What are business days?
Business days are the standard working days used by companies, banks, governments, and institutions to process work, payments, deliveries, and official activities. In most countries, business days are Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Although the term sounds simple, confusion often arises when people deal with shipping times, banking transactions, contracts, or international business. This guide explains exactly what business days are, how they’re counted, and why they matter in real life.
What Are Business Days? (Quick Answer)
Business days are weekdays when businesses are open and operating.
They typically include:
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
They usually do not include:
- Saturday
- Sunday
- Public or national holidays
This definition applies to most industries, though exceptions exist depending on location and sector.
Why Business Days Matter More Than You Think
The concept of business days affects everyday activities such as:
- Bank transfers
- Online orders and shipping
- Salary payments
- Legal deadlines
- Customer support timelines
Understanding business days helps set realistic expectations and avoid misunderstandings.
Business Days vs Calendar Days
One of the most common sources of confusion is the difference between business days and calendar days.
Calendar Days
Calendar days include every day of the week, including weekends and holidays.
Example:
- 7 calendar days = Monday to Sunday
Business Days
Business days include only working weekdays.
Example:
- 5 business days = Monday to Friday
If something takes “5 business days,” it may actually take 7 or more calendar days.
Are Weekends Business Days?
In most cases, no.
Saturday and Sunday are generally not considered business days because:
- Banks are closed
- Offices are closed
- Government services are unavailable
However, some businesses operate on weekends, such as:
- Retail stores
- Restaurants
- Online support teams
Despite this, weekends are still usually excluded when counting official business days.
Are Holidays Business Days?
No. Public and national holidays are not business days.
Examples include:
- New Year’s Day
- Independence Day
- Christmas
- National or religious holidays
If a deadline falls on a holiday, it is usually pushed to the next business day.
How to Count Business Days (Step-by-Step)
Counting business days correctly is important for deadlines and deliveries.
Step 1: Identify the Start Date
The day the request, order, or action begins.
Step 2: Exclude Weekends
Skip Saturdays and Sundays.
Step 3: Exclude Holidays
Remove any public holidays within the time period.
Step 4: Count Only Active Workdays
Only count Monday–Friday that are not holidays.
Example:
If today is Thursday and a task takes 3 business days:
- Friday = Day 1
- Monday = Day 2
- Tuesday = Day 3
The task will be completed on Tuesday, not Sunday.
What Are Business Days in Banking?
In banking, business days are especially important.
Banks use business days to:
- Process deposits
- Clear checks
- Transfer funds
- Set transaction deadlines
A payment sent on Friday evening may not be processed until Monday or Tuesday, depending on holidays.
Business Days in Shipping and Delivery
Shipping companies often calculate delivery times using business days.
For example:
- “Delivery in 5 business days”
- “Processing time: 2–3 business days”
This means weekends and holidays are not counted, even if the package is moving.
Understanding this prevents frustration and unrealistic expectations.
Business Days in Legal and Contractual Terms
Legal documents often specify deadlines in business days.
Why?
- Courts operate on business days
- Government offices close on weekends and holidays
- Official processing requires staff availability
Missing a business-day deadline can have serious consequences, so accuracy matters.
Do Business Days Differ by Country?
Yes. Business days can vary depending on location.
Examples:
- In many Western countries: Monday–Friday
- In some Middle Eastern countries: Sunday–Thursday
- In countries with different weekends or holidays, business days shift accordingly
When dealing with international business, always confirm the local definition of business days.
Are Business Days the Same for All Industries?
Not always.
Standard Industries
- Banks
- Government offices
- Corporate offices
These follow traditional business days.
Non-Traditional Industries
- Healthcare
- Hospitality
- E-commerce
- Logistics
These may operate seven days a week, but still use business days for official processing and accounting.
Why Companies Use Business Days Instead of Hours
Business days simplify planning by:
- Standardizing expectations
- Accounting for staff availability
- Avoiding confusion across time zones
Using business days creates consistency, especially in global operations.
Business Days and Customer Support
Customer support teams often promise responses within business days.
Example:
- “We will respond within 2 business days.”
This means:
- Messages sent Friday may not receive a response until Tuesday
- Weekend requests are queued
This practice helps teams manage workloads realistically.
Common Misunderstandings About Business Days
Myth 1: Business Days Mean Any Day a Business Is Open
False. The term refers to standard working days, not individual business hours.
Myth 2: Online Businesses Don’t Use Business Days
False. Even online companies use business days for processing, billing, and support timelines.
Myth 3: Business Days Are Universal
False. They vary by country, industry, and legal context.
How Business Days Affect Online Shopping
When shopping online:
- Order processing uses business days
- Shipping estimates use business days
- Refund timelines use business days
A refund that takes “5 business days” may not appear until the following week.
Why Business Days Exist at All
Business days exist to align operations with:
- Human work schedules
- Institutional availability
- Regulatory requirements
They provide a predictable framework for coordination across organizations.
What Happens If a Deadline Falls on a Non-Business Day?
In most cases:
- The deadline moves to the next business day
This rule applies to:
- Banks
- Courts
- Government agencies
- Corporate contracts
Always verify this rule in legal or financial documents.
Business Days in Remote and Global Work
With remote work and global teams, business days are still relevant.
Companies often:
- Define a “primary business calendar”
- Specify time zones
- Clarify local holidays
Clear communication prevents delays and misunderstandings.
How to Avoid Confusion With Business Days
To stay clear:
- Always ask which days are excluded
- Check holiday calendars
- Confirm time zones
- Read terms carefully
Clarity upfront saves time later.
Are Business Days Becoming Less Relevant?
While businesses are more flexible today, business days remain important because:
- Institutions still operate on schedules
- Legal and financial systems depend on them
- Global coordination requires structure
Even in a digital world, business days still matter.
Final Thoughts: What Are Business Days?
What are business days? They are the standard working days used to organize how businesses, banks, and institutions operate. While they usually mean Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and holidays, the exact definition can vary by country and industry.
Understanding business days helps you manage expectations, meet deadlines, and communicate more effectively—whether you’re waiting for a payment, signing a contract, or tracking a delivery.
In a world that feels increasingly fast-paced, business days provide a reliable structure that keeps systems running smoothly. Knowing how they work isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
