Most banks are closed on Presidents Day
Yes, most banks in the United States close on Presidents Day, which falls on the third Monday in February. This is a federal holiday, and banks that are members of the Federal Reserve system observe it as a day off. That means you cannot visit a branch, use a teller, or conduct in-person business.
However, you can still use ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps on Presidents Day. Deposits made at an ATM will process when the bank reopens the next business day. Transfers between your own accounts and bill payments set up in advance will go through as scheduled.
Some banks owned by larger holding companies may have different policies, so if you need to be certain about your specific bank, call the branch directly or check their website before the holiday.
Key Takeaways
- Presidents Day falls on the third Monday in February, and most banks close their physical branches that day.
- ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps work normally on Presidents Day, so you can still move money and check balances.
- Deposits made at an ATM on Presidents Day will be credited to your account when the bank reopens on Tuesday.
- Automatic payments and transfers you have already set up will process on their regular schedule, holiday or not.
- A small number of banks may stay open on Presidents Day, so contact your bank directly if you need in-person service that day.
What you can and cannot do on Presidents Day
You cannot walk into a branch and speak to a teller, withdraw cash over the counter, or open a new account on Presidents Day. You also cannot use services that require a bank employee, such as getting a cashier's check, explore for a loan, or resolving a dispute that needs a person to investigate.
You can deposit checks and cash into an ATM, transfer money between accounts online, pay bills through your bank's website or app, check your balance, and set up new automatic payments or transfers. These digital services run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of whether the branch is staffed.
If you need cash on Presidents Day, withdraw it before the holiday or use an ATM. If you need a service that requires speaking to someone, plan ahead and handle it the business day before or after.
How ATM deposits work on a holiday
When you deposit a check or envelope of cash into an ATM on Presidents Day, the machine accepts it and gives you a receipt. The deposit is recorded in your account as pending. The next business day—Tuesday, after Presidents Day—the bank processes the deposit and the funds become available.
The timing of when the money is actually usable depends on the bank's deposit policy and the type of check. A check from another bank may take one to three business days to clear, even after the holiday deposit is processed. Cash deposits usually become available the next business day.
If you need the money urgently, do not wait until Presidents Day to deposit. Deposit on Friday or earlier in the week so the bank has time to process it before you need it.
Banks that may stay open on Presidents Day
Most national banks and regional banks close on Presidents Day. However, some credit unions, online-only banks, and smaller community banks may have different holiday schedules. A few banks choose not to observe all federal holidays, though this is uncommon.
The only way to know for certain is to contact your bank directly. Call the branch phone number, check the bank's website, or look for a holiday hours notice posted in the branch or app. Do not assume your bank is open just because another bank in your area is.
Planning ahead for Presidents Day
If you know you will need banking services around Presidents Day, handle them on Friday before the holiday. Withdraw extra cash, deposit checks early, and set up any automatic payments or transfers you need in advance.
If you are expecting a direct deposit on Presidents Day—such as a paycheck or government benefit—it will still arrive in your account on that day. Direct deposits are processed electronically and do not require the branch to be open. You can see the deposit in your account and use it through online banking or an ATM.
If you have a time-sensitive matter, such as a dispute or a question about a transaction, contact the bank on Friday or plan to call on Tuesday. Most banks have customer service phone lines that operate during normal business hours, even if the branch is closed.
What happens to scheduled payments on Presidents Day
Automatic bill payments, loan payments, and transfers you have already set up will process on their scheduled date, even if that date is Presidents Day. The bank's systems run automatically and do not stop for holidays.
If a payment is scheduled for Presidents Day and the receiving bank is also closed, the payment still leaves your account on that day, but the receiving bank may not process it until the next business day. This usually does not cause a problem, but if you are paying a bill with a strict important date, do not schedule the payment for a holiday.
If you need to change or cancel a scheduled payment, do it through your online banking or mobile app before Presidents Day. If you cannot do it yourself, call the bank on Friday and ask a representative to make the change for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Presidents Day?
Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs and stores on Presidents Day. You can withdraw cash, make purchases, and check your balance. The bank branch being closed does not affect your card.
Will my paycheck deposit on Presidents Day if it is direct deposit?
Yes. Direct deposits process automatically on their scheduled date, including Presidents Day. You will see the money in your account that day and can use it through ATMs or online banking.
What if I need to dispute a transaction on Presidents Day?
You cannot speak to someone in person on Presidents Day, but you can report a problem through your online banking, mobile app, or by calling customer service if the bank has a phone line open. Write down the details and contact the bank on Tuesday to follow up.
Do credit unions close on Presidents Day?
Most credit unions close on Presidents Day, but not all. Contact your credit union directly to confirm their holiday hours. Many credit unions offer online banking and ATM access on holidays even when branches are closed.
If I deposit a check on Presidents Day, when can I use the money?
The bank processes the deposit on Tuesday. Depending on the type of check and the bank's policy, the funds may be available Tuesday or may take one to three business days longer to clear. Cash deposits usually become available the next business day.