Most banks close on Veterans Day, but the timing and which branches matter
Yes, most banks in the United States close on Veterans Day (November 11). The Federal Reserve, which sets the standard for federal banking holidays, recognizes Veterans Day as a day when member banks do not process transactions. This means you cannot deposit checks, withdraw cash at a teller window, or conduct business at a physical branch.
However, "closed" does not mean you lose access entirely. ATMs stay open, online banking continues to work, and some banks operate limited hours or skeleton crews. The specifics depend on which bank you use and whether you need a teller or just machine access.
Key Takeaways
- Federal Reserve member banks close their branches on Veterans Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available.
- Credit unions may have different holiday schedules than banks, so check with your specific institution.
- Transactions you initiate online or at an ATM on Veterans Day will process, but may not clear until the next business day.
- If you need cash or a teller service on Veterans Day, plan ahead by withdrawing money the day before.
- Some banks in states that observe Veterans Day on a different date may have different closure schedules.
What you can and cannot do on Veterans Day
On Veterans Day itself, you cannot walk into a bank branch and speak to a teller, deposit a check in person, or conduct wire transfers through a branch representative. Loan officers, mortgage specialists, and customer service desks at physical locations will not be staffed.
What remains open: ATMs work normally, so you can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks at machines that accept them. Online banking portals stay live, so you can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and check transactions. Mobile apps function the same way. Any transaction you start online or at an ATM will go through, though it may not settle until the next business day depending on the type of transaction.
Phone banking and customer service lines vary by bank. Some institutions staff a skeleton crew for urgent issues; others route calls to a recorded message. Call your bank's main number before Veterans Day to confirm whether phone support will be available.
Which banks close and which might stay partially open
All Federal Reserve member banks close on Veterans Day. This includes the largest national banks: Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional banks. Credit unions are not required to close on federal holidays, though many do. Check your credit union's website or call ahead to confirm their Veterans Day schedule.
Some smaller community banks and online-only banks may have different policies. Online banks with no physical branches (like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, or Discover) do not have branch closures, though their customer service hours may be reduced. If your bank operates primarily online, you likely will not notice any disruption.
A few banks in states that observe Veterans Day on a different date—or not at all—may keep branches open on November 11. This is rare and typically applies only to very small local institutions. Call your specific branch to be certain.
How to plan ahead if you need cash or services
Withdraw cash the day before Veterans Day if you know you will need it. This is the simplest way to avoid an ATM line on the holiday itself. If you use an ATM that charges a fee (one outside your bank's network), plan ahead to use your own bank's machines.
If you need to deposit a check, use your bank's mobile app if it has mobile check deposit, or use an ATM that accepts deposits. Both will process the check, though it may not clear until the next business day. If your bank does not offer these options, deposit the check on November 10 or November 12.
For time-sensitive transactions like wire transfers or loan applications, complete them before November 10. If you miss the important date, the transaction will process on November 12 (or the next business day if that is a weekend). This delay rarely causes problems, but it matters if you are paying a bill with a specific due date.
What happens to transactions you start on Veterans Day
Transactions you initiate online or at an ATM on Veterans Day will be recorded and processed, but the timing depends on the type. Transfers between your own accounts at the same bank usually clear the same day or the next business day. Payments to other banks or bill payments typically process the next business day.
Checks you deposit at an ATM on Veterans Day will be processed as if you deposited them on November 12 (the next business day). The bank's system will timestamp them accordingly. This matters if you are trying to meet a important date or if the check is time-sensitive.
Debit card purchases and ATM withdrawals on Veterans Day work normally and are not delayed. Your account updates in real time, just as it would on any other day.
If you need emergency banking on Veterans Day
If you have a genuine emergency—a fraudulent charge, a frozen account, or a critical payment issue—call your bank's main customer service line. Most banks maintain a phone line for fraud and emergencies even on holidays, though wait times may be longer. Have your account number and ID ready.
If your card is lost or stolen, call the number on the back of your card or your bank's main line to report it. This can be done on any day, including Veterans Day, and your card will be blocked when ready to prevent unauthorized charges.
For non-emergency issues that can wait, handle them on November 12 or later. Trying to reach a loan officer or open a new account on Veterans Day will not work, but these tasks do not require same-day action.
State-by-state variations in Veterans Day observance
Most states observe Veterans Day on November 11, and banks close accordingly. However, a few states have different rules. South Carolina observes it as "Armistice Day" on November 11 but may have different closures for state employees. Alabama and Mississippi observe it on a different date (the fourth Monday in October in some years). If you live in or do business with a bank in one of these states, confirm the closure date with your specific branch.
Federal banks close on the federal holiday regardless of state law. If your bank is a Federal Reserve member, it will close on November 11 even if your state has a different observance date. Local or state-chartered banks may follow state law instead, so call ahead if you are unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day?
Yes. Debit card purchases work normally on Veterans Day because they process through card networks, not through bank branches. ATM withdrawals also work. The only limitation is that you cannot visit a branch to speak to a teller or conduct in-person business.
Will my direct deposit process on Veterans Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Veterans Day may be delayed by one business day, depending on your employer's payroll system and your bank's processing schedule. If your payday falls on Veterans Day, contact your employer's payroll department to confirm when the deposit will hit your account. Most employers process payroll the day before or after the holiday to avoid delays.
What if I need to pay a bill that is due on Veterans Day?
Pay the bill before November 10. If you pay online on Veterans Day, the payment will be recorded but may not clear until November 12, which could be late depending on the creditor's rules. To be safe, submit bill payments at least one business day before the due date.
Do online banks close on Veterans Day?
Online banks with no physical branches do not have branch closures on Veterans Day. However, their customer service phone lines may have reduced hours or longer wait times. You can still transfer money, pay bills, and access your account through the website or app.
Can I get a cashier's check on Veterans Day?
No. Cashier's checks are issued by bank tellers, and branches are closed on Veterans Day. If you need a cashier's check, request it on November 10 or November 12. Some banks allow you to order them online for pickup the next business day, so check your bank's website.