Most banks close on Veterans Day, but the answer depends on which bank you use and what you need to do
Yes, most banks in the United States close on Veterans Day (November 11). The Federal Reserve observes Veterans Day as a federal holiday, which means that banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System — the vast majority of them — must close. This includes large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank, as well as most regional and community banks.
However, some credit unions and online-only banks may operate on different schedules. A few banks stay open on federal holidays, though this is rare. The safest approach is to check with your specific bank before Veterans Day to confirm their hours, since policies vary by institution and sometimes by branch.
Key Takeaways
- Federal Reserve member banks close on Veterans Day, which includes nearly all major national and regional banks.
- ATMs and online banking remain available even when physical branches are closed.
- If you need cash or in-person services, withdraw money the day before or plan ahead for the following business day.
- Some credit unions and smaller institutions may have different holiday schedules, so contact your bank directly to confirm.
What stays open when banks close on Veterans Day
When a bank's physical branch closes on Veterans Day, you can still access your money through ATMs and online banking platforms. ATMs operate 24/7 regardless of whether the branch is staffed, so you can withdraw cash, check balances, and transfer money between your own accounts at any time.
Online banking portals and mobile apps work the same way — you can pay bills, transfer funds, deposit checks by phone camera, and manage your account from home. The only services you cannot use are those that require a teller or loan officer: depositing cash in person, explore for a new account, getting a cashier's check, or speaking to someone about a problem with your account.
Planning ahead for Veterans Day banking needs
If you need to deposit cash or handle something that requires a teller, do it on Friday, November 10 (the day before Veterans Day). If Veterans Day falls on a weekend, banks typically close on the observed holiday — usually the Friday before if November 11 is a Saturday, or the Monday after if it is a Sunday.
For checks, use mobile deposit through your bank's app instead of waiting for the branch to reopen. Most banks process mobile deposits within one business day. If you need a cashier's check or a certified statement, request it a few days before the holiday so you have it in hand.
If you have a time-sensitive payment due on or around Veterans Day, pay it online or by phone before the holiday. Most bills have a grace period, but do not assume — check your due date and the creditor's payment processing timeline.
Credit unions and online banks may have different hours
Credit unions are not required to follow the Federal Reserve's holiday schedule in the same way banks are, though most do close on Veterans Day anyway. Some credit unions observe the holiday on the day it falls; others observe it on the nearest weekday. Call your credit union ahead of time to confirm.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and others typically do not have physical branches, so Veterans Day does not affect your ability to access your account. However, if you need to speak to customer service, phone lines may have reduced hours or be closed entirely. Check the bank's website for holiday hours before you need help.
What to do if you need banking services on Veterans Day
If you absolutely need cash on Veterans Day itself, use an ATM. If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit through your bank's app — most banks process these within one business day, sometimes faster.
If you have an urgent problem with your account — a fraudulent charge, a missing deposit, or a locked account — call your bank's customer service line. Many banks staff their phone lines even when branches are closed, though wait times may be longer. Check your bank's website or the back of your debit card for the customer service number.
If your issue cannot wait until the branch reopens, some banks offer 24/7 customer service through their apps or websites. You may be able to report fraud, dispute a charge, or request a temporary card replacement without speaking to anyone.
How to check your bank's specific Veterans Day schedule
The easiest way to confirm is to call your bank's main customer service line or visit their website. Most banks post holiday hours in the "Contact Us" or "Locations" section. You can also visit or call your local branch directly — they will have a recorded message about holiday closures.
If you bank at a large national bank, you can usually find holiday hours on the main website without calling. Search for "Veterans Day hours" or "holiday schedule" on the bank's site. For smaller banks and credit unions, a phone call is often faster than searching online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs and stores regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. You can withdraw cash from any ATM, even ones that are not owned by your bank (though you may pay a fee). You can also make purchases at stores and pay bills online.
Will my direct deposit process on Veterans Day?
Direct deposits typically process on schedule even when banks are closed, because the Federal Reserve processes these transactions automatically. Your paycheck should appear in your account on the normal day, though it may post slightly later if Veterans Day falls on a Friday.
What if I need to deposit a check on Veterans Day?
Use your bank's mobile deposit feature through the app — photograph the front and back of the check and submit it. Most banks process mobile deposits within one business day. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, wait until the branch reopens the next business day.
Do online banks close on Veterans Day?
Online banks do not have physical branches, so you can access your account and move money anytime. However, customer service phone lines may have reduced hours or be closed. Check your bank's website for holiday customer service hours before you need help.
What happens if I try to use a service the bank does not offer on Veterans Day?
If you try to do something that requires a teller — like depositing cash or getting a cashier's check — you will not be able to complete it until the branch reopens. Plan ahead and handle these tasks the day before the holiday.