Most banks close on Veterans Day, but the rules vary by bank and location
Yes, most banks in the United States close on Veterans Day, which falls on November 11 each year. The Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury observe Veterans Day as a federal holiday, which means banks that are members of the Federal Reserve system typically close their physical branches. However, not every bank follows the same schedule, and some services may still be available even when branches are closed.
The key thing to know is that Veterans Day closures affect branch locations and in-person services. Online banking, ATMs, and mobile apps usually work normally. If you need to do something that requires a teller or a banker in person, you'll need to plan ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks close their physical branches on Veterans Day (November 11), but online banking and ATMs remain available.
- Credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different schedules, so check with your specific bank before Veterans Day.
- The Federal Reserve and most government offices close on Veterans Day, which is why many banks follow suit.
- If you need in-person banking services, plan your visit for the business day before or after Veterans Day.
Which banks typically close on Veterans Day
Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank close their branches on Veterans Day. These banks are members of the Federal Reserve system and follow federal holiday schedules. If you bank with one of these institutions, your local branch will be closed on November 11.
Regional and community banks vary more widely. Some follow the federal schedule exactly, while others may stay open. Credit unions also have different policies depending on which credit union system they belong to. The safest approach is to contact your bank directly or check their website a few days before Veterans Day to confirm their schedule.
What services work when branches are closed
Online banking platforms stay open 24/7 on Veterans Day, just like any other day. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, check balances, and deposit checks using mobile deposit. These services do not depend on branch staff and run on the bank's computer systems.
ATMs continue to work normally on Veterans Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (at ATMs that have deposit capability), and check your balance. Debit cards work at any merchant that accepts them. The only services that stop are those that require a person behind a counter: opening a new account, getting a cashier's check, speaking with a loan officer, or accessing a safe deposit box.
How to plan ahead for Veterans Day banking
If you need to do something in person, visit your branch on Friday, November 10 (or the last business day before Veterans Day if it falls on a different day of the week). Most banks are open their regular hours the day before the holiday. Handle any cashier's checks, account openings, or other counter services then.
If you realize you need something on Veterans Day itself, check whether your bank has branches in nearby towns or cities that might be open. Some smaller branches close while larger regional offices stay open, though this is uncommon. Your best option is usually to wait until the next business day or use online and ATM services in the meantime.
Veterans Day falls on different days of the week each year
Veterans Day is always November 11. When November 11 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal holiday is observed on the nearest weekday. If Veterans Day lands on a Saturday, most banks close on Friday, November 10. If it lands on a Sunday, most banks close on Monday, November 12.
Check your bank's website or call ahead to confirm which day your branch will be closed. Some banks observe the holiday on the actual date (November 11) regardless of the day of the week, while others follow the federal observance rule. This small difference matters if you're planning a banking errand.
What to do if you need cash or a transfer on Veterans Day
If you need cash, use an ATM. Most ATMs are accessible 24/7 and work normally on Veterans Day. If your bank's ATM is out of service or you need more cash than the daily limit allows, you can use ATMs from other banks (though you may pay a fee).
If you need to send money to someone, use your bank's online transfer service or a money transfer app like Venmo, PayPal, or your bank's own app. These work on holidays. If the person needs the money urgently and you don't have an online transfer option set up, you can often set it up on Veterans Day itself through your bank's website or app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day?
Yes, debit cards work normally on Veterans Day at stores, restaurants, gas stations, and online merchants. The holiday only affects bank branches and services that require staff. Your card is connected to your account electronically and does not depend on branch hours.
Will my direct deposit go through on Veterans Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Veterans Day may arrive a day late, depending on your employer and your bank. Most employers process payroll the business day before the holiday. If your payday falls on Veterans Day, ask your employer whether they process on the 10th or 11th, and your bank will post the deposit when it arrives.
What if I need to deposit a check on Veterans Day?
Use mobile deposit through your bank's app if you have it. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, and the deposit posts to your account. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, use an ATM with deposit capability if your bank has one. Otherwise, deposit the check the next business day.
Do online banks close on Veterans Day?
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and others do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can access your account, transfer money, and manage your finances normally on Veterans Day. Customer service phone lines may have reduced hours, but your account itself stays open.
Will my bill payments process on Veterans Day?
Bill payments scheduled through your bank's online system will process on Veterans Day if you set them up in advance. The payment leaves your account on the scheduled date. However, the receiving company may not process it until the next business day. If a bill is due on Veterans Day, schedule the payment for the day before to be safe.