Most banks close on Veterans Day, but the timing depends on which day the holiday falls
Yes, most banks in the United States close on Veterans Day (November 11). The Federal Reserve, which sets the official holiday schedule for the banking system, recognizes Veterans Day as a federal holiday. When a federal holiday falls on a weekday, banks that are members of the Federal Reserve system close their physical branches and do not process transfers or payments that day.
The actual closure date shifts depending on the calendar. When November 11 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal government observes the holiday on the nearest weekday — usually Friday if it falls on Saturday, or Monday if it falls on Sunday. Banks follow the same observance rule, so they close on that shifted date instead.
Not every bank closure works the same way. Some banks may keep limited services open or allow online transactions to continue, but teller windows and in-person services stop. Wire transfers, ACH payments, and check processing typically do not happen on the holiday itself, though they may resume the next business day.
Key Takeaways
- Banks close their branches on Veterans Day when it falls on a weekday (Monday through Friday), following the Federal Reserve holiday schedule.
- If November 11 falls on a weekend, banks observe the holiday on the nearest weekday — usually the Friday before or Monday after.
- Online banking and ATM access usually continue during bank closures, but wire transfers and ACH payments do not process until the next business day.
- If you need to move money on or around Veterans Day, plan ahead by initiating transfers the business day before the holiday.
When banks actually close versus when they stay open
The Federal Reserve publishes an annual holiday schedule that tells you exactly which days banks close. For 2024 and 2025, Veterans Day falls on a weekday (November 11), so banks close on that date. For 2026, November 11 is a Wednesday, so banks close that day. For 2027, November 11 is a Thursday, so banks close that day.
When November 11 lands on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal government observes the holiday on the nearest weekday. If November 11 is a Saturday, the holiday is observed on Friday. If November 11 is a Sunday, the holiday is observed on Monday. Banks follow this same rule, so they close on the observed date, not the calendar date.
Some credit unions and smaller banks may have different policies. A few credit unions remain open on federal holidays or operate on a different schedule. If you use a credit union or a smaller regional bank, check their specific holiday schedule rather than assuming they follow the Federal Reserve calendar.
What you can and cannot do on Veterans Day
You can use your debit card, ATM, and online banking on Veterans Day. ATMs operate 24/7 regardless of bank holidays, and most online banking platforms stay open. You can check your balance, view transactions, and set up future payments on your bank's website or app.
You cannot complete certain transactions on Veterans Day itself. Wire transfers do not process. ACH transfers (the system banks use to move money between accounts) do not go through. Check deposits submitted through mobile apps may be accepted, but they will not clear until the next business day. If you need to speak to a teller or visit a branch, you will have to wait until the next day the bank is open.
Payments you schedule in advance may still go out on Veterans Day if you set them up before the holiday. For example, if you schedule a bill payment for November 11 on November 9, the bank may process it on the 11th even though the branch is closed. The timing depends on your bank's system and when you initiated the payment.
Planning around Veterans Day closures
If you need to move money or pay a bill around Veterans Day, initiate the transfer the business day before the holiday. Most banks process ACH transfers and wire requests submitted before 2 p.m. on the day before the holiday, and those transfers will go out on the next business day after Veterans Day.
If Veterans Day falls on a Monday, Friday before it is your final note to submit transfers that will process before the holiday. If Veterans Day falls on a Friday, Thursday is your important date. If Veterans Day falls on a Wednesday or Thursday, the business day before is still your best option.
If you miss the important date and need money urgently, ATMs and debit cards still work. You can withdraw cash from an ATM on Veterans Day itself. Some merchants also accept contactless payments or digital wallets, which do not require bank processing to complete.
How Veterans Day closures affect different types of payments
| Payment Type | Processes on Veterans Day? | When It Actually Goes Through |
|---|---|---|
| Wire transfer | No | Next business day after the holiday |
| ACH transfer (online bill pay, direct deposit) | No | Next business day after the holiday |
| Check deposit (mobile app) | Accepted but not cleared | Next business day after the holiday |
| Debit card purchase | Yes | when ready (processed by merchant, not bank) |
| ATM withdrawal | Yes | when ready |
| Scheduled payment set up before the holiday | Depends on bank | May process on the holiday or next business day |
What happens if you need cash on Veterans Day
ATMs work on Veterans Day, so you can withdraw cash anytime. Your debit card also works at merchants, so you can make purchases or get cash back at a store. Neither of these transactions requires your bank branch to be open.
If you need a cashier's check, a money order, or other services that require a teller, you will have to wait until the next business day. Some banks offer cashier's checks through their online banking platform, but most still require you to visit a branch or call to arrange one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check on Veterans Day?
You can deposit a check through your bank's mobile app on Veterans Day, and the bank will accept it. However, the check will not clear until the next business day. If you need the money when ready, you will have to wait.
Will my direct deposit come through on Veterans Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Veterans Day may be delayed by one day. If your employer normally deposits on the 11th and the 11th is a bank holiday, the deposit may arrive on the 12th instead. Check with your employer's payroll department if you are unsure.
Do all banks close on Veterans Day?
Most banks that are part of the Federal Reserve system close on Veterans Day. Some credit unions and smaller banks may have different policies. Contact your bank directly if you are unsure whether they will be open.
What if I need to wire money on Veterans Day?
Wire transfers do not process on Veterans Day. If you submit a wire request on the holiday, it will go out the next business day. If you need the money urgently, consider using a debit card or ATM instead.
Can I pay my bills online on Veterans Day?
You can schedule bill payments online on Veterans Day, and you can set them up to go out on a future date. However, if you try to send a payment when ready on the holiday, it will not process until the next business day.