Memorial Day is a federal holiday, but not all banks close on it
Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) is a federal holiday, which means the federal government, post offices, and most federal courts shut down. Most banks close too — but not all of them, and not always in the same way. Some banks stay open with reduced hours. Some stay open fully. Credit unions often have different schedules than banks. The safest move is to check with your specific bank before you need something on Memorial Day.
The federal holiday status matters because it affects which institutions are legally required to close, which ones choose to close anyway, and which ones stay open. It also affects when certain transactions post to your account and when you can expect customer service responses.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks close on Memorial Day, but some branches stay open with limited hours — call ahead or check your bank's website to confirm.
- Credit unions, online banks, and smaller regional banks have different closure policies, so you cannot assume they follow the same schedule as large national banks.
- Transactions you submit on Memorial Day (deposits, transfers, bill payments) may not process until the next business day.
- ATMs and mobile banking apps work on Memorial Day even when physical branches are closed.
- If you need cash or in-person service on Memorial Day, plan ahead by withdrawing money on Friday or using an ATM.
Which banks typically close on Memorial Day
The largest national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — close all branches on Memorial Day. These closures are standard across their networks. However, some of these banks operate a small number of branches in high-traffic areas (airports, train stations, shopping centers) that may stay open with reduced hours. You have to check the specific branch location.
Regional and community banks vary widely. Some close entirely. Some close the main office but keep certain branches open. Some operate on normal hours. There is no single rule. The only way to know is to contact your bank directly or check their website for Memorial Day hours.
What stays open when banks close
ATMs work 24/7 on Memorial Day, even when the bank building is locked. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks into ATM envelopes (though the deposit may not post until Tuesday). Mobile banking apps and online banking platforms work normally — you can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and check transactions from your phone or computer.
If you need to speak to a person, most banks offer phone support on Memorial Day, though wait times are often longer than on regular business days. Some banks staff a customer service line; others route calls to a recorded message with holiday hours. Email support typically responds the next business day.
When transactions post after Memorial Day
Any deposit, transfer, or bill payment you submit on Memorial Day will not process until Tuesday (the day after the holiday). This applies even if you use mobile banking or an ATM. The bank's processing system does not run on federal holidays, so the transaction sits in a queue until the next business day.
If you are paying a bill that is due on Tuesday, submitting it on Monday (Memorial Day) will likely be late. If you need a payment to post by a specific date, submit it on Friday or earlier. The same rule applies to checks deposited on Memorial Day — they will not clear until at least Wednesday.
Credit unions and online banks on Memorial Day
Credit unions are not required to follow the same federal holiday schedule as banks, though many do close on Memorial Day anyway. Some credit unions stay open. Others close but offer limited phone support. Check with your credit union directly — do not assume it follows your bank's schedule.
Online-only banks (like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Marcus) do not have physical branches, so there is no "closing" in the traditional sense. You can log in and use your account on Memorial Day. However, customer service phone lines may have reduced staffing or holiday hours. Transactions still do not process until the next business day.
How to plan ahead for Memorial Day banking needs
If you know you will need cash on Memorial Day, withdraw it on Friday. If you need to pay a bill by a specific date, submit it by Friday. If you are expecting a deposit (paycheck, tax refund, transfer from another account), it will not post on Memorial Day — plan your budget assuming it arrives on Tuesday instead.
If you have a time-sensitive banking need on Memorial Day itself, use your ATM or mobile app. If you need to speak to someone, call your bank's customer service line — some answer on holidays, though with longer wait times. If your bank does not answer, send an email and expect a response on Tuesday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check on Memorial Day?
Yes, you can deposit a check into an ATM envelope or through mobile banking on Memorial Day. However, the deposit will not post to your account until Tuesday. If you need the funds to clear by Monday, you must deposit on Friday or earlier.
Will my paycheck deposit on Memorial Day?
No. Payroll deposits are processed on business days only. If your employer normally deposits on Monday and Memorial Day falls on that Monday, your paycheck will arrive on Tuesday instead. Check with your employer's payroll department if you are unsure of the timing.
Can I use my debit card on Memorial Day?
Yes. Debit cards work at merchants, ATMs, and online retailers on Memorial Day regardless of whether your bank is open. The transaction will process normally, though it may take an extra day to appear in your account if the merchant's bank is also closed.
What if I need cash and the ATM is out of money?
ATMs can run out of cash on busy holidays. If the ATM near you is empty, try another location — a different branch, a grocery store, or a gas station. If all nearby ATMs are empty, you will need to wait until Tuesday when the bank can refill them. Plan ahead by withdrawing cash on Friday.
Do I need to do anything special to access my account on Memorial Day?
No. Your account works normally on Memorial Day through ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking. You do not need to take any special steps. The only limitation is that transactions do not process until the next business day.