Banking holidays: what is it?
A banking holiday corresponds to a closure of the T2 system (formerly Target 2), used to execute European interbank payments.
In practice:
- SEPA transfers and direct debits between two banks are recorded but credited the following business day.
- Cards, internal transfers, and instant transfers remain available.
2025 calendar
The closing days vary from year to year.
The schedule is set by the European Central Bank and applies to the entire Eurozone.
Banking holidays in 2025:
- Wednesday, January 1 (New Year’s Day)
- Friday, April 18, 2025 (Good Friday)
- Lundi 21 avril 2025 (Lundi de Pâques)
- Thursday, May 1, 2025 (Labour Day)
- Thursday, December 25 (Christmas Day)
- Friday, December 26 (Boxing Day)
Public holidays not applicable:
- Jeudi 8 mai (Victoire 1945)
- Thursday, May 29 (Ascension Day)
- Monday, June 9 (Pentecost)
- Monday, July 14 (National Day)
- Friday, August 15 (Assumption)
- Tuesday, November 11 (Armistice Day)
What are the impacts for businesses?
Bank holidays delay the processing of SEPA payments.
Bank transfers and direct debits initiated the evening before, on the same day, or scheduled for that date will be credited on the next business day.
Possible consequences:
- Delayed customer payments
- Delayed supplier payments, salaries, or rent
This delay can cause cash flow problems if these days are not anticipated.
How to anticipate these exceptional closures?
For outgoing payments:
- Issue transfers at least 48 business hours before a bank holiday
- Verify the value date to ensure proper credit
For customer receipts:
- Adjust billing and due dates when possible.
- Inform customers and encourage them to anticipate their payments
💡 Bank holidays do not block instant transfers. They remain available 24/7, with processing in less than 10 seconds. A reliable alternative for securing urgent payments, even in the event of a bank closure.
