President's Day is a federal holiday, but most banks stay open

President's Day falls on the third Monday in February. It is a federal holiday, which means federal offices and courts close. However, most banks remain open on President's Day — they do not treat it as a banking holiday.

The distinction matters because federal holidays and banking holidays are not the same thing. A federal holiday closes government offices. A banking holiday closes banks. President's Day is one but not the other.

Some individual banks may choose to close on President's Day, particularly smaller community banks or branches in towns where the holiday carries local significance. Before you plan to visit a branch or use an ATM, check with your specific bank about their holiday schedule.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks stay open on President's Day even though it is a federal holiday.
  • Federal holidays and banking holidays are separate — a day can be one without being the other.
  • Your bank may have its own policy, so contact your branch or check their website before visiting.
  • ATMs and online banking typically work on President's Day regardless of whether your branch is staffed.
  • The Federal Reserve does not process payments on banking holidays, which affects wire transfers and ACH transactions even if your bank is open.

Which banks close and which stay open

The major national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others — generally stay open on President's Day. They may have reduced hours or fewer staff, but branches are typically available for customers.

Credit unions vary. Some close on President's Day; others stay open. Call your credit union directly or check their website to confirm their schedule.

Smaller regional and community banks are more likely to close. If you bank with a local institution, assume it may be closed unless you have confirmed otherwise.

What you can and cannot do on President's Day

ATMs work on President's Day regardless of whether your bank's branch is staffed. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks at most ATMs.

Online banking and mobile apps work normally. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills online, and check transactions.

What does not happen on President's Day: the Federal Reserve does not process payments. This means wire transfers, ACH transfers (the system that moves money between banks), and check clearing all pause. A wire you send on President's Day will not arrive until the next business day. Checks deposited on President's Day will not clear until at least Wednesday.

If you need to speak to a person at your bank, you will not be able to reach a branch if it is closed. Customer service phone lines may have limited hours or may not be staffed at all.

Planning around President's Day

If you need cash or want to deposit a check, do it before President's Day or use an ATM on the day itself.

If you need to send a wire transfer or make an urgent ACH payment, send it on Friday before the holiday. Anything sent on President's Day itself will process on Tuesday.

If you need to speak to someone at your bank about an account issue, call on Friday or wait until Tuesday. Do not assume your branch will be open on Monday.

The difference between federal and banking holidays

The federal government recognizes 11 federal holidays each year. These close federal offices, courts, and the stock market. President's Day is one of them.

Banking holidays are a separate list. The Federal Reserve recognizes only four banking holidays: New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. These are the days when the Federal Reserve itself closes and does not process payments between banks.

Individual banks can choose to close on other days as well — including federal holidays like President's Day — but they are not required to. This is why you can have a federal holiday that is not a banking holiday.

What to do if you need banking services on President's Day

Call your bank ahead of time. Ask whether your specific branch will be open and what hours they will keep. Do not assume based on what another bank does.

If your branch is closed, use your ATM or online banking. Both typically work on all days including holidays.

If you need to speak to someone and your branch is closed, some banks offer customer service by phone on holidays. Call the number on the back of your debit card to find out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my ATM on President's Day?

Yes. ATMs work on President's Day even if your bank branch is closed. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, and check your balance.

Will my wire transfer go through on President's Day?

No. The Federal Reserve does not process wire transfers or ACH payments on President's Day. A wire sent on Monday will arrive on Tuesday at the earliest. Send urgent transfers on Friday instead.

Are all banks closed on President's Day?

No. Most large national banks stay open on President's Day with normal or reduced hours. Credit unions and smaller banks may close. Contact your bank to confirm their schedule.

Is President's Day a banking holiday?

No. President's Day is a federal holiday, not a banking holiday. The Federal Reserve recognizes only four banking holidays: New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Banks choose whether to close on other federal holidays.

What if I need to deposit a check on President's Day?

Use your bank's ATM if it accepts mobile check deposits, or wait until Tuesday. Checks deposited on Monday will not clear until at least Wednesday because the Federal Reserve does not process payments on federal holidays.