Most banks are closed on Memorial Day, but some branches and services stay open

Memorial Day is a federal holiday, which means most traditional bank branches close for the day. However, the banking landscape has changed. Many banks now offer services outside their physical branches — ATMs work 24/7, mobile apps let you transfer money anytime, and some banks staff customer service lines even on holidays. What closes and what stays open depends on which bank you use and what you need to do.

If you need cash or want to deposit a check on Memorial Day itself, plan ahead. An ATM will work. If you need to speak to a person or handle something that requires a teller, you will need to wait until the next business day — usually Tuesday, since Memorial Day falls on a Monday.

Key Takeaways

  • Physical bank branches close on Memorial Day, but ATMs and online banking work normally.
  • Mobile apps and websites let you transfer money, pay bills, and check balances on the holiday itself.
  • Some large banks staff phone lines on Memorial Day, though wait times are often longer than usual.
  • If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash, ATMs are available, but mobile deposit through your app is usually faster.
  • Transactions you start on Memorial Day may not process until Tuesday, depending on what type of transaction it is.

What stays open: ATMs, apps, and online banking

ATMs never close. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks (if your bank offers mobile deposit through an ATM) on Memorial Day the same way you would any other day. There is no fee for using your own bank's ATM on a holiday.

Your bank's mobile app and website work on Memorial Day too. You can transfer money between your own accounts, send money to another person through your bank's app, pay bills online, and deposit checks using mobile deposit — the feature that lets you photograph a check and submit it through your phone. These transactions process normally, though some may not show as complete until the next business day.

If you bank with a large national bank like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, customer service phone lines are often staffed on federal holidays, though with reduced hours and longer wait times. Call the number on the back of your debit card to find out whether your specific bank is open. Smaller regional banks and credit unions typically close entirely.

What closes: teller services and in-person transactions

You cannot walk into a branch and speak to a teller on Memorial Day. This means you cannot deposit cash in person, get a cashier's check, open a new account, or explore for a loan on the holiday. If you need any of these things, you will need to visit on Tuesday or later in the week.

If you have a check to deposit, do not wait until you are at the branch. Use mobile deposit through your app instead — photograph the front and back of the check and submit it. Most banks process mobile deposits by the next business day, so depositing on Monday means the money may be available by Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on the amount and your bank's policy.

How transactions process over the Memorial Day weekend

Transactions you start on Monday may not actually process until Tuesday or later. This is because the Federal Reserve, which clears most bank-to-bank transfers, does not operate on federal holidays. A wire transfer you send on Monday morning will not leave your account until Tuesday at the earliest.

Transfers between your own accounts at the same bank usually process when ready or by the next business day. Transfers to another person's account at a different bank take longer — often two to three business days even when you send them on a weekday. Starting the transfer on Monday does not speed this up; it just means the clock starts ticking on Tuesday.

Bill payments you schedule through your bank's website on Monday will process on Tuesday or the date you selected, whichever comes first. If you are paying a bill that is due on Tuesday, do not wait until Monday to schedule it — the payment may not reach the company in time.

Planning ahead for Memorial Day banking needs

If you know you will need cash on Memorial Day, withdraw it before the holiday. If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit on Monday rather than waiting to visit a branch. If you need to pay a bill that is due around the holiday, schedule it by Friday so it processes before the important date.

For anything that requires speaking to a person — a dispute, a fraud claim, a question about your account — call your bank's customer service line on Friday or plan to visit on Tuesday. Do not assume the problem will resolve itself over the weekend.

Credit unions and smaller banks on Memorial Day

Credit unions and community banks often have different holiday schedules than large national banks. Some close on Memorial Day; others stay open. Check your institution's website or call ahead to confirm. Many post their holiday hours online a week or two before the holiday.

If you belong to a credit union, you may have access to a shared branching network — a system that lets you visit other credit unions' branches to withdraw cash or deposit checks even when your own branch is closed. Ask your credit union whether they participate and where the nearest participating branch is located.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on Memorial Day?

Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs and stores on Memorial Day just like any other day. You can withdraw cash from an ATM, buy groceries, or pay for gas without any problem. The only limitation is that you cannot visit a bank branch to speak to a teller.

Will a check I deposit on Memorial Day clear by Tuesday?

Not necessarily. Mobile deposits typically clear by the next business day, but "clear" and "available" are different things. The money may show in your account by Tuesday, but your bank may not let you spend it until Wednesday or later, depending on the check amount and your account history. Ask your bank about their specific timeline.

What if I need to report fraud on Memorial Day?

Call your bank's customer service line — most large banks staff these on holidays. If you cannot reach anyone, report the fraud through your mobile app or website if that option is available, or call first thing Tuesday morning. The sooner you report it, the sooner your bank can freeze the card and investigate.

Can I open a bank account on Memorial Day?

No. Opening an account requires speaking to a banker and verifying your identity, which can only happen at a branch or through a scheduled video call with a banker. You will need to wait until Tuesday or contact your bank ahead of time to see if they offer online account opening that works on holidays.

Do wire transfers process on Memorial Day?

No. Wire transfers require the Federal Reserve to be open, and it closes on federal holidays. A wire you send on Monday will not leave your account until Tuesday at the earliest. If you need money to move quickly, send it on Friday instead.