Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches stay open

Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. Most major banks—including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank—close their physical branches on this federal holiday. However, some banks operate limited hours or keep certain locations open, so you cannot assume your branch will be closed without checking first.

The closure affects in-person services: tellers, loan officers, and customer service desks. ATMs and online banking stay available 24/7, so you can withdraw cash, check balances, and transfer money between accounts without visiting a branch.

If you need to deposit a check or handle something that requires a teller, plan ahead. Deposits made at an ATM or through mobile deposit will process when the bank reopens the next business day. The same applies to any transaction that needs a person on the other end—those wait until November 12.

Key Takeaways

  • Major national banks close their branches on Veterans Day, though ATMs and online services remain open.
  • Credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different schedules, so contact your institution directly rather than assuming closure.
  • Checks deposited at ATMs or through mobile deposit on Veterans Day will process the next business day.
  • Wire transfers and time-sensitive transactions should be completed the business day before the holiday.
  • Your bank's website or phone line will confirm whether your specific branch is open or closed.

How to learn about your bank is open

Call your branch directly or check your bank's website. Most banks post holiday hours prominently on their homepage or in the branch locator tool. You can also text or call the main customer service number—those lines often stay staffed even when branches close, and representatives can tell you whether your location is open.

If you bank with a credit union, call ahead. Credit unions are not required to follow the same federal holiday schedule as banks, and some remain open on Veterans Day while others close. The same applies to smaller regional banks and online-only banks, which may have their own policies.

Do not rely on past years' schedules. While most banks follow the same pattern annually, some adjust their holiday calendar based on staffing or local observance rules. A five-minute call to your branch removes all doubt.

What you can and cannot do on Veterans Day

You can use ATMs to withdraw cash, deposit checks through mobile deposit or ATM envelopes, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts. You can also log into online banking, pay bills, and set up transfers that will process after the holiday. Debit cards work normally at stores and other ATMs.

You cannot visit a teller, open a new account in person, explore for a loan, or resolve disputes that require a representative. If you need to speak with someone about a fraud claim or account issue, wait until the next business day or use the bank's phone line if it is staffed. Cashier's checks, notarization, and safe deposit box access all require the branch to be open.

Planning ahead for time-sensitive transactions

Wire transfers and payments with specific important date should be completed the business day before Veterans Day. If you wait until November 10 to send a wire, it will not process until November 12 at the earliest, which may cause you to miss a payment important date. The same rule applies to ACH transfers, though some banks allow you to schedule these in advance.

If you are expecting a deposit or payment on Veterans Day, it will not post to your account until the next business day. Payroll, government benefits, and vendor payments all follow the same rule—the Federal Reserve does not process transactions on federal holidays, so the bank cannot move the money even if it wanted to.

What happens to checks and deposits

A check you deposit at an ATM on Veterans Day will be processed the next business day, November 12. The funds may not be available when ready even after processing; most banks hold checks for one to five business days depending on the amount and your account history.

If you deposit a check in person at a branch on November 10, it processes normally. If you deposit it on November 12, it processes that day. The holiday itself does not affect the timeline—it straightforward pauses processing for 24 hours. Mobile deposits follow the same rule: submit on Veterans Day, process on November 12.

Checks you write do not stop clearing because the bank is closed. If someone deposits a check you wrote on Veterans Day, it will still clear from your account on the normal schedule. The holiday only affects deposits you make, not deposits made against you.

What to do if you need cash or emergency services

Use an ATM to withdraw cash before the holiday if you think you will need it. ATMs are always available and do not have holiday schedules. If you run out of cash on Veterans Day itself, any ATM from your bank or a partner network will work.

If you have a genuine emergency—fraud, a stolen card, or a compromised account—call your bank's 24/7 fraud or customer service line. These lines operate on holidays and can freeze accounts, issue temporary cards, or reverse unauthorized charges. Do not wait until November 12 if your account has been compromised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day if the bank is closed?

Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs and stores regardless of whether your branch is open. The bank's closure only affects in-person services at the physical location.

Will my direct deposit post on Veterans Day?

No. Payroll and government benefits that normally post on November 11 will post on November 12 instead. Check with your employer or benefits provider if you are unsure of the exact date.

What if I need to report fraud on Veterans Day?

Call your bank's fraud line. Most banks staff these lines 24/7, even on holidays. If you cannot reach anyone, document the fraudulent transaction and call back on November 12. Federal law gives you 60 days to report unauthorized charges.

Do online banks close on Veterans Day?

Online-only banks like Ally or Charles Schwab do not have physical branches, so there is no closure. You can transfer money, pay bills, and manage your account normally. Processing times for transfers and payments may be delayed by one day because the Federal Reserve does not process transactions on federal holidays.

Can I get a cashier's check on Veterans Day?

No. Cashier's checks require a teller and can only be issued when the branch is open. If you need one, visit on November 10 or wait until November 12.