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By Amanda Greenwood
Associate News Editor
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day)—which is Monday, January 19, 2026—is a federal holiday that’s recognized across the United States, meaning it’s likely to affect several public services, including banks, mail, and deliveries.
MLK Day’s Impact on US Public Services
MLK Day was first officially observed on January 20, 1986, after President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, as documented by the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
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Like with other federal holidays, several government services—including the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), major banks, and the stock market—will be closed to honor the day.
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Here’s how MLK Day will affect public services in 2026:
Banks and Financial Institutions
Most major banks—including Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, Wells Fargo, TD Bank, PNC, U.S. Bank, Truist, and Santander—will close their branches, according to reporting from IB Times.
Credit unions and smaller banks will also be closed to observe the holiday. While ATMs and online services will remain available, transactions such as deposits, electronic or wire transfers, and bill payments will not be processed until the banks reopen on Tuesday, January 20.
Postal Services
The USPS announced that all its post office locations will be closed on MLK Day, and regular mail delivery will be suspended—except Priority Mail Express deliveries, which will still be made.
Despite the closures, the USPS did confirm that its 2,600 self-service kiosks—which offer basic postal services—will remain accessible to the public during MLK Day, meaning customers can still buy stamps, weigh and mail parcels, and track packages.
Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, January 20.
Delivery Services
UPS has confirmed that it will not complete pickups or deliveries except for UPS Express Critical, which remains available 365 days a year. Some UPS Store locations may be open, but hours will vary by location.
FedEx says it will also be running a modified service, although FedEx Freight, FedEx Office, FedEx Custom Critical, and FedEx Logistics services will remain open and run as normal.
Stock Market
The New York Stock Exchange will be closed for trading on MLK Day, reopening on Tuesday, January 20.
Other Services
Many schools, libraries, and city offices will also close. However, some retailers, grocery stores, restaurants, and gyms may choose to remain open.
The Next Federal Holiday
The next federal holiday after MLK Day will be Presidents Day, which lands on Monday, February 16, 2026. This is also likely to affect public services, with most banks, government offices, and postal services closing for the day.
Individuals and businesses are advised to plan ahead, especially if expecting direct deposits, electronic payments, or scheduled deliveries.
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