Yes, most banks close on Veterans Day
Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year, and most banks in the United States close for the day. This is a federal holiday, which means banks that are federally chartered or members of the Federal Reserve system treat it as a day off. Your bank will likely be closed whether it is a large national chain or a smaller regional institution.
The closure applies to in-person banking — you cannot walk into a branch or use the drive-through. However, you can still use ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps to check balances, transfer money, or pay bills. Any transactions you make electronically will process, but they may not show up in your account until the next business day.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks close their branches on Veterans Day (November 11), but ATMs and online banking remain available.
- Electronic transactions you make on Veterans Day will process, but may not appear in your account until the next business day.
- If you need to deposit a check or speak to a banker in person, plan to visit on November 10 or November 12.
- Some credit unions and smaller banks may have different holiday schedules, so check with your specific institution if you are unsure.
What you can and cannot do on Veterans Day
You can use your debit card to make purchases, withdraw cash from ATMs, and log into online or mobile banking to move money between your own accounts. You can also set up bill payments through your bank's website or app — these will be scheduled to process on the next business day. Wire transfers and other electronic transfers initiated on Veterans Day will go through, though they may take longer to reach the receiving account.
What you cannot do is visit a branch in person, speak to a banker, deposit a physical check, or use the drive-through window. If you need to do any of these things, you will need to wait until the bank reopens on November 12 (or the next business day if November 12 falls on a weekend).
How to prepare before Veterans Day
If you know you will need to deposit a check or handle something that requires a banker's help, deposit the check at an ATM before November 11. Most banks allow mobile check deposit through their app as well — you photograph the front and back of the check and submit it through your phone. This is often faster and more reliable than using an ATM envelope.
If you need cash, withdraw it on November 10. If you need to pay a bill in person or handle a transaction that requires speaking to someone, schedule it for November 10 or November 12. Wire transfers and time-sensitive payments should be sent before the holiday closes the branch.
Which banks stay open on Veterans Day
Most federally chartered banks and credit unions close on Veterans Day because it is a federal holiday. However, some banks operate under state charters rather than federal charters, and state law may differ from federal law. A few banks in certain states may remain open, though this is uncommon.
The safest approach is to check your bank's website or call the branch directly before November 11. Your bank's website usually lists holiday hours, or you can search "[Your Bank Name] Veterans Day hours" to find the information quickly. If your bank is a credit union, check its website the same way — credit union holiday schedules can vary by institution.
What happens to deposits and payments on Veterans Day
Deposits you make at an ATM on Veterans Day will be processed, but they typically will not show up in your account until November 12. The same applies to mobile check deposits — the bank receives them, but the funds may not be available until the next business day. This is standard practice on federal holidays.
Payments you schedule through your bank's bill pay system on Veterans Day will be sent on the date you specify, which is usually the next business day. If you schedule a payment for November 11 itself, the bank will hold it and send it on November 12. Automatic payments (like mortgage or utility payments set to debit on a certain date) will still process on their scheduled date, even if that date is Veterans Day.
Planning ahead for long weekends
Veterans Day sometimes falls on a Thursday or Friday, which can create a long weekend. If November 11 is a Friday, the bank will be closed Friday and Saturday (and Sunday as usual), reopening Monday. If you need to handle banking before a long weekend, do it on the business day before the holiday.
If you are expecting a deposit (like a paycheck or tax refund) and Veterans Day falls on a Friday, the deposit may not show up until Tuesday. Direct deposits scheduled for Friday will be delayed to Monday. If this matters for your budget, plan accordingly or contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit to confirm the timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at stores, online, and at ATMs regardless of whether the bank branch is open. The bank's computer systems are still running, so transactions will process normally. You will not be able to visit the branch in person, but your card functions as usual.
Will my paycheck deposit on time if it arrives on Veterans Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Veterans Day will usually be delayed to the next business day. If November 11 is a Friday, your paycheck may not appear until Monday. If this is a concern, contact your employer's payroll department — they can sometimes arrange for deposits to arrive on November 10 instead.
What if I need to deposit a check on Veterans Day?
Use your bank's mobile app to photograph and deposit the check, or use an ATM envelope if your bank offers that service. The deposit will be processed, though the funds may not be available until November 12. If you cannot use these methods, deposit the check on November 10 or November 12.
Do credit unions close on Veterans Day?
Most credit unions close on Veterans Day because it is a federal holiday, but some may have different schedules. Check your credit union's website or call ahead to confirm. ATMs and online banking will still be available even if the branch is closed.
What if my bank is open on Veterans Day?
Some banks, particularly those chartered by individual states, may stay open. Check your bank's website or call the branch directly. If your bank is open, you can handle in-person transactions normally. However, this is uncommon — most banks nationwide close on federal holidays.