Most banks and post offices close on Veterans Day

Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. On this federal holiday, most banks and post offices are closed for the entire day. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, mail a package, or handle other banking or postal business, you will need to plan ahead.

The closure applies to branches of major banks, credit unions, and post offices nationwide. Some smaller or independently-owned financial institutions may have different schedules, so it is worth checking with your specific branch before the holiday.

Key Takeaways

  • Most bank branches and post offices close entirely on Veterans Day, November 11.
  • ATMs and online banking remain available even when physical locations are closed.
  • If you need cash or must mail something on Veterans Day, plan to do it the day before or after.
  • Some credit unions and smaller banks may stay open, so call your branch directly to confirm.

What stays open when banks and post offices close

Even though the building is locked, you can still access your money and conduct some banking tasks. ATMs work 24 hours, so you can withdraw cash at any time on Veterans Day. Online banking—checking your balance, transferring money between accounts, paying bills—works the same way it does any other day.

If you use mobile banking apps, those continue to work as well. The only services that stop are the ones that require a person behind a counter: depositing checks, getting a cashier's check, opening a new account, or speaking to a banker about a loan.

Planning ahead for mail and packages

The U.S. Postal Service does not deliver mail on Veterans Day, and post offices do not accept new packages or letters. If you need to mail something, drop it in a blue collection box the day before—mail in those boxes is picked up on the morning of the holiday if the box is on a regular route, but this varies by location.

A safer approach is to mail items on the day before Veterans Day. If you are sending a package that requires a signature or special handling, you will need to wait until the day after the holiday to go to the post office in person.

What to do if you need cash or must deposit money

Plan to withdraw the cash you need before Veterans Day. ATMs let you take out money any time, but there is a daily limit—usually between $300 and $1,000 depending on your bank and account type. If you need more than your daily limit, withdraw it over a few days before the holiday.

If you receive a check on or near Veterans Day and need to deposit it, use your bank's mobile app if it offers mobile check deposit. You photograph the front and back of the check and submit it through the app. The funds typically appear in your account within one or two business days. If your bank does not offer this feature, you will need to wait until the day after Veterans Day to visit a branch.

Credit unions and smaller banks may have different hours

While most national banks and credit unions close on Veterans Day, some smaller or community-based institutions stay open or have limited hours. The only way to know for certain is to call or check the website of your specific branch.

If you bank with a credit union, contact them directly—their holiday schedules vary by institution. The same applies if you use a local or regional bank. A quick phone call or online search for "[Your Bank Name] Veterans Day hours" will give you the answer.

Online and mobile banking during the holiday

Digital banking does not stop on Veterans Day. You can log into your bank's website or app at any time and transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, check your balance, or set up automatic payments. These transactions process normally, though transfers to other banks may not complete until the next business day.

If you have a question that requires talking to someone—disputing a charge, asking about a loan, or reporting a lost card—you will need to wait until the day after Veterans Day. Most banks offer phone support during business hours on the day after the holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and at stores 24 hours a day, regardless of whether your bank branch is open. The only thing you cannot do is go inside the bank building to speak with a teller or banker.

Will my paycheck deposit if my employer sends it on Veterans Day?

If your employer uses direct deposit, your paycheck deposits automatically on the scheduled day, even if it is a holiday. The money appears in your account on payday. If you receive a paper check on Veterans Day, you will need to deposit it the next business day.

What if I need to mail something and cannot wait until after the holiday?

Post offices are closed on Veterans Day, so there is no way to mail something that day. If it is truly urgent, some private shipping companies like UPS and FedEx may have limited hours—call ahead to confirm. Otherwise, mail it the day before or the day after.

Do online bill payments go through on Veterans Day?

Yes, you can schedule and send bill payments through your bank's website or app on Veterans Day. The payment processes, though it may not reach the recipient until the next business day if they also observe the holiday.

Are ATMs safe to use on Veterans Day?

ATMs are safe to use any time, including holidays. They are monitored and maintained regularly. Use the same precautions you would use any other day—check for skimming devices, shield the keypad when entering your PIN, and avoid using ATMs in isolated locations late at night.