Presidents Day 2024: Federal Offices, Banks Close Nationwide
Presidents Day 2024, celebrated on February 19, honors George Washington. Established in 1879, it moved to the third Monday of February in 1968. Federal offices close, but retail stores stay open.
Presidents Day 2024, officially known as Washington's Birthday, is a 145-year old federal holiday celebrated on February 19. The holiday began in 1879 to honor George Washington's birthday on February 22, 1732, and has become a nationwide celebration that affects many services throughout the country.
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 moved this celebration to the third Monday of February. This change created more than just a tribute to our nation's leaders. Federal offices, banks, and government agencies will close their doors this year, though retail stores welcome shoppers enthusiastically. Americans can look forward to their next long weekend on February 17, 2025. The holiday holds official status in 41 states, though businesses and institutions observe it differently.
Federal Offices Announce Complete Shutdown for Presidents Day 2024
The United States Postal Service (USPS) and federal government offices nationwide will close on Monday, February 19, to observe Presidents Day. All nonessential federal and state government offices will stay closed throughout the day.
USPS will completely suspend regular mail delivery services. Their retail locations and post office counters will not operate during this federal holiday. Post office box holders can still access their boxes as this service will be available where possible.
The closure affects these government entities:
• Federal and state courts
• Public libraries
• Government administrative offices
• Post office retail locations
• Department of Education
• State Treasurer's Office
Regular USPS delivery services will return to normal on Tuesday, February 20. Private carriers like UPS and FedEx will continue their standard delivery operations during the holiday. USPS's next holiday service interruption will occur on Memorial Day.
Federal offices will observe Presidents Day on February 17 in 2025, with the same closure protocols. California's State government has already announced its complete shutdown for the 2025 holiday, which includes the Department of Education and State Treasurer's Office.
Banks Implement Special Operating Procedures
"The best way for the Government to maintain its credit is to pay as it goes--not by resorting to loans, but by keeping out of debt--through an adequate income secured by a system of taxation, external or internal, or both." — Andrew Jackson, 7th President of the United States
Most major U.S. banks will close their physical locations for Presidents Day 2024. Capital One, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, PNC, Chase, Truist, and CitiBank branches won't open their doors. In spite of that, TD Bank will stay open and follow regular business hours during the holiday.
Bank transactions will see delays. Deposits and withdrawals won't show up until Tuesday, February 20, at the earliest. Direct deposits set for the holiday will wait until the next business day to process.
You can still access these banking services during the holiday:
• ATMs will operate 24/7 for cash withdrawals, deposits, and balance inquiries
• Online and mobile banking platforms work for routine transactions
• Digital payment services like Venmo and PayPal stay active
Mobile check deposits made during the holiday will process the next business day. Most major banks' customer service teams remain ready to help through phone or chat channels during the closure.
Banks will follow the same closure schedule in 2025 on February 17, which keeps federal banking holiday operations consistent.
Essential Services Maintain Critical Operations
Emergency services stay fully operational through Presidents Day 2024. Public safety and support systems continue without interruption. The Department of Behavioral Health offers 24/7 crisis support services, and counselors help people with mental health challenges or substance use concerns through the 988 hotline.
Emergency shelters remain open to help those without homes. Low-barrier shelters run 24/7 and follow their usual schedules during the holiday. The DC Stabilization Center at 35 K Street NE helps adults 18 and older with no-cost substance use disorder crisis support.
Essential mental health services include:
• Complete Psychiatric Emergency Program: (202) 673-9319
• Community Response Team: (202) 673-6495
• Crisis Counseling Services: 988
You get extra pay if you work as a federal employee during the holiday. Holiday premium pay applies when you work during designated holiday hours. Night shift workers keep their night pay entitlements for scheduled work.
Safety matters most during the holiday period. Winter weather needs extra attention because it can be risky this time of year. Emergency workers should check weather forecasts often and keep emergency supplies in their vehicles and homes. The Destructive Weather Mitigation Operations program gives updated conditions daily at 4 a.m. to help with emergency planning.
Conclusion
Presidents Day 2024 will change how many services operate across the United States. Federal offices, USPS facilities and most banks will close their doors. Emergency operations will continue to run as usual. You can still use digital banking, ATMs and private delivery services for your daily needs.
This holiday impacts different sectors in unique ways. Emergency services stay fully operational. Crisis support and mental health services remain available through their hotlines. Federal employees who work during the holiday will receive premium pay that recognizes their service.
Public safety remains the top priority during this winter holiday. Weather monitoring systems continue to operate while emergency teams stay ready to respond. This approach keeps everyone safe even when most institutions are closed.
You should plan ahead for February 19th. Many services will pause and transactions might take longer to process until business resumes on Tuesday, February 20th. Next year's holiday falls on February 17, 2025, and federal and financial institutions will follow the same rules.
FAQs
Q1. Will banks be open on Presidents Day 2024? Most banks will be closed on Presidents Day 2024, including major institutions like Capital One, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, PNC, Chase, Truist, and CitiBank. However, TD Bank will remain open. ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps will still be accessible for most banking needs.
Q2. Are federal offices closed for Presidents Day? Yes, all nonessential federal and state government offices will be closed on Presidents Day. This includes federal and state courts, public libraries, government administrative offices, and post offices. Regular operations will resume the following day.
Q3. Will mail be delivered on Presidents Day? No, the United States Postal Service (USPS) will suspend regular mail delivery services on Presidents Day. Post office retail locations will also be closed. However, private carriers like UPS and FedEx will maintain their standard delivery operations during the holiday.
Q4. What essential services remain operational during Presidents Day? Critical emergency services, including police, fire departments, and hospitals, will remain fully operational. Mental health crisis support services, emergency shelters, and substance use disorder support centers will also continue to function throughout the holiday.
Q5. When is Presidents Day observed in 2025? Presidents Day in 2025 will be observed on Monday, February 17. Federal offices, banks, and government agencies are expected to follow similar closure protocols as in 2024, creating a long weekend for many Americans.
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