Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches stay open depending on where you bank and where you live
Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. On this federal holiday, most major banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — close their physical branches. ATMs and online banking remain available. However, some credit unions, smaller regional banks, and branches in certain states may stay open, so you cannot assume your bank is closed without checking first.
The key difference is between federal holidays and state holidays. Banks that are federally chartered or members of the Federal Reserve must close on federal holidays like Veterans Day. State-chartered banks and credit unions sometimes follow different rules. A few states do not observe Veterans Day as a paid holiday for all workers, which can affect whether local branches open.
If you need banking services on Veterans Day, your best move is to call your branch directly or check your bank's website the day before. Most banks post holiday hours online by early November. Do not rely on general information — branch policies vary by location.
Key Takeaways
- Major national banks close their branches on Veterans Day, but ATMs and online banking work normally.
- Some credit unions and regional banks may stay open on Veterans Day, so contact your bank directly to confirm.
- Bank websites usually list holiday hours by early November — check there rather than calling on the day itself.
- If you need cash or in-person service on Veterans Day, plan ahead by visiting your branch the day before.
What stays open and what closes on Veterans Day
Physical bank branches close. Teller windows, loan officers, and customer service desks are not staffed. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to someone about an account problem, you cannot do it in person on Veterans Day.
ATMs stay open 24/7. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts using any ATM, whether it belongs to your bank or another institution (though you may pay a fee for out-of-network use).
Online banking and mobile apps work normally. You can pay bills, transfer money, deposit checks by phone camera, and manage your account from home or anywhere with internet access.
Wire transfers and ACH transfers (the electronic transfers that move money between accounts) process on the next business day after Veterans Day. If you send a wire on Veterans Day, it will not leave your account until November 12.
Which banks might stay open on Veterans Day
Credit unions are not required to follow federal holiday schedules the way banks are. Some credit unions close on Veterans Day; others stay open with regular hours or reduced hours. Call your credit union by November 10 to ask.
Regional and community banks vary widely. A small local bank in your area might stay open while a larger regional chain closes. Again, the only reliable way to know is to contact them directly.
Banks in states that do not recognize Veterans Day as a paid holiday for all state employees sometimes keep branches open, though this is not may provide. These states include Hawaii, South Carolina, and a few others, but even in those states, federally chartered banks may still close.
Planning ahead if you need banking on or around Veterans Day
Visit your branch on November 10 if you know you will need cash on Veterans Day. Withdraw what you think you will need for the weekend and the following Monday.
Pay bills and make transfers before Veterans Day. If a payment is due on November 12, send it on November 10 so it arrives on time. Online payments usually process the next business day, so timing matters.
If you have a time-sensitive banking need — a large deposit, a loan question, or a dispute — handle it before the holiday. Customer service lines are often backed up the day after a holiday.
Check your bank's website for holiday hours by November 8. Most banks post this information in early November under "Holiday Hours" or "Branch Locator." If you cannot find it online, call your branch directly.
What happens if you need emergency banking on Veterans Day
If you have a genuine emergency — a fraudulent charge, a frozen account, or a critical issue — call your bank's customer service line. Most major banks staff a 24/7 phone line even on federal holidays. You will not be able to visit a branch, but you may be able to resolve the problem over the phone or through your mobile app.
If your debit card is lost or stolen, call the number on the back of your card when ready. Your bank can freeze the card and issue a replacement, and this service runs around the clock.
For non-urgent issues that require in-person help, plan to visit your branch on November 12.
How Veterans Day affects paycheck deposits and bill payments
If your paycheck is direct-deposited, it will arrive on your regular payday even if that day is Veterans Day. Direct deposit is an automated process that does not depend on branch hours.
If you receive a paper paycheck and need to deposit it on Veterans Day, use your bank's mobile app to deposit it by taking a photo of the front and back. Most banks process mobile check deposits by the next business day.
Automatic bill payments (payments you have set up to go out on a certain date) process normally on Veterans Day. The money leaves your account on the scheduled date, even though branches are closed.
If you pay bills manually by check or online transfer, send them by November 10 if they are due around Veterans Day. This gives the payment time to clear before 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 any store on Veterans Day. The bank branch being closed does not affect card transactions. You can also use your card to pay for things online or by phone.
Will my direct deposit come through on Veterans Day?
Yes. Direct deposit is automatic and processes on your regular payday regardless of whether it falls on a federal holiday. The money will be in your account on the scheduled date.
What if I need to deposit a check on Veterans Day?
Use your bank's mobile app to photograph the front and back of the check. Most banks process mobile deposits by the next business day. If you do not have the app, wait until November 12 to deposit it in person or at an ATM that accepts deposits.
Do credit unions close on Veterans Day?
Most do, but not all. Contact your credit union directly to ask about their Veterans Day hours. Some stay open with reduced staffing or limited services.
What if my bank's website does not list Veterans Day hours?
Call your branch directly. The phone number is on your bank card or on the bank's website. Ask specifically whether your local branch will be open on November 11.