Presidents Day is a federal holiday, but most banks stay open
Presidents Day — observed on the third Monday in February — is a federal holiday, which means federal offices and courts close. However, most retail banks remain open on Presidents Day. Your local bank branch may have regular hours, reduced hours, or be closed depending on the bank's policy and your state.
The confusion happens because "federal holiday" and "bank holiday" are not the same thing. A federal holiday closes government offices. A bank holiday closes banks. Banks choose which federal holidays to observe, and they do not have to observe all of them.
If you need to visit a branch on Presidents Day, call ahead or check your bank's website to confirm hours. If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash and your branch is closed, ATMs work 24/7 at most banks, and many banks let you deposit checks through their mobile app.
Key Takeaways
- Presidents Day is a federal holiday, but most banks stay open with regular or reduced hours.
- Federal holidays and bank holidays are different — a federal holiday closes government offices, not necessarily banks.
- Your specific bank's hours on Presidents Day depend on the bank's policy, not on law.
- ATMs and mobile check deposit work on Presidents Day even if your branch is closed.
- Calling your branch or checking your bank's website is the fastest way to confirm whether it will be open.
Why banks can stay open on federal holidays
Banks are private businesses, not government agencies. The Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury close on federal holidays, but that does not require banks to close. Each bank decides which holidays to observe based on its own operations and customer needs.
Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank typically stay open on Presidents Day. Credit unions and smaller regional banks vary — some close, some stay open. The only way to know for certain is to check with your specific bank.
If your bank does close on Presidents Day, you can still access your money through ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps. Transfers between accounts, bill payments, and check deposits through your phone all work on holidays.
What actually closes on Presidents Day
Federal offices close on Presidents Day: post offices, Social Security offices, the IRS, and federal courts. If you need to conduct business with a government agency, you will need to wait until the next business day.
The stock market also closes on Presidents Day. If you trade stocks or have pending trades, they will not execute until Tuesday. Bond markets close as well.
Schools in most states close on Presidents Day, though some states observe it differently or call it a different name. Some state and local government offices may close, depending on where you live.
How to learn about your bank is open
The fastest way is to search "[Your Bank Name] Presidents Day hours" or call your branch directly. Most banks post holiday hours on their websites and apps at least a week in advance.
You can also text your bank, use their mobile app, or visit a branch in person before Presidents Day to ask. Many banks send email or text alerts about holiday closures to customers who have opted in.
If you know you will need cash or need to deposit a check on Presidents Day, plan ahead. Withdraw cash the day before, or use your bank's ATM or mobile app on the holiday itself.
What to do if you need banking services on Presidents Day
If your branch is closed but you need to deposit a check, use mobile check deposit through your bank's app. Most banks process these deposits within one business day, sometimes the same day depending on the time you submit it.
If you need cash, use an ATM. ATMs work around the clock and on all holidays. If you use an out-of-network ATM, you may pay a fee, so check whether your bank has ATMs nearby.
For urgent issues like a fraudulent charge or a locked account, call your bank's customer service line. Most banks staff their phone lines on holidays, even if branches are closed. The number is usually on the back of your debit card.
Presidents Day observance varies by state and bank
Some states call Presidents Day by a different name or observe it on a different date. Arizona calls it Arizona Founders Day. New Hampshire calls it Presidents Day and Civil Rights Day. South Carolina calls it Presidents Day and Robert E. Lee's Birthday. These state variations do not affect whether banks open or close — banks follow their own policies, not state naming conventions.
A few banks may close on Presidents Day out of respect for the holiday, but this is rare among large national banks. If your bank is a small local bank or credit union, it is more likely to close. Again, calling ahead is the safest approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my bank be open on Presidents Day?
Most large national banks stay open on Presidents Day, though hours may be reduced. Call your branch or check your bank's website to confirm. Smaller banks and credit unions are more likely to close.
Can I deposit a check on Presidents Day if my branch is closed?
Yes. Use your bank's mobile app to deposit the check. Most banks process mobile deposits within one business day. You can also deposit at an ATM if your bank offers that service.
Will the stock market be open on Presidents Day?
No. The stock market closes on all federal holidays, including Presidents Day. Any pending trades will not execute until the market reopens on Tuesday.
Can I withdraw money from an ATM on Presidents Day?
Yes. ATMs work 24/7 on all days, including holidays. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between accounts at any time.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on Presidents Day?
Call your bank's customer service line, usually found on the back of your debit card. Most banks staff phone lines on holidays even if branches are closed. For non-urgent questions, wait until the next business day.