Most banks close on Veterans Day, but the answer depends on whether your bank is federally chartered
Yes, most banks close on Veterans Day (November 11). Federal banks must close because the Federal Reserve closes, and that shuts down the payment systems they rely on. But not every bank follows federal holidays. Some regional banks, credit unions, and online-only banks stay open on Veterans Day, and a few keep limited hours.
The key distinction is between federally chartered banks (which must close) and state-chartered banks (which may stay open). Your bank's charter type determines whether it observes the holiday. If you need to do banking on November 11, call your branch directly or check your bank's website — do not assume based on the bank's size or name.
Key Takeaways
- Federal banks and the Federal Reserve close on Veterans Day, which means wire transfers, ACH payments, and check clearing stop that day.
- State-chartered banks and many credit unions can choose whether to close, so you need to check with your specific institution.
- Online banks vary: some process transactions normally, others pause certain services when the Federal Reserve is closed.
- ATM withdrawals and debit card purchases usually work on Veterans Day even if your bank branch is closed, because those systems run separately.
- If you need cash or have an urgent transaction, plan ahead — do not wait until November 11.
How the Federal Reserve closure affects your bank
When the Federal Reserve closes on Veterans Day, it stops processing wire transfers, ACH transfers (automatic bill payments and direct deposits), and check clearing. This affects every bank in the country, even those that keep their branches open. A wire you send on November 11 will not move until November 12. A check you deposit will not clear until the next business day.
This matters most if you are expecting a direct deposit on November 11 or need to send money urgently. Direct deposits scheduled for Veterans Day usually post the next business day instead. If you are paying a bill by ACH transfer and the due date is November 11, the payment will be late — the bank cannot send it that day. Plan around this by sending payments on November 10 or waiting until November 12.
Which banks actually close their branches
All federally chartered banks close their branches on Veterans Day. This includes most of the largest banks: Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional Federal Reserve member banks. You cannot walk into a branch, use the drive-through, or speak to a teller.
State-chartered banks have the option to stay open. Some do; many do not. Credit unions also choose independently — some close, some stay open with reduced hours. If your bank is state-chartered or you use a credit union, you must check directly. Call the branch, visit the website, or look at the holiday hours posted in the lobby or online.
Online banks (Ally, Charles Schwab, Marcus, and others) do not have physical branches, so "closing" means something different. Most online banks continue processing debit card transactions and ATM withdrawals normally. But they may pause wire transfers, ACH processing, and customer service phone lines because those depend on the Federal Reserve being open.
What you can and cannot do on Veterans Day
| Transaction Type | Can You Do It? | Why or Why Not |
|---|---|---|
| ATM withdrawal | Yes | ATMs run on a separate network and work 24/7, even when the bank is closed. |
| Debit card purchase | Yes | Card networks (Visa, Mastercard) operate independently of the Federal Reserve. |
| Wire transfer | No | The Federal Reserve processes wires and is closed on Veterans Day. |
| ACH transfer or bill payment | No | ACH clearing house is closed; transactions will process the next business day. |
| Check deposit (mobile or ATM) | Yes, but it will not clear until November 12 | You can deposit the check, but the Federal Reserve does not process check clearing on Veterans Day. |
| Speak to a teller or loan officer | No (at closed branches) | Federal banks close entirely; state banks and credit unions vary. |
| Online banking (view balance, transfer between your own accounts) | Usually yes | Viewing your account works; moving money between your accounts at the same bank usually works. Transfers to other banks may be delayed. |
Planning ahead if you need banking on or around Veterans Day
If November 11 falls on a weekday and you know you will need cash or need to send money, handle it on November 10. Withdraw cash, send wire transfers, and submit bill payments before the Federal Reserve closes. If you are expecting a direct deposit on November 11, it will arrive on November 12 instead — this is automatic and you do not need to do anything.
If you have a check to deposit, use your bank's mobile app or ATM on November 11 if you want the deposit recorded that day. The check will not clear until November 12, but the deposit will be timestamped on November 11. This matters if you are trying to meet a important date or track when you deposited it.
For urgent transactions (a wire transfer to pay a bill, a large purchase that requires verification), call your bank on November 10 and ask whether they can process it early or whether you should wait until November 12. Some banks will accommodate urgent requests if you call ahead.
Veterans Day in 2024 and beyond
Veterans Day is November 11 every year. When November 11 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal government observes the holiday on the nearest weekday: Friday if it falls on Saturday, Monday if it falls on Sunday. Banks follow the same rule. In 2024, Veterans Day is on Monday, November 11. In 2025, it is on Tuesday, November 11. In 2026, it is on Wednesday, November 11.
Check your bank's holiday schedule on their website or app to confirm closure dates for your specific institution. Many banks post their holiday hours in September or October, so you can plan ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my direct deposit come through on Veterans Day?
No. Direct deposits scheduled for November 11 will post on November 12 instead. The Federal Reserve does not process ACH transfers (which is how direct deposits work) on federal holidays. This is automatic — you do not need to do anything. Your employer cannot speed it up.
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day?
Yes. Debit card transactions work normally on Veterans Day because card networks operate independently of the Federal Reserve. You can make purchases and withdraw cash from ATMs. The only limitation is that some transactions may take longer to post to your account if they require Federal Reserve processing.
What if I need to send money urgently on Veterans Day?
If your bank is open, you may be able to send a wire transfer in person at the branch. But the wire will not actually move through the Federal Reserve until November 12. If your bank is closed, you cannot send a wire that day. Plan ahead and send it on November 10 instead.
Do credit unions close on Veterans Day?
Some do, some do not. Credit unions are not required to close on federal holidays the way federal banks are. Call your credit union directly or check their website to see whether they are open on November 11. Many post holiday hours online in advance.
If my bank is closed on Veterans Day, can I still access my money?
Yes. You can withdraw cash from ATMs, use your debit card for purchases, and check your account balance online. You cannot speak to a teller or process certain transactions like wire transfers. For most daily needs, you have access to your money even when the branch is closed.