Most banks close on Veterans Day, but the specifics depend on which bank you use and where you live

Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. Most major banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — close their physical branches on this federal holiday. However, online banking, ATMs, and mobile apps remain open and functional. If you need cash or in-person services, you should plan ahead.

Not every financial institution treats Veterans Day the same way. Some credit unions stay open, while others close. Regional banks vary. The safest approach is to contact your specific bank directly or check their website for their holiday schedule, since policies differ.

Key Takeaways

  • Major national banks close their branches on Veterans Day, but ATMs and online banking stay available.
  • Credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different schedules, so check with your bank before the holiday.
  • If you need cash, withdraw it the business day before Veterans Day.
  • Checks and transfers submitted on Veterans Day will process the next business day, not when ready.
  • Fraud reporting lines and customer service for online banks operate 24/7 even when physical branches are closed.

What stays open on Veterans Day

ATMs work around the clock on Veterans Day, regardless of whether the branch is staffed. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks at ATMs on the holiday itself. Online banking portals, mobile apps, and phone banking also operate normally, so you can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and monitor transactions without delay.

Wire transfers, ACH transfers, and bill payments submitted through online banking on Veterans Day will be processed, but they typically won't clear until the next business day. The banking system itself doesn't shut down — only the physical locations do. Debit and credit cards work at merchants and ATMs regardless of branch closures, since the transaction processing happens in the bank's computer systems, not at a teller window.

What closes on Veterans Day

Teller windows, loan officers, and customer service desks at bank branches close on Veterans Day. If you need to speak to someone in person, deposit a check by hand, or conduct business that requires a banker's signature, you cannot do that on November 11. This includes opening new accounts, explore for loans, or discussing account issues face-to-face.

Safe deposit boxes are also inaccessible on Veterans Day. If you need something from your box, retrieve it before the holiday or wait until the next business day. Cashier's checks, which require a teller to issue, cannot be obtained on the holiday either.

How to prepare before Veterans Day

Withdraw cash on the business day before Veterans Day if you know you'll need it. This is the simplest way to avoid any inconvenience. Most people don't realize they need cash until the holiday itself, so planning ahead saves frustration. Consider how much you typically spend over a two-day period and withdraw accordingly.

If you have checks to deposit, submit them through mobile deposit or an ATM before Veterans Day. If you need to make a large deposit or handle a transaction that requires a teller, do it the day before. For bill payments and transfers, submit them online before the holiday if timing matters — they'll process the next business day either way, but you'll have confirmation sooner. If you need a cashier's check or any document that requires a banker's signature, request it on November 10.

Credit unions and smaller banks

Credit unions are not required to close on federal holidays, though many do. Some stay open on Veterans Day with normal hours or reduced hours. Call your credit union ahead of time to confirm their schedule, since policies vary significantly between institutions. Many credit unions post their holiday hours on their websites or in their mobile apps.

Regional and community banks vary widely. A bank in one state might close while a branch of the same bank in another state stays open. Your bank's website should list holiday hours, or you can call the specific branch you plan to visit. Some smaller banks remain open with limited staffing, so it's worth checking rather than assuming closure.

What happens to payments and transfers on Veterans Day

Payments and transfers submitted on Veterans Day through online banking will be queued and processed the next business day. This means if you pay a bill on November 11, it won't leave your account until November 12 (or later, depending on the recipient). Plan accordingly if you have bills due around the holiday, and submit payments a day or two early to may support they clear on time.

Checks written and mailed on Veterans Day will be processed when they arrive at the receiving bank, which is typically several business days later anyway. The holiday itself doesn't add delay to the mail float. Direct deposits scheduled for Veterans Day may arrive a day late depending on your employer's payroll system and your bank's processing schedule — contact your employer or bank if you're concerned about timing around the holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Debit cards work at merchants and ATMs regardless of whether your bank branch is open. The bank's computer systems process the transaction even though the physical location is closed.

What if I need to report fraud on Veterans Day?

Call your bank's fraud line. Most banks operate 24/7 fraud departments even when branches are closed. The number is usually on the back of your debit or credit card.

Do online banks close on Veterans Day?

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover don't have physical branches, so there's nothing to close. Their customer service lines may have reduced hours, but your account remains accessible through their app or website.

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

No. Cashier's checks require a teller and can only be issued during business hours when the branch is staffed. If you need one, get it the business day before the holiday.

Will my paycheck arrive on time if Veterans Day falls on payday?

Direct deposits scheduled for Veterans Day may arrive a day late, depending on your employer's payroll system and your bank's processing schedule. Check with your employer or payroll department if you're concerned about timing around the holiday.