Memorial Day 2025 is here—and with it, a pause on much of America’s fast-paced financial world. Whether you’re a casual investor watching your 401(k), a day trader chasing momentum, or someone simply planning a bank visit, knowing what’s open and what’s closed this Memorial Day can save you time, cash, and maybe even a headache.
Memorial Day, observed annually on the last Monday of May—this year falling on May 26, 2025—is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring U.S. military personnel who died in service. But it also signals a nationwide shift in business hours, market activity, and travel plans. So if you’re wondering “Is the stock market open on Memorial Day?”—the short answer is: Nope.
What You Need to Know This Memorial Day 2025!
| Category | Status on Memorial Day 2025 |
|---|---|
| U.S. Stock Markets | Closed (NYSE & Nasdaq both closed on May 26, 2025) |
| Bond Markets | Early Close at 2 p.m. ET on Friday, May 23 |
| Banks | Closed, though ATMs and mobile apps stay active |
| Postal Services (USPS) | Closed, with no mail delivery |
| FedEx & UPS | No standard delivery, limited express services only |
| Retail Stores | Open, including Walmart, Target, Home Depot (check local hours) |
| Costco | Closed for the holiday |
| Airports | Operational, but delays expected due to high travel volume and weather disruptions |
Memorial Day 2025 isn’t just about grilling hot dogs and honoring heroes—it’s a full-scale shutdown for U.S. markets and essential services. From stock trading to banking to postal deliveries, knowing what’s open and closed can save you time, stress, and maybe even money.
So whether you’re kicking back at a BBQ or double-checking your Robinhood app, now you know exactly where things stand.
Why the Markets Close on Memorial Day
It’s not just about taking a day off. Memorial Day is a federal holiday, meaning government institutions, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), pause operations. With trading volume expected to dip anyway (traders head to the beach, too), the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq both shut down for the day. This closure helps maintain fairness and liquidity in the markets.
As for the bond market, it follows the SIFMA (Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association) holiday schedule. So in addition to closing on Memorial Day, it also shut early—at 2:00 p.m. ET on Friday, May 23.
Banking on a Break: Are Banks Open Memorial Day 2025?
If you were planning to run errands at Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, or Citi, go ahead and hit the pause button. All major U.S. banks are closed on Memorial Day. That said, digital banking is still up and running. You can:
- Transfer money via mobile apps
- Use ATMs
- Deposit checks using your phone
But in-person banking? That’ll have to wait until Tuesday, May 27.
Mail, Shipping & Deliveries: What to Expect
- USPS: Completely shut down, with no mail pickup or delivery on Memorial Day.
- FedEx: No Ground, Home Delivery, or Express services except for Custom Critical.
- UPS: No regular services, but UPS Express Critical will run for emergencies.
If you’ve got a package scheduled to go out, double-check the delivery type—it might not move until Tuesday.
Stores & Retail: Who’s Open and Who’s Not
Here’s the deal: Memorial Day sales are a big deal. That means many stores stay open and even extend their hours. Here’s the scoop:
- Open: Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy, CVS, Walgreens, and most grocery stores like Kroger and Safeway. Expect Memorial Day deals.
- Closed: Costco remains a notable exception. The retailer closes on all major U.S. federal holidays, including Memorial Day.
Pro Tip: Hours can vary by location, especially in smaller towns, so it’s smart to call ahead or check your local store’s site.
Travel Troubles: Air Delays and Busy Roads
Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel periods in the U.S., and 2025 is no exception. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), over 2.6 million passengers were screened on the Friday before the holiday. Add in some wild spring weather, and you’ve got a recipe for delays.
If you’re flying:
- Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours early
- Monitor your airline app for real-time updates
- Consider travel insurance for high-risk areas or weather-prone cities
Driving? Brace for traffic. According to AAA, the average Memorial Day road trip in 2025 is clocking in at 282 miles, with congestion peaking on Friday and Monday evenings.
Next Market Closures After Memorial Day
Planning your next trade or financial move? Here are the next holidays when U.S. markets will be closed:
- Juneteenth (June 19, 2025)
- Independence Day (July 4, 2025)
- Labor Day (September 1, 2025)
- Thanksgiving (November 27, 2025)
- Christmas Day (December 25, 2025)
Full schedule available on the NYSE Holiday Calendar.
Quick Tips to Stay Ahead During Market Closures
- Plan trades in advance: Don’t wait until the day before to execute important moves.
- Schedule bill payments early: Banks won’t process transactions on Memorial Day.
- Avoid making investment decisions based on holiday volatility—volume is low and price swings can be exaggerated.
- Set alerts and stop-losses: So you’re protected if international events rattle markets while U.S. ones are closed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the stock market open on Memorial Day 2025?
Nope. Both NYSE and Nasdaq are closed on Monday, May 26, 2025.
Do banks process transactions on Memorial Day?
No. Banks are closed and ACH transfers are paused, but you can still use online banking and ATMs.
Can I send mail on Memorial Day?
Not really. USPS is closed, and FedEx and UPS offer limited or emergency services only.
Are grocery stores open on Memorial Day?
Yes, most major stores are open, including Walmart and Kroger. Costco is closed.
Will there be any impact on travel?
Yes. Expect delays at airports and major highways due to increased travel volume and potential weather issues.
