Major US banks to close all locations for 24 hours in weeks for upcoming federal holiday

In a significant development, Bank of America has confirmed it will shut down all 3,700 branches for a 24 hour period in only a few weeks time. Not just this, Chase has also confirmed it will follow suits.

Bank teller services will be unavailable in observance of the US federal holiday Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19. The day commemorates the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation and the liberation of the last enslaved African Americans, marking the end of slavery in the United States.

Juneteenth a federal holiday in US?

So far, Easter Sunday and Memorial Day have already uprooted vital infrastructures like banks and postal services. And in just a few weeks time, Juneteenth will similarly freeze major banks across the country.


Juneteenth falls on June 19, and celebrates the day that the last slaves in the US were freed. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 when former President Joe Biden ratified legislation to do so in June of that year. Hence, all major banks, including Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Citibank will be closed in recognition of the holiday, reports The Mirror.

ALSO READ: Will a potential recession in US provide discounted opportunities to home buyers? Check details

Americans are encouraged to plan ahead and take care of their banking needs in advance. While the closure will last only 24 hours, it may still be wise to avoid any last-minute tasks. In fact, all major banks are expected to be closing, given that Juneteenth is one of the 11 federally recognized holidays. Others include days like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Banks won't be the only institutions shutting down for the day. All government offices — including city and state courts — will be closed. Social Security offices and local Department of Motor Vehicles locations will also be closed in observance of Juneteenth. Additionally, the stock market and branches of the New York Public Library system will suspend operations for the day.

ALSO READ: Elon Musk leaves DOGE: Who will succeed Trump's 'first buddy' and what happens to the watchdog now?

Postal carriers like FedEx and UPS will continue operating on Juneteenth, but there will be no regular mail delivery in New York. Public schools, including city schools, will be closed in observance of the federal holiday, giving students and educators the day off.

Sanitation workers responsible for trash, curbside compost, and recycling will also have the day off, with collections postponed until the following day.

ALSO READ: Trump fumes when asked about 'TACO' trade and called it a 'nasty question’. What does it mean?

Some city services will remain operational. For instance, the Staten Island Ferry will run on a holiday schedule, with departures every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to midnight.

Deal News also reports that Walmart will be running for its normal hours on Juneteenth, despite its status as a major holiday.

Shoppers are advised to check with their local stores before going out on June 19.