Chase has officially announced it will close all of its branches for a full 24 hours in observance of Juneteenth, sending millions of Americans into yet another banking blackout.
This follows a year already packed with federal holiday disruptions, and the upcoming shutdown is expected to spark last-minute panic among customers who now have just days left to complete their errands before everything grinds to a halt.
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, marks the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally told they were free, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had technically ended slavery. While it only became a federal holiday in 2021 under President Joe Biden, it’s quickly becoming one of the most disruptive holidays for everyday services.
This year, Juneteenth falls on a Wednesday, which means there won’t be a long weekend buffer to soften the blow. Services across the country, from banking to mail, will pause operations for the day, forcing Americans to scramble for alternatives. Chase isn’t alone, either. Major institutions like Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Citibank will also shutter operations nationwide.
So what does this mean for customers? No in-person banking. ATMs and mobile services will still function, but if you were planning to visit a branch to speak with a banker or resolve a transaction face-to-face, it’s not happening on June 19. And it’s not just banks hitting pause. Most government offices will also shut down, including Social Security services and the DMV.
Even mail services are pulling back. USPS will partially freeze, with no counter services available. However, mail and packages will still be delivered. For those in urgent need of shipping or physical services, FedEx will be stepping in with full FedEx delivery, FedEx Freight, and FedEx Office operations running. Unlike USPS, you’ll be able to walk into a FedEx Office and get help in person, though they won’t completely replace what USPS offers.
The growing recognition of Juneteenth has turned it into a national moment of both celebration and disruption. Though not all states treat it as a paid holiday, 27 already do, including Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska, and, of course, Texas, where the holiday originated. Texas recognized it back in 1980, long before it hit the federal radar. By 2008, nearly half the states in the U.S. were already observing it in some form.
The day’s rise hasn’t been without controversy. While many embrace the spirit of reflection and education, others, like conservative pundit Candace Owens, have dismissed it as a divisive and unnecessary addition. Owens once called Juneteenth “lame” and accused Democrats of using it to “repackage segregation.” Ironically, former President Donald Trump has claimed credit for making Juneteenth “very famous,” suggesting his spotlight on the day was part of why it became so widely acknowledged.
Controversies aside, the impact is real. Banks, mail, and federal offices will all be dark on June 19. That’s why Americans are being urged to wrap up their tasks in advance. With the Chase closure looming, people will need to pivot fast or risk getting caught in a total standstill.
But Juneteenth isn’t just about what’s closed. It’s also a time to reflect on one of the darkest chapters in American history and celebrate the resilience of African Americans. Across the country, events are planned to mark the occasion, from museum exhibitions and educational lectures to community gatherings and cultural performances. Libraries and cultural centers are also offering ways to learn more about slavery, emancipation, and the long road to civil rights.
While it may seem like just another day off, Juneteenth carries weight. It’s a day rooted in truth, pain, and progress. And as more Americans recognize its importance, closures like this year’s Chase blackout will likely become a regular part of the calendar.
If you’re hoping to dodge the frustration this time, make sure you get your banking, government paperwork, and shipping handled before Wednesday. Because come June 19, Chase, the USPS, and nearly every other major service will be on pause, whether you’re ready or not.
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