Most banks close on Presidents Day, but some branches and services stay open
Presidents Day falls on the third Monday in February each year. On this day, most major banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — close their physical branches. Federal Reserve operations also shut down, which means wire transfers and ACH payments do not process.
However, the closure is not total. Online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs remain available 24/7. Some credit unions and smaller regional banks may stay open, so you should check with your specific institution. If you need cash or in-person services, plan ahead by visiting your branch the business day before.
The key difference between Presidents Day and other federal holidays is that some financial institutions treat it differently based on their own policies. A bank in one state might close while a branch in another state stays open, though this is rare for the largest national chains.
Key Takeaways
- Major national banks close their branches on Presidents Day, but ATMs and online banking work normally.
- Wire transfers and ACH payments do not process on Presidents Day because the Federal Reserve is closed.
- Credit unions and regional banks may have different hours, so contact your bank directly to confirm.
- Withdrawing cash and handling time-sensitive transactions the day before Presidents Day prevents delays.
- Checks deposited on Presidents Day are not processed until the next business day.
What services stay open on Presidents Day
ATMs work around the clock on Presidents Day, just as they do every other day. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks into ATM envelopes — though the check will not be processed until the next business day when the bank reopens.
Online and mobile banking platforms remain fully operational. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, view statements, and set up future transactions. The transactions you schedule will process once the bank reopens on Tuesday.
Debit and credit cards work normally at merchants and ATMs. The holiday does not affect your ability to make purchases or use your card for everyday transactions.
What does not happen on Presidents Day
Wire transfers do not process on Presidents Day. If you initiate a wire transfer on Monday, it will not leave your account until Tuesday at the earliest. This matters if you are sending money to pay a bill or transfer funds to another person.
ACH transfers — the system used for direct deposits, bill payments, and transfers between banks — also stop on Presidents Day. Your paycheck may arrive a day late if your employer processes it on Monday. Automatic bill payments scheduled for Presidents Day are typically held and process the next business day.
Check deposits made at ATMs or through mobile apps on Presidents Day enter the queue but do not clear until Tuesday. The funds will not be available in your account until then.
In-person services are unavailable. You cannot speak to a banker, open a new account, explore for a loan, or resolve disputes in person on Presidents Day.
How to prepare before Presidents Day
If you need cash, visit your bank or ATM on Friday or Monday morning before you need the money. ATMs work on the holiday, but if the machine is out of service or you need a large withdrawal, the branch will be closed.
If you have a time-sensitive wire transfer or payment, send it on Friday. Do not wait until Monday morning. The same applies to ACH transfers if the receiving bank processes them on a specific day.
If you are expecting a direct deposit on Presidents Day, it may arrive Tuesday instead. Check with your employer or the organization sending the payment to confirm their processing schedule.
If you have a check to deposit, use mobile deposit or an ATM on Friday. The check will clear faster if it is already in the system before the holiday.
Credit unions and smaller banks may have different hours
While major national banks uniformly close on Presidents Day, credit unions and regional banks set their own holiday schedules. Some stay open, some close early, and some close all day. The only way to know is to contact your institution directly or check their website.
If you bank with a credit union, call ahead or log into your online account to see the holiday hours for your branch. Many credit unions post holiday schedules weeks in advance.
Presidents Day closures by year
| Year | Presidents Day Date |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Monday, February 19 |
| 2025 | Monday, February 17 |
| 2026 | Monday, February 16 |
| 2027 | Monday, February 15 |
| 2028 | Monday, February 21 |
Presidents Day always falls on the third Monday in February. Mark the date on your calendar if you have financial transactions planned for that week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Presidents Day?
Yes. Debit cards work at merchants and ATMs on Presidents Day just like any other day. The holiday only affects the bank's internal operations and processing systems, not your ability to spend money or withdraw cash.
Will my paycheck arrive late if my employer processes it on Presidents Day?
Possibly. If your employer initiates direct deposit on Monday, the ACH system will not process it until Tuesday because the Federal Reserve is closed. Contact your payroll department if you are concerned about timing, or check your bank account Tuesday morning.
What if I need to deposit a check on Presidents Day?
Use mobile deposit through your bank's app or deposit it in an ATM envelope. The check will enter the processing queue but will not clear until Tuesday. If you need the funds when ready, this will not help — you will have to wait until the bank reopens.
Do online bill payments go through on Presidents Day?
If you schedule a bill payment for Presidents Day, it typically processes the next business day. If you schedule it for Friday to pay on Monday, it will likely go through on Friday instead. Check your bank's bill pay rules or contact them to confirm the timing.
Are all banks closed on Presidents Day?
Most major national banks close, but some credit unions and regional banks stay open. Check with your specific bank by calling their customer service line or visiting their website for holiday hours.