Most banks close on Presidents Day, but the ones that stay open depend on where you bank
Yes, most banks close on Presidents Day. The Federal Reserve observes it as a holiday, which means the banking system itself shuts down — no wire transfers, no ACH payments, no check clearing. If your bank is a member of the Federal Reserve (which nearly all are), it will be closed on Presidents Day.
That said, some banks stay open on the holiday. Credit unions, online-only banks, and a handful of regional banks may operate normal hours or reduced hours. The only way to know for certain is to check with your specific bank before the holiday arrives.
Presidents Day falls on the third Monday in February each year. In 2024 it was February 19; in 2025 it will be February 17. Mark it on your calendar now if you have time-sensitive transactions planned.
Key Takeaways
- The Federal Reserve closes on Presidents Day, which means wire transfers, ACH payments, and check clearing all stop — your bank will almost certainly be closed too.
- Some credit unions and online banks stay open or offer limited service on Presidents Day, so contact your bank directly to confirm.
- Any deposits you make on Presidents Day will not post until the next business day, even at banks that are technically open.
- Plan bill payments and transfers for the day before Presidents Day if the money needs to arrive on time.
- ATMs and mobile banking apps work on Presidents Day regardless of whether the physical branch is open.
Why the Federal Reserve closing affects your bank
The Federal Reserve is the backbone of the U.S. banking system. When it closes, the entire network of interbank transfers stops. That means your bank cannot send money to another bank, clear checks, or process ACH transfers (the electronic payments that move money between accounts). Even if your bank's building is open and a teller is sitting at a desk, they cannot move your money anywhere.
This is why nearly every bank in the country closes on Presidents Day. It is not a choice — it is a consequence of the Federal Reserve being closed. The only exceptions are banks that do not participate in the Federal Reserve system, which is extremely rare.
Banks that may stay open or offer limited hours
Some credit unions operate independently and may stay open on Presidents Day. Others close in solidarity with the Federal Reserve even though they are not required to. Call your credit union ahead of time to ask.
Online banks and digital-only financial institutions sometimes stay open on federal holidays because they do not have physical branches to staff. However, even if the website is accessible and you can log in, any transfers you initiate will not process until the next business day. The money sits in a queue until the Federal Reserve reopens.
A very small number of regional banks or community banks may open for limited hours. Again, this is rare, and any transactions you conduct will not clear until Tuesday.
What you can and cannot do on Presidents Day
| Transaction Type | Presidents Day Status |
|---|---|
| ATM withdrawals and deposits | Works normally; deposits post the next business day |
| Mobile app or online banking login | Works normally; you can view balances and history |
| Wire transfers | Cannot be sent or received until Tuesday |
| ACH transfers (bill pay, direct deposit) | Cannot be sent or received until Tuesday |
| Check deposits via mobile app | Can be deposited; clears Tuesday |
| Debit card purchases | Work normally; post later |
| Talking to a teller or loan officer | Not possible; branch is closed |
The key distinction: you can see your money and spend it, but you cannot move it between banks or initiate transfers that require the Federal Reserve to process.
How to plan around Presidents Day closures
If you have a bill due on Presidents Day or the day after, pay it on Friday before the holiday. ACH payments typically take one to three business days to clear anyway, so sending it Friday ensures it arrives on time.
If you are expecting a wire transfer or direct deposit, do not assume it will arrive on Presidents Day. Payroll that normally hits on Monday will hit on Tuesday instead. Wire transfers sent on Friday may not arrive until Wednesday.
If you need cash, withdraw it on Friday. ATMs work on Presidents Day, but if your bank's ATM is out of service or you need a large amount, you will have no way to get it from your bank until Tuesday.
Check your bank's website or call the customer service number on the back of your card. Most banks post holiday hours in advance, usually by early February. Write down the date and what is closed so you do not forget.
What happens to checks and deposits on Presidents Day
If you deposit a check on Presidents Day using an ATM or mobile app, the deposit is recorded in your account when ready for viewing purposes. However, the check does not actually clear until Tuesday. The funds may show as "pending" or "available" depending on your bank's policy, but the money is not truly yours until the Federal Reserve processes it.
If you write a check on Presidents Day, it will not clear until at least Wednesday. The recipient's bank cannot process it until the Federal Reserve is open again.
This matters if you are counting on a deposit to cover a purchase. A check deposited on Monday will not be available to spend until Tuesday at the earliest, and often Wednesday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Presidents Day?
Yes. Debit card purchases work normally on Presidents Day because they are processed through the card network, not the Federal Reserve. The transaction will post to your account, but the money may not fully clear from your bank until the next business day.
Will my direct deposit arrive on Presidents Day?
No. Payroll and other direct deposits are ACH transfers, which require the Federal Reserve to process. If your paycheck normally arrives on Monday, it will arrive on Tuesday instead when the Federal Reserve reopens.
What if I need to wire money on Presidents Day?
You cannot send or receive wire transfers on Presidents Day. The Federal Reserve does not process wires on federal holidays. If you need the money to arrive urgently, send it on Friday before the holiday instead.
Do online banks close on Presidents Day?
Online banks do not have physical branches to close, so you can log in and view your account. However, any transfers you initiate will not process until Tuesday. The Federal Reserve closure affects all banks equally when it comes to moving money between institutions.
Can I still use my bank's mobile app on Presidents Day?
Yes. You can log in, check your balance, view transaction history, and deposit checks via mobile app. You just cannot initiate transfers that require the Federal Reserve to process, and any deposits will not clear until the next business day.