What Are Considered Business Days? Everything You Need to Know
Understanding what are considered business days is essential for everything from banking and shipping to job interviews and legal deadlines. Yet, many people are still unclear about what qualifies as a business day and how it can impact their plans. In this article, we’ll break down the meaning, examples, and exceptions of business days in various scenarios.
What Are Considered Business Days?
Simply put, what are considered business days refers to the standard working days in a week when most businesses, government offices, and financial institutions are operational. In most countries, this typically includes Monday through Friday, excluding weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and public holidays.
So, if a company tells you they’ll respond in “3 business days,” and you send an email on Friday, you likely won’t get a response until Wednesday of the following week.
Importance of Knowing What Are Considered Business Days
Knowing what are considered business days is crucial for several reasons:
- Bank transactions: Transfers or deposits are usually processed on business days only.
- Online shopping and shipping: Delivery estimates are typically based on business days.
- Job processes: Application deadlines and interview timelines rely on business day definitions.
- Legal matters: Court filings and document deadlines depend on counting business days accurately.
Business Days in Different Industries
While the general rule of thumb is Monday through Friday, the interpretation of what are considered business days may vary slightly across sectors:
| Industry | Business Days Typically Observed |
|---|---|
| Banking | Monday to Friday (excluding federal holidays) |
| Shipping/Logistics | Monday to Friday (some offer Saturday delivery with extra cost) |
| Customer Support | Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM |
| Government | Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays |
Do Holidays Count?
No, holidays do not count as business days. This means if you ask what are considered business days around Christmas or New Year’s, those days are generally excluded from the business calendar. Always check the official holiday calendar to avoid misunderstandings.
Global Differences in Business Days
In some countries, what are considered business days can differ. For example:
- In many Middle Eastern countries, the workweek is Sunday to Thursday.
- In Israel, business days run from Sunday through Thursday, with Friday as a half-day.
- In Western countries, it’s typically Monday through Friday.
If you’re working with international clients or companies, double-check their local business week.
How Many Business Days Are in a Year?
On average, there are about 260 business days in a year, depending on how weekends and holidays fall. This figure is useful for employers, HR departments, and project managers planning annual workloads.
Misconceptions About Business Days
People often assume that “a few days” automatically means calendar days. But when a company says “you’ll receive your package in 5 business days,” that does not include weekends or holidays. So it’s essential to clarify what are considered business days in any given context.
Tips for Dealing with Business Day Delays
If you’re unsure how what are considered business days affect a deadline or process, follow these tips:
- Ask for clarification: Especially if timing is crucial.
- Plan ahead: Don’t wait until Friday evening to make requests.
- Use tracking tools: Most services show business day estimations clearly.
- Mark holidays: Be aware of public holidays in your country or region.
FAQs About What Are Considered Business Days
1. What are considered business days in the U.S.?
Business days in the U.S. are typically Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.
2. Do weekends count as business days?
No, weekends (Saturday and Sunday) are not considered business days.
3. Are public holidays part of business days?
No, public holidays are excluded from business days.
4. If something takes 3 business days and I order on Friday, when will it arrive?
It will likely arrive by the following Wednesday, assuming no holidays fall in between.
5. Are business days the same for all companies?
Most follow the Monday–Friday rule, but it can vary by industry and country.
6. Do business days include bank holidays?
No, bank holidays are not considered business days.
7. What are considered business days in international shipping?
It usually depends on the origin and destination countries, but typically excludes weekends and local holidays.
8. Can Saturday be a business day?
Some companies count Saturday, but traditionally, it’s not a business day.
9. How many business days are in a week?
There are five business days in a standard week: Monday through Friday.
10. What happens if a deadline falls on a non-business day?
It usually moves to the next business day, but check the terms or policy to confirm.
By fully understanding what are considered business days, you’ll avoid missed deadlines, shipping surprises, or financial processing delays. Whether you’re sending an email or filing a document, knowing the business calendar gives you a professional edge.
