Most banks are closed on Presidents Day, but some branches and services stay open
Presidents Day falls on the third Monday in February. On that day, most traditional brick-and-mortar bank branches are closed because it is a federal holiday. However, you can still access your money through ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps — these work 24/7 regardless of whether the branch itself is staffed.
Some banks do keep certain locations open on Presidents Day, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or in regions where local holidays differ. A few online-only banks operate normally on federal holidays since they have no physical branches to close. The safest approach is to check with your specific bank before the holiday.
Key Takeaways
- Most bank branches close on Presidents Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available around the clock.
- You can deposit checks, transfer money, and pay bills through your bank's app or website on Presidents Day without visiting a branch.
- If you need cash, withdraw it before the holiday or use an ATM on the day itself.
- Some banks operate limited hours or keep select branches open on Presidents Day — call ahead or check your bank's website to confirm.
- Online-only banks typically have no branch closures on any federal holiday.
What you can and cannot do on Presidents Day
On Presidents Day, you cannot walk into a closed branch and speak with a teller, deposit a check in person, or get a cashier's check from the counter. You also cannot expect a loan officer to be available or conduct business that requires a signature in front of a bank employee.
What you can do: withdraw cash from any ATM (yours or another bank's), transfer money between your own accounts online, send money to someone else through your bank's app, pay bills through online banking, deposit checks using mobile check deposit (if your bank offers it), and check your balance or recent transactions. These services do not depend on the branch being open.
If you need something that requires a teller or loan officer, plan to do it on Friday before the holiday or Tuesday after. Most banks resume normal hours the day after Presidents Day.
How to learn about your specific bank is open
The easiest way is to visit your bank's website and look for a holiday hours notice. Most banks post this information in early February. You can also call the main customer service number — this line usually stays staffed even when branches are closed, and they can tell you which locations, if any, are open in your area.
If you use a smaller regional bank or credit union, call the branch directly. Some credit unions observe different holidays than large national banks, so do not assume your credit union is closed just because Chase or Bank of America is.
For online-only banks like Ally, Discover, or Charles Schwab Bank, there are typically no branch closures on any federal holiday. However, check their website to confirm whether customer service phone lines are staffed on Presidents Day.
Planning ahead to avoid problems
If you know you will need cash over the Presidents Day weekend, withdraw it on Friday. ATMs have daily withdrawal limits — usually between $300 and $1,000 depending on your bank and account type — so plan accordingly if you need a larger amount.
If you need to deposit a check, use mobile check deposit through your bank's app if you have it. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, and the bank will process it electronically. This works on Presidents Day just as it does any other day. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, you can mail the check or deposit it on Tuesday.
If you have bills due around Presidents Day, pay them online a few days early. Do not wait until the holiday itself, because even though you can pay online, any payment processed on Presidents Day may not post to the recipient's account until Tuesday.
What happens if you need emergency banking on Presidents Day
If you have a genuine emergency — your card is stolen, your account is compromised, or you need to dispute a transaction — call your bank's customer service line. Most banks maintain 24/7 phone support for emergencies even on federal holidays. They cannot process a new account or issue a cashier's check, but they can freeze a card, investigate fraud, or help you access your money in other ways.
If you are locked out of your online banking or mobile app, customer service can usually help you reset your password or security questions over the phone, even on Presidents Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card at stores on Presidents Day if my bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any store, restaurant, or gas station on Presidents Day regardless of whether your bank branch is open. The transaction goes through the payment network, not through your branch. You can also use it at ATMs to withdraw cash.
Will a check I deposit on Presidents Day clear by Wednesday?
If you deposit it in person at a branch, you cannot, because branches are closed. If you use mobile check deposit through your app on Presidents Day, it will likely clear by Wednesday or Thursday, depending on your bank's processing times. Checks deposited on Friday before the holiday typically clear by Tuesday or Wednesday.
What if I need a cashier's check on Presidents Day?
You cannot get one on Presidents Day itself because tellers are not available. Plan ahead and get it on Friday, or wait until Tuesday. If it is truly urgent, call your bank's customer service line — some banks can mail a cashier's check or arrange an alternative solution for emergencies.
Do credit unions close on Presidents Day?
Most do, but not all. Some credit unions observe different holidays than banks. Call your credit union directly to confirm their Presidents Day hours, or check their website.
Can I transfer money between banks on Presidents Day?
Yes, if you do it through online banking or your mobile app. The transfer will be initiated on Presidents Day, but it may not complete until Tuesday or Wednesday depending on how the banks process transfers. ACH transfers (the standard method) typically take one to two business days.