Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches stay open

Veterans Day is a federal holiday, which means most traditional banks — the ones run by large national or regional institutions — will be closed on November 11 (or the observed date if it falls on a weekend). However, not every financial institution closes on this day. Credit unions, online banks, and some smaller regional banks may have different schedules. Even when a bank's main branch is closed, you can usually still use ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking.

The key difference is between a federal holiday (which affects banks) and a banking holiday (which is what the Federal Reserve declares). Veterans Day is both, so the Federal Reserve is closed and most banks follow suit. But individual banks can choose to stay open if they want to, and some do.

Key Takeaways

  • Most national and regional banks close their physical branches on Veterans Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available.
  • Credit unions often have different holiday schedules than banks, so check with your specific credit union before Veterans Day.
  • Online-only banks typically do not close on Veterans Day because they have no physical branches to shut down.
  • If you need to visit a branch on November 11, call ahead or check your bank's website — some smaller banks and branches stay open.
  • Wire transfers, bill payments, and other transactions may process more slowly when banks are closed, so plan ahead if you have time-sensitive needs.

How to learn about your specific bank closes

The fastest way is to call your bank's main customer service number or visit their website and search for "holiday hours" or "Veterans Day hours." Most banks post their holiday schedule online by early November. You can also visit your local branch in person and ask — staff can tell you whether that specific location will be open on November 11.

If you bank with a large national chain like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, or Citibank, assume the branch is closed unless you see otherwise. These institutions treat Veterans Day as a full closure day. Smaller regional banks vary more, so checking is worth the five minutes.

What you can still do when the branch is closed

ATMs work 24/7, so you can withdraw cash or deposit checks at any ATM your bank owns or partners with. Mobile banking apps let you transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and check your balance. You can also start a wire transfer or other transaction online, though it will not process until the bank reopens.

If you need to speak to someone, most banks have phone lines open even on holidays, though wait times are often longer. Online chat support may also be available. The one thing you cannot do is visit a physical branch to speak face-to-face with a banker or complete transactions that require a signature.

When Veterans Day falls on a weekend

If November 11 lands on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal government observes the holiday on the nearest weekday — usually Friday if it falls on Saturday, or Monday if it falls on Sunday. Banks follow the same rule. So if Veterans Day is on a Saturday, your bank will likely be closed on Friday. If it is on a Sunday, expect closure on Monday.

Check your bank's website or call to confirm the observed date in the year you are planning around. The date shifts, so what happened last year may not explore this year.

Credit unions and online banks

Credit unions are not required to close on federal holidays the way banks are, because they are member-owned cooperatives rather than federally chartered institutions. Some credit unions close on Veterans Day, and some stay open. Call your credit union directly — do not assume either way.

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, or Discover Bank have no physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can log in and conduct business on Veterans Day the same as any other day. However, transactions that require processing by the Federal Reserve (like wire transfers or ACH payments) will still be delayed until the Fed reopens.

Planning ahead for time-sensitive transactions

If you need to send a wire transfer, deposit a check that needs to clear quickly, or complete any transaction that requires bank processing, do it before Veterans Day. Wire transfers initiated after a bank closes will not process until the next business day. The same applies to ACH transfers (the system banks use to move money between accounts) and check deposits.

If you are waiting for a deposit to arrive — a paycheck, a refund, or a transfer from another bank — and the deposit date falls on or near Veterans Day, expect it to arrive one business day later than usual. Plan your budget accordingly if you are counting on that money.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant or ATM regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The only limitation is that some transactions (like disputes or fraud claims) may take longer to resolve if you need to speak to someone at the bank.

Will my paycheck deposit on Veterans Day?

If your employer processes payroll before Veterans Day, the deposit usually arrives on schedule. If payroll is processed on Veterans Day itself, the deposit will likely arrive the next business day. Check with your employer about their payroll schedule around holidays.

What if I need to deposit a check on Veterans Day?

Use your bank's mobile app to deposit the check remotely — most banks let you photograph the front and back and submit it through the app. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, you can use an ATM if it accepts checks, or wait until the branch reopens.

Do online banks close on Veterans Day?

Online banks do not close because they have no physical locations. However, transactions that depend on the Federal Reserve (wire transfers, ACH payments) will not process until the Fed reopens on the next business day.

Will my bill payments go through on Veterans Day?

If you schedule a bill payment before Veterans Day, it will process on the date you set, even if that date is the holiday. However, if you are paying a bill to another bank or institution, that institution may not receive or process it until the next business day.