Is July 3 a federal holiday for everyone? No. Some government entities and financial institutions will observe Independence Day on Friday, July 3 because Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, but most banks and the U.S. Postal Service are expected to keep normal schedules.
Jordan Green of The Commercial Appeal covered the holiday schedule changes, including the service split that matters most to readers planning errands. Federal Reserve Banks and Branches will be open on the preceding Friday when a holiday falls on Saturday, and postal operations are expected to stay normal on July 3 before changing on Saturday.
Jordan Green on July 3
Green reported that the holiday weekend creates a split schedule: Friday, July 3 is an ordinary business day for most banks and the U.S. Postal Service, but a holiday observance day for some government entities and financial institutions. That means a bank customer can usually expect access to ATMs, online banking and mobile banking even if a branch changes hours.
Some bank locations may operate with modified hours on July 3. The practical step for customers is simple: check the branch they plan to visit before leaving, because the broad rule does not guarantee the same hours at every location.
USPS and Federal Reserve Banks
The U.S. Postal Service is expected to operate normally on Friday, July 3, with regular mail delivery and post office services available. USPS will observe Independence Day on Saturday, July 4, when post offices will be closed and regular mail delivery will be suspended.
Normal USPS operations are expected to resume the following business day. For readers waiting on mail or planning a trip to a post office, the key date is Saturday, not Friday.
FedEx, UPS and state offices
FedEx and UPS are expected to continue operating on July 3. FedEx has announced modified service operations for July 3 before closing for Independence Day on July 4, while UPS plans to offer services on July 3.
Specific UPS schedules may vary by location. State and local government offices may follow different schedules, and some retail locations may close early or operate with reduced hours as the holiday weekend begins.
Most major grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores and big-box retailers are expected to remain open on July 3. For anyone trying to finish holiday shopping or handle a bank, mail or shipping errand, Friday looks mostly normal — except where a local office chooses to treat it like part of the Independence Day weekend.
