Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches stay open

Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. On that day, most banks observe a federal holiday and close their physical branches. However, the rules are not the same everywhere, and some banks handle the day differently than others.

If you need to do banking on or around Veterans Day, you have options that do not depend on a branch being open. ATMs work on holidays. Online banking works on holidays. Mobile apps work on holidays. Many banks also offer phone banking on holidays, though customer service lines may have longer wait times.

The key is knowing which banks in your area stay open and which do not — and planning ahead if you need something that requires a teller or a banker.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major banks close their branches on Veterans Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available 24/7.
  • Some regional banks and credit unions stay open on Veterans Day, so check with your specific bank before the holiday.
  • If you need cash or a service that requires a teller, withdraw money or handle it the business day before.
  • Banks that close on Veterans Day typically reopen the next business day with normal hours.
  • Wire transfers, bill payments, and account transfers can all be done online or through an app on the holiday itself.

Which banks close and which stay open

The major national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most others — close their branches on Veterans Day. Credit unions typically close as well. However, some smaller regional banks and some credit unions choose to stay open, treating Veterans Day as a regular business day.

The only way to know for certain is to contact your bank directly or check their website. Call the branch you use, or search "[your bank name] Veterans Day hours" online. Many banks post holiday hours on their homepage or in their mobile app. If you cannot find the information online, a quick phone call to your branch will give you a definitive answer.

If your bank does close, the closure lasts only that one day. Banks reopen the next business day (November 12) with their normal hours.

What you can do without visiting a branch

You do not need a branch open to handle most banking tasks. ATMs work around the clock on holidays. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has mobile deposit), check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts using an ATM on Veterans Day.

Online banking and mobile apps work on holidays too. You can pay bills, transfer money to other people, set up automatic payments, deposit checks by photograph, and review your account history. These services run 24/7 and do not depend on branch staff.

Wire transfers can be sent online on Veterans Day, though they may not process until the next business day. The same is true for checks you mail — they can be written and mailed on the holiday, but they will not clear until banking resumes.

What requires planning ahead

If you need to speak to a banker, open a new account, get a cashier's check, or handle something that requires a person behind the counter, you will need to do it before Veterans Day or after. These services cannot be done through an ATM or online.

Plan ahead if you need cash in large amounts. Withdraw what you need on November 10 or earlier. The same applies if you need a certified check, a loan decision, or a signature from a banker.

If you have a time-sensitive banking need — a mortgage closing, a large purchase, or a important date for a wire transfer — contact your bank now to confirm their Veterans Day hours and whether they can handle it before the holiday.

How to find your bank's specific holiday schedule

Start with your bank's website. Most banks post holiday hours prominently during November. Look for a "Holiday Hours" link on the homepage, or search the site for "Veterans Day."

If the website does not say, call your local branch directly. Ask whether they will be open on November 11. If they are closed, ask what time they reopen on November 12.

You can also check your mobile app. Many banks display holiday hours in the app under "Locations" or "Branch Hours." If you use online banking, log in and look for a holiday schedule or branch locator.

What happens if you need emergency banking

If you have a genuine emergency on Veterans Day — a fraudulent charge, a frozen account, or a critical issue — call your bank's customer service line. Most banks maintain a phone line for emergencies on holidays, even if branches are closed. The number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website under "Customer Service."

Be prepared for longer hold times. Holiday customer service lines are typically busier than usual, and staffing may be lighter. But the line exists, and you can reach someone if you truly need help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my ATM on Veterans Day if my bank is closed?

Yes. ATMs work 24/7, including on Veterans Day, even when the branch is closed. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, transfer money, and check your balance using an ATM on the holiday.

Will my direct deposit go through on Veterans Day?

Direct deposits scheduled for Veterans Day may arrive late because the banking system does not process on federal holidays. If your payday falls on Veterans Day, the deposit typically arrives the next business day instead. Check with your employer about their specific schedule.

Can I deposit a check on Veterans Day?

Yes, if your bank offers mobile check deposit through its app. You can photograph the check and deposit it anytime, including on Veterans Day. However, the check will not clear and the money will not be available until the next business day.

What if I need cash and my bank is closed on Veterans Day?

Use an ATM to withdraw cash before the holiday. If you wait until Veterans Day and your bank is closed, you can still use any ATM in your bank's network or a network ATM (like Allpoint or MoneyPass) to withdraw cash, though you may pay a fee for out-of-network use.

Do credit unions close on Veterans Day?

Most credit unions close on Veterans Day, but some stay open. Contact your credit union directly to confirm their hours. Even if closed, you can use ATMs and online banking on the holiday.