Are Banks Open on Mardi Gras?

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Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, March 4, this year. With all the festivities in motion, you may find you need to deposit money, withdraw cash or perform any number of bank-related tasks. No worries: GOBankingRates has a list of banks open on Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras Bank Hours

The Federal Reserve does not recognize Mardi Gras as a bank holiday. Fat Tuesday may not be a federal day off, but Mardi Gras is an official state holiday in Louisiana. Expect local banks and credit unions to be closed for the day.

As many banks in Louisiana observe Mardi Gras, they may close early on the day before on Monday, or the actual day. These include:

• University of Louisiana Credit Union: Closed on Tuesday, March 4
• Planters Bank in New Orleans: Closed on Tuesday, March 4
• Be On Path Federal Credit: Closed on Tuesday, March 4

Outside of Louisiana, you can expect banks to maintain normal operating hours. It’s always best, though, to check with your bank to confirm.

Mardi Gras Bank Hours

Mardi Gras is an official state holiday in Louisiana, but it’s not recognized as a federal bank holiday by the Federal Reserve. While most banks across the U.S. will operate as usual, many local banks and credit unions in Louisiana will be closed on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

Some Louisiana banks may also close early on Mardi Gras Eve, Monday, March 3, or remain closed for the entire day. These include:

• University of Louisiana Credit Union – Closed on Tuesday, March 4
• Planters Bank (New Orleans) – Closed on Tuesday, March 4
• Be On Path Federal Credit Union – Closed on Tuesday, March 4

Outside of Louisiana, most national and local banks will remain open. However, operating hours can vary, especially for branches near parade routes or in high-traffic areas. Check with your local branch to confirm specific hours.

Banks Open on Mardi Gras

Most national banks will follow the Federal Reserve’s national holiday schedule and stay open for Fat Tuesday. The following banks are open on Mardi Gras:

Is Mardi Gras a Bank Holiday?

There are 10 federal bank holidays when financial institutions nationwide are closed. According to federal law, if one of the following holidays falls on a Saturday, then the Friday before is considered a paid holiday. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, the holiday is observed on the following Monday. Here is the list of federally recognized holidays on which banks will be closed:

Did You Know?

Though primarily celebrated in Louisiana, Mardi Gras has a history going back as far as medieval Europe. In 17th century Italy it was referred to as “Boeuf Gras” — the fattened calf — and became popular in France, where French settlers imported it to Louisiana in 1699. In 1703, a tiny settlement called ”Fort Louis de la Louisiane” celebrated America’s first Mardi Gras.

Banks Closed on Mardi Gras

Smaller, regional Louisiana banks are likely to close on Mardi Gras to follow the state holiday schedule. Even if your financial institution isn’t on the “banks closed on Mardi Gras” list, it’s a good idea and call ahead and confirm — especially if your bank is located in the New Orleans Historic District, French Quarter or along a parade route. Here are the banks closed on Mardi Gras:

• BancorpSouth
• Citizens Bank and Trust
• Fidelity Bank
• First Bank and Trust
• First National Bank of Louisiana
• Gulf Coast Bank and Trust
• Hancock Whitney (call for holiday hours)
• Investar Bank
• Merchants & Farmers Bank (select locations)
• Metairie Bank
• Pedestal Bank
• Resource Bank
• Sabine State Bank and Trust
• Washington State Bank

To be certain, it’s best to contact the bank directly to verify the hours on Mardi Gras.

Are the Banks Open Today?

If you’re wondering if banks are open during Mardi Gras, most banks are open today — unless you’re located in Louisiana. Mardi Gras is a state holiday, therefore, regional banks may be closed for the festivities. Refer to this list of banks open on Mardi Gras, and if your bank is located in Louisiana, call ahead to confirm.

More Bank Holidays

• Are Banks Open Today? Full List of Bank Holidays
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Cynthia Bowman contributed to the reporting for this article.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.

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