Most banks and post offices close on Veterans Day, but the timing and exceptions depend on where you are and which institution you use
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. However, some credit unions and private banks stay open, and a few post offices in certain locations may have limited hours. If you need banking or mail services on November 11, check with your specific branch before that day.
The closure rules are set by federal law, but implementation varies. A bank owned by a state rather than the federal government can choose to stay open, though most do not. Some banks open for limited hours or offer ATM and online services only. Post offices have no exceptions—all locations close entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Federal banks and all U.S. Postal Service locations close completely on Veterans Day, November 11.
- State-chartered banks and credit unions may stay open, so contact your branch directly to confirm.
- ATMs and online banking remain available even when physical branches are closed.
- If you need to mail something or conduct banking on November 11, plan ahead by visiting the day before.
- Some banks offer Saturday or extended weekday hours that may help you avoid the holiday closure.
Which federal banks close on Veterans Day
All banks chartered by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) must close on Veterans Day. This includes most of the largest banks in the United States: Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, and U.S. Bank all fall into this category. The closure is mandatory under federal banking law, not a choice the bank makes.
You can check whether your bank is federally chartered by looking at its charter documents or calling the main branch. The bank's website often states this in the fine print, or you can ask a teller. If your bank is federally chartered, it will be closed on November 11, regardless of whether that day falls on a weekday or weekend.
State-chartered banks and credit unions may stay open
Banks chartered by a state rather than the federal government are not required to close on Veterans Day. Some choose to close anyway out of tradition or to align with federal holidays, but others stay open. Credit unions follow similar rules—federal credit unions must close, but state-chartered credit unions may remain open.
The only way to know for certain is to contact your institution directly. Call the branch number or check the website for holiday hours. Many banks and credit unions post their Veterans Day schedule in early November, so you may find the information online without making a call.
Post offices close entirely on Veterans Day
Every U.S. Postal Service location closes on Veterans Day. There are no exceptions and no limited-hours locations. This includes post offices in rural areas, urban centers, and inside retail stores like Walmart or CVS. If your post office is inside another business, that business may remain open, but the postal counter will be closed.
If you need to mail a package or buy stamps on November 11, you will need to visit the day before or the day after. However, you can still drop mail in a blue collection box on Veterans Day—the Postal Service collects from these boxes, though delivery may be delayed by one day.
What you can do when branches are closed
ATMs work on Veterans Day, even when the bank branch is closed. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks using a mobile deposit app or ATM, and transfer money between your own accounts. Online banking platforms remain open 24/7, so you can pay bills, move money, and check balances from home.
For mail, use a blue collection box if you have a stamped envelope or package. The Postal Service collects from these boxes on Veterans Day, though your mail may arrive one day later than usual. If you need a money order or certified mail, you will have to wait until November 12.
Planning ahead for November 11
If you know you will need banking or postal services on Veterans Day, handle it the day before. Withdraw cash on November 10 if you think you will need it. Mail packages and buy stamps on November 10. Pay bills online instead of visiting a branch.
If November 11 falls on a weekend, the federal holiday is often observed on the nearest weekday—usually Friday, November 10, or Monday, November 12. Check your bank's website or call ahead to confirm which day it observes the holiday, because not all institutions follow the same rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card or credit card on Veterans Day?
Yes. Cards work at merchants, ATMs, and online retailers on Veterans Day. The bank branch being closed does not affect card transactions. You can also use your card to withdraw cash from any ATM, even one belonging to a different bank.
Will my check deposit be delayed if I deposit it on Veterans Day?
If you use mobile deposit or an ATM on Veterans Day, the check will be processed the next business day, which is November 12. If you try to deposit at a closed branch, you cannot deposit until November 12, and processing will take until November 13.
What if I need to wire money on Veterans Day?
Most banks do not process wire transfers on federal holidays. If you need to send money urgently, do it on November 10. Some online banks and money transfer services may process wires on Veterans Day—check with your provider directly.
Can I mail a package in a blue collection box on Veterans Day?
Yes, if it is already stamped and ready to go. The Postal Service collects from blue boxes on Veterans Day, but delivery may be delayed by one day. If you need a label, postage, or any postal service, you will have to wait until November 12.
Does my credit union close on Veterans Day?
Federal credit unions must close. State-chartered credit unions may stay open. Contact your credit union directly to confirm its Veterans Day hours, as the rule depends on which type of charter it holds.