Most banks and post offices close on Veterans Day, but the rules differ by institution and location

Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. Federal banks—those chartered by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency—must close on this day. The U.S. Postal Service closes all post offices nationwide on Veterans Day. However, some credit unions and private banks stay open, and a few post offices in certain locations may operate limited hours. The safest approach is to check with your specific branch before the holiday.

The closure applies to in-person services. Online banking, ATMs, and mobile apps continue to work on Veterans Day, so you can transfer money, check balances, or pay bills from home. If you need cash or must deposit a check, plan ahead by visiting before November 11.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal banks and all U.S. Postal Service locations close on Veterans Day, with no in-person services available.
  • Credit unions and private banks may stay open or operate on reduced hours, so contact your branch directly to confirm.
  • ATMs and online banking remain available on Veterans Day even when physical locations are closed.
  • Mail delivery does not occur on Veterans Day, and post offices do not process packages or accept shipments that day.
  • If you need banking or postal services, complete transactions the business day before the holiday.

Which banks close on Veterans Day

All national banks—those with "National" in their name or a charter number from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency—must close on Veterans Day. This includes major chains like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank. State-chartered banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System also close. The Federal Reserve itself does not process payments or clear checks on Veterans Day, which affects all banks that rely on the Fed's systems.

Credit unions vary. Many credit unions are federally chartered and must close, but some state-chartered credit unions may stay open. Call your credit union's main number or check their website to confirm their Veterans Day schedule. Smaller local banks sometimes remain open even if they are federally chartered, though this is less common. Do not assume your bank is open—verify directly.

What happens to mail and package delivery

The U.S. Postal Service does not deliver mail on Veterans Day. No letter mail, packages, or Priority Mail Express shipments move through the system that day. Post offices do not accept new mail, packages, or passport applications. If you drop mail in a blue collection box on Veterans Day, it will not be picked up until the next business day.

If you have a package arriving via USPS, check the tracking number to see the expected delivery date. If it shows Veterans Day, the package will arrive the next business day instead. Private carriers like UPS and FedEx may operate on their own schedules—some deliver on Veterans Day and some do not. Check the carrier's website or your tracking information to confirm.

How to plan banking and postal needs around the holiday

If you need to withdraw cash, deposit a check, or mail a package, do it on the business day before Veterans Day. Banks typically close at 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays, and post offices close between 5 and 7 p.m. depending on location. If Veterans Day falls on a weekday, plan your visit for the day before. If it falls on a weekend, use Friday or the previous business day.

For time-sensitive mail, send it several days before Veterans Day to account for the holiday delay. If you are mailing a bill, remember that mail takes one to three business days to arrive even without a holiday in between. Sending on the day before Veterans Day means your payment may not arrive until three or four days later.

Online and automated services that work on Veterans Day

ATMs operate 24 hours on Veterans Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks using mobile deposit or an ATM with a check slot, and transfer money between your own accounts. Online banking portals and mobile apps work normally. You can pay bills, set up transfers, and check balances from your phone or computer at any time.

However, some transactions may not process until the next business day. A transfer you initiate on Veterans Day may not move funds until November 12. Checks deposited via ATM or mobile deposit on Veterans Day will not clear until the next business day at the earliest. If you need funds to be available when ready, plan ahead and complete the transaction before the holiday.

What to do if you have an urgent banking or postal need

If you need cash and cannot visit before Veterans Day, use an ATM at your bank or a network ATM. Most ATMs allow withdrawals up to a daily limit, usually $500 to $1,000 depending on your account. If you need more cash than your daily limit allows, withdraw the maximum before the holiday.

If you must mail something on Veterans Day itself, take it to a UPS Store or FedEx location instead. These private shipping centers often operate on Veterans Day and can ship packages via UPS, FedEx, or USPS. Costs are higher than the post office, but service is available. Check their hours online first, as some locations may have reduced hours or be closed.

State and local variations

Veterans Day is a federal holiday, so all federal offices and federally chartered banks must close. However, some states observe additional holidays or have different rules for state-chartered institutions. A few states allow state banks to remain open on federal holidays if they choose. In rare cases, a post office in a small town may have different hours, though this is uncommon.

The safest approach is to call your specific bank branch or post office and ask about their Veterans Day hours. Many institutions post holiday schedules on their websites or in their lobbies weeks in advance. A five-minute phone call eliminates uncertainty and ensures you can complete your transaction when you need to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card or pay bills online on Veterans Day?

Yes. Online banking, debit cards, and credit cards work normally on Veterans Day. You can shop online, pay bills through your bank's website, and use ATMs. Transactions may not process or clear until the next business day, but you can initiate them anytime.

Will my direct deposit arrive on Veterans Day?

No. Employers typically process payroll the day before a federal holiday so deposits arrive before the holiday. If your payday falls on Veterans Day, your deposit will arrive on November 10 or earlier. Check with your employer's payroll department if you are unsure of the exact timing.

What if I need to mail something and the post office is closed?

Use a UPS Store, FedEx location, or private shipping center. These businesses often operate on federal holidays and can ship packages via multiple carriers. Costs are higher than USPS, but service is available. Call ahead to confirm hours before you visit.

Do credit unions close on Veterans Day?

Most federally chartered credit unions close on Veterans Day. Some state-chartered credit unions stay open. Contact your credit union directly to confirm their schedule. Do not assume it is open based on a nearby bank's status.

Can I deposit a check at an ATM on Veterans Day?

Yes, if your bank's ATM has a check deposit slot or if you use mobile deposit through your phone. The check will be deposited into your account, but it will not clear or become available until the next business day. The funds may take one to three additional business days to fully clear.