Are the Banks Open on Martin Luther King Day?
MLK Day is almost here, which has many folks wondering if the banks are open on Monday, January 20.
Are the banks open on Martin Luther King Day in 2025? That's a question plenty of folks are asking just ahead of the federal holiday. The answer is no, banks are not open on MLK Day, as the holiday is also known.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day became a federal holiday in 1983, when it was signed into law by then President Ronald Reagan, and was officially observed three years later. It wasn't until 2000 that all 50 states recognized MLK Day.
The three-day weekend marks the second bank holiday in 2025, with the first occurring on Wednesday, January 1, in observance of New Year's Day.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s actual birthday falls on January 15. While Martin Luther King Jr. Day is meant to celebrate the birth of Dr. King, the federal holiday is observed on the third Monday in January, regardless of the date on which that day falls.
As for stock market holidays – particularly for those asking "is the stock market open on Martin Luther King Day" – the stock market is typically closed on the federal holiday. Bond traders also get a three-day weekend, with bond markets shuttered on MLK Day, too.
For those wondering what time does the market open for regular trading hours, both the Nasdaq Stock Market and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) are open from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm Eastern time Monday through Friday.
If you're looking to take some time over the three-day weekend to get a head start on your tax preparation, have a look at the income tax brackets for 2024 and 2025. Additionally, don't forget to check out the standard deduction amounts and capital gains tax rates for 2024 and 2025.
Below, we feature a full schedule of all U.S. bank holidays for 2025. Please note that the list includes Juneteenth – the June 19 holiday commemorating the end of slavery – which became the 12th federal holiday by vote of Congress in 2021.
2025 bank holidays
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year's Day |
| January 20 | Monday | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
| February 17 | Monday | Presidents' Day/Washington's Birthday |
| May 26 | Monday | Memorial Day |
| June 19 | Thursday | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| July 4 | Friday | Independence Day |
| September 1 | Monday | Labor Day |
| October 13 | Monday | Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day |
| November 11 | Tuesday | Veterans Day |
| November 27 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day |
* This is the recommended bank market holiday schedule from the Federal Reserve. This schedule is subject to change.
Related content
- Best 529 Plans of 2025
- Where to Go for a Post-Holiday Travel Break
- How Much Umbrella Insurance Do I Need?
-
Visa Stamps the Dow's 398-Point Slide: Stock Market TodayIt's as clear as ever that President Donald Trump and his administration can't (or won't) keep their hands off financial markets.
-
State Tax Changes 2026: Is Your State Cutting (or Raising) Taxes This Year?Tax Changes As a new year begins, taxpayers across the country are navigating a new round of state tax changes.
-
Who Said That? Match the US President to the QuotationWho better to give advice on aging, retirement and finances than a U.S. president? Our short quiz will determine whether you're a history buff or buffoon.
-
8 Things You Need to Stop Wasting Money on in 2026Want to get your finances in shape this year? Start by cutting out these sneaky sources of waste in your budget.
-
The December CPI Report Is Out. Here's What It Means for the Fed's Next MoveThe December CPI report came in lighter than expected, but housing costs remain an overhang.
-
Billed 12 Hours for a Few Seconds of Work: How AI Is Helping Law Firms Overcharge ClientsThe ability of AI to reduce the time required for certain legal tasks is exposing the legal profession's reliance on the billable hour.
-
Will Soaring Health Care Premiums Tank Your Early Retirement?If you're under 65 and want to retire soon, your plan may be derailed by skyrocketing ACA marketplace premiums. Here's what you can do.
-
I'm a Financial Adviser: Here's How to Earn a Fistful of Interest on Your Cash in 2026 (Just Watch Out for the Taxes)Is your cash earning very little interest? With rates dropping below 4%, now is the time to lock in your cash strategy. Just watch out for the tax implications.
-
What to Watch for When Refinancing Your Home MortgageA smart refinance can save you thousands, but only if you know how to avoid costly pitfalls, calculate true savings and choose the right loan for your goals.
-
The 10 Best Splurge Destinations for Retirees in 2026Come for the luxury vacation. Retire for the lifestyle (if the vacay goes well). What better way to test a location for retiring abroad?
-
My First $1 Million: US Government Worker, 47, OverseasEver wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
