Are Banks and Shipping Services (UPS, FedEx) Open on MLK Day 2026?
MLK Day 2026: Which banks, USPS, UPS & FedEx open

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026 - observed on Monday, January 19, 2026 — is a recognized federal holiday in the United States honoring the legacy of civil-rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On federal holidays like MLK Day, many services, institutions, and businesses modify or suspend normal hours.

Banks: Closed for the Federal Holiday (But Digital Access Remains)

Most major U.S. banks will be closed on MLK Day 2026, including in-branch services. Traditional bank branches — such as Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and others — follow the federal holiday schedule and do not open on federal holidays. This closure applies to in-person services, teller windows, and bank lobbies.

However:

  • Online banking platforms will remain available.

  • Mobile apps will function normally.

  • ATMs will still be accessible for withdrawals and routine transactions.

These digital and self-service options ensure you can still manage accounts, transfer funds, and check balances even though physical locations are closed.

Tip: Scheduled automatic payments processed by your bank may be delayed until the next business day.

Read more: What’s New for MLK Day 2026: Major Events, National Trends Across the U.S.

UPS (United Parcel Service): Limited or No Standard Service

UPS generally observes MLK Day as a holiday, meaning most pickup and delivery services will be unavailable on January 19. Standard UPS ground shipments and typical courier pickups are paused for the day.

Key points:

  • Normal UPS delivery routes do not run on MLK Day.

  • Most UPS Stores may close or operate varied holiday hours — so check with your local store directly.

  • Urgent or critical shipments (such as UPS Express Critical services) may be available, but these are exception services and usually require advance arrangements.

This holiday pause in UPS standard delivery can affect shipping timelines for packages picked up or tendered close to the holiday.

FedEx Shipping: Operating With Modified Services

Unlike UPS, FedEx does not fully close on MLK Day, but it offers “modified service” for many shipping options. Here’s how some of the FedEx services will operate on January 19, 2026:

FedEx Services on MLK Day:

  • FedEx Express – Modified service (pickup and delivery may vary).

  • FedEx Ground – Modified or limited service.

  • FedEx Office locations – Often open for retail shipping, printing, and drop-off.

  • FedEx Freight, Custom Critical, and Logistics – Typically available even on federal holidays.

Because FedEx’s holiday schedule varies by service and location, it’s best to confirm with local FedEx offices or check tracking updates for your specific shipment.

USPS (United States Postal Service): Closed and No Regular Mail Delivery

The United States Postal Service (USPS) will close all post offices and suspend regular mail delivery on MLK Day 2026 in observance of the federal holiday.

  • No standard mail delivery.

  • Post office counters and retail operations closed.

  • Priority Mail Express delivery may still operate.

Retail self-service kiosks in post office lobbies may offer limited functions (like label printing) during the closure.

Summary: Open vs. Closed — MLK Day 2026

Open vs. Closed — MLK Day 2026
Open vs. Closed — MLK Day 2026

Final Thought

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026 affects many essential services in the U.S. Banks follow the federal holiday calendar and will close on January 19, while shipping companies like UPS and USPS pause standard deliveries. FedEx is the most likely to offer limited shipping options, but expect modified schedules. Planning ahead can help you avoid delays in banking or shipping tasks around the federal holiday