Juneteenth, a new federal holiday in the United States, will soon affect many banks and government offices across the country. On June 19, thousands of bank branches will close, so customers need to plan their visits carefully. Big banks like Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, Capital One, Bank of America, PNC, and Truist will shut their doors for the whole day. This happens because Juneteenth is now one of the 11 federal holidays recognized in the US.
Which Banks Will Close and What Services Will Stay Open?
Wells Fargo will close all its 5,600 branches across the nation, and Chase will temporarily close more than 4,700 branches. Other major banks like Citibank, Capital One, Bank of America, PNC, and Truist will also close their branches for 24 hours. Many local bank branches will be closed too, as Juneteenth is a federal holiday.
Even though the branches will be closed, online banking and ATM services will still work. This means customers can still use digital banking services. It is important to plan ahead to avoid any trouble during this time.
What Is Juneteenth and Why Is It Important?
Juneteenth is celebrated every year on June 19. It became a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed it into law. The day marks the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved African Americans were freed after the Emancipation Proclamation was enforced.
Juneteenth is now one of the most important holidays in the US, alongside Thanksgiving and Christmas. It honours African American history and freedom, making it a special day for many people.
How Juneteenth Affects Other Services and Government Offices
Since Juneteenth is a federal holiday, many government offices will be closed. This includes city and state courts, Social Security offices, the Department of Motor Vehicles, public schools, and libraries. The United States Postal Service (USPS) will also close all post offices, so no mail will be delivered on June 19.
Private courier companies like FedEx and UPS will continue to work as usual. The stock market will be closed for the day. Garbage, compost, and recycling collection will be delayed by one day because sanitation workers will have the day off.
Will Stores Be Open on Juneteenth?
Not all stores will close on Juneteenth because it is a new holiday. Big retailers like Costco and Walmart will stay open. However, shoppers should check with their local stores before going out, as some smaller shops might close or have shorter hours.
Juneteenth is an important holiday in American history and now a federal holiday that affects many services across the country. On June 19, many banks, government offices, and postal services will close, so people should plan ahead. While some services like online banking and private delivery companies will continue, in-person bank visits and mail delivery will pause. Knowing what will be closed helps avoid last-minute problems and ensures a smooth holiday experience.
