Most banks close on Presidents Day, but some branches and services stay available

Presidents Day falls on the third Monday in February. Most major banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others — close their physical branches on this day because it is a federal holiday. However, the closure is not universal. Some banks keep certain locations open, ATMs run 24/7 regardless of the holiday, and online banking continues without interruption. If you need cash or in-person service on Presidents Day, your options depend on which bank you use and what you are trying to do.

The federal government observes Presidents Day, which means federal offices and courts close. Banks are not required by federal law to close on this day, but most choose to because many of their customers cannot reach them anyway — employers are closed, schools are closed, and the financial system itself moves more slowly. A few regional banks and credit unions stay open on Presidents Day, particularly those in areas where the holiday is less observed or where customer demand is high.

Key Takeaways

  • Major national banks close their branches on Presidents Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available around the clock.
  • Some regional banks and credit unions stay open on Presidents Day, so check your specific bank's holiday schedule before you need service.
  • If you need cash, withdraw it before the holiday or use an ATM on the day itself.
  • Wire transfers, bill payments, and other transactions initiated online on Presidents Day may not process until the next business day.

What stays open on Presidents Day

ATMs operate on Presidents Day regardless of whether branches are closed. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks at ATM machines 24 hours a day. Some banks charge a fee if you use an out-of-network ATM, so if you know the holiday is coming, use your own bank's machine before the day arrives.

Online banking — checking balances, transferring money between your own accounts, paying bills, and viewing statements — works normally on Presidents Day. You can log in and perform these tasks at any time. However, transactions you initiate on the holiday may not post to other accounts or other banks until the next business day, depending on the type of transaction.

Mobile banking apps function the same way as online banking. You can check balances, send money to people in your contacts, and pay bills through your bank's app on Presidents Day, though the actual movement of money may be delayed until Tuesday.

Some regional banks and credit unions do not observe Presidents Day as a closing day. Call your bank directly or check their website to see whether your specific branch is open. Credit unions in particular vary widely — some close, some stay open, and some have limited hours.

What does not happen on Presidents Day

Wire transfers initiated on Presidents Day typically do not leave your account until the next business day. The Federal Reserve and most banks do not process wires on federal holidays, so if you need money to move urgently, send it before the holiday or expect a one-day delay.

Checks deposited on Presidents Day do not clear until at least the next business day, and often longer. Mobile check deposit and ATM check deposit both work on the holiday, but the funds will not be available until Tuesday at the earliest.

Loan applications, mortgage applications, and other services that require a loan officer or underwriter do not move forward on Presidents Day. If you are waiting for a decision, expect the timeline to shift by one day.

Teller services — depositing cash, ordering cashier's checks, closing accounts, or discussing account issues with a person — are not available at closed branches. If you need these services, plan to visit on a day when your branch is open.

How to prepare before Presidents Day

If you know you will need cash on Presidents Day, withdraw it on Friday or Monday morning before the holiday. Most ATMs have daily withdrawal limits, typically $500 to $1,000, so plan accordingly if you need more than that amount.

If you need to make a time-sensitive payment or transfer, do it before Presidents Day. Anything you initiate on the holiday will not process until the next business day at the earliest, which could affect due dates or important date.

Check your bank's specific holiday schedule on their website or by calling the branch you plan to visit. Some banks post holiday hours weeks in advance, and a few locations may have different schedules than the main branch.

If you have a payment due on Presidents Day itself, pay it the day before. Most creditors and service providers do not process payments on federal holidays, so a payment made on the holiday may not post until the next day and could be marked late if the due date was the holiday.

Regional banks and credit unions that may stay open

Not every financial institution closes on Presidents Day. Some regional banks, community banks, and credit unions remain open because they do not observe all federal holidays or because their customer base demands weekend and holiday service. Examples include some branches of PennyMac, certain credit unions in specific states, and some online-only banks that do not have physical branches to close.

The best way to know whether your bank is open is to search "[Your Bank Name] Presidents Day hours" or call the specific branch. Do not assume based on what a larger bank does — smaller institutions often have different policies.

What happens to automatic payments and scheduled transfers

Automatic bill payments and recurring transfers you have set up continue to be processed on Presidents Day. If a payment is scheduled to leave your account on the holiday, it will be deducted from your balance, but the money may not reach the recipient until the next business day.

If a payment is due on Presidents Day and you have it set to auto-pay, it should process normally. However, if you are cutting it close and the payment has not been deducted by the end of the business day on Friday, contact your bank to confirm the payment will go through before the due date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on Presidents Day if the bank is closed?

Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online retailer on Presidents Day. The bank being closed does not affect your ability to spend money or withdraw cash from an ATM. The only thing you cannot do is visit a teller or speak to someone at a branch.

Will my direct deposit hit my account on Presidents Day?

Direct deposits scheduled for Presidents Day may be delayed by one day. Most employers do not process payroll on federal holidays, so if your payday falls on the holiday, the deposit typically arrives on Tuesday instead. Check with your employer's payroll department if you are unsure.

What if I need to dispute a transaction on Presidents Day?

You can report a fraudulent or incorrect transaction through your bank's website or mobile app on Presidents Day. The dispute will be logged, but the investigation and resolution process will not begin until the next business day. If the issue is urgent, call your bank's fraud line — most banks staff this line on holidays.

Do online banks close on Presidents Day?

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and others do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can access your account and perform transactions 24/7. However, customer service phone lines may have reduced hours or be closed, and transactions may still be delayed until the next business day.

Can I get a cashier's check on Presidents Day?

No. Cashier's checks require a teller, and branches are closed on Presidents Day. If you need a cashier's check, obtain it before the holiday or wait until Tuesday. Some banks allow you to order a cashier's check online in advance for pickup on the next business day.