> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.alternativepayments.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.alternativepayments.io/payments-and-invoicing/payments-and-payouts/how-canadian-bank-holidays-affect-your-payout-timelines.md).

# How Canadian Bank Holidays Affect Your Payout Timelines

Canadian bank holidays can affect your payout timelines, even if you initiate a payment on a regular business day. Here's what you need to know to plan ahead.

***

When banks in Canada are closed for a holiday, payout processing pauses until the next business day. This means your funds might arrive later than usual -- especially if your payout is scheduled near a holiday or over a long weekend.

\
**Example**

If your payout is expected to be deposited on Monday but Monday is Thanksgiving Day (a Canadian bank holiday), it will instead be deposited on the next business day (Tuesday), unless that day is also a bank-observed holiday.

You can always view your estimated payout timelines by visiting your [Payouts page](https://app.alternativepayments.io/dashboard/all-transactions?pageTab=Payouts) in your Alternative Payments dashboard.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Note:** Standard processing timelines for credit cards and bank payments (EFTs) are 3 business days.\
\
If you have opted in to accelerated payouts, your standard payout time may be the next day or 2 business days.
{% endhint %}

***

## **Bank Holidays in Canada (2026)**

| Holiday                                   | Date                    | Observed in                             |
| ----------------------------------------- | ----------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| New Year's Day                            | Thursday, January 1     | All provinces & territories             |
| Good Friday                               | Friday, April 3         | All provinces & territories             |
| Victoria Day                              | Monday, May 18          | All provinces & territories (except QC) |
| Canada Day                                | Wednesday, July 1       | All provinces & territories             |
| Labour Day                                | Monday, September 7     | All provinces & territories             |
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Wednesday, September 30 | Federal & some provinces                |
| Thanksgiving Day                          | Monday, October 12      | All provinces except NB, NS, NL, PE     |
| Remembrance Day                           | Wednesday, November 11  | Federal & most provinces                |
| Christmas Day                             | Friday, December 25     | All provinces & territories             |
| Boxing Day                                | Saturday, December 26   | Federal & ON, NB, NL                    |

***

## What should you expect?

* Payments initiated just before or on a holiday may be delayed by 1 business day
* Auto-pay and recurring payment rules will still trigger as scheduled, but the actual fund transfer won't be completed until banks reopen

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Note:** If a holiday falls on a weekend, banks may observe the holiday on the closest weekday.
{% endhint %}

***

## Best practices

* Schedule critical payouts in advance of bank holidays
* Use our payout tracking tools to monitor payment status
* Communicate with your clients or vendors if you anticipate any delays due to a holiday

If you have specific questions or need help adjusting your payout schedule, reach out to our support team.

**Love our platform?** Rate us on [Channel Program](https://channelprogram.com/v/alternativepayments) and check out our [Referral Program page](https://www.alternativepayments.io/referral-partners/)!


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