- Juneteenth Day – June 19
- Independence Day – July 4
- Labor Day (first Monday of September) – September 2
- Columbus Day (second Monday of October) – October 14
- Veterans Day or Veterans Day – November 11
- Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday of November) – November 28
- Christmas Day – December 25
