Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches may stay open
Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. Most major banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank — close their branches on this federal holiday. However, some smaller banks and credit unions stay open, and online banking always works. If you need to do banking on November 11, check with your specific bank first rather than assuming it will be closed.
The reason banks close is that Veterans Day is a federal holiday, which means the Federal Reserve does not process transactions that day. This affects check clearing, wire transfers, and other services that depend on the Federal Reserve's systems. Even if a branch is physically open, you may not be able to complete certain transactions.
Key Takeaways
- Most major bank branches close on Veterans Day, though hours vary by location and institution.
- Online banking, ATMs, and mobile apps work on Veterans Day even when branches are closed.
- Check your bank's website or call ahead to confirm whether your specific branch will be open.
- Wire transfers and check deposits may be delayed because the Federal Reserve does not process transactions on federal holidays.
- Credit unions sometimes stay open when banks close, so calling your credit union directly is worth doing if you need in-person service.
What you can and cannot do on Veterans Day
You can withdraw cash from an ATM, check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, and pay bills online using your bank's website or app. These services do not depend on the Federal Reserve being open. You can also deposit checks using mobile deposit (taking a photo of the check through your app), though the funds may not post until the next business day.
You cannot complete wire transfers, deposit cash at a branch, or get a cashier's check on Veterans Day itself. If you need cash and do not have an ATM card, you will need to plan ahead. Checks you deposit on Veterans Day will not clear until at least the next day, and possibly longer depending on when the Federal Reserve reopens.
How to learn about your bank is open
The fastest way is to search "[Your Bank Name] hours Veterans Day" or visit your bank's website and look for holiday hours. Most banks post their Veterans Day schedule weeks in advance. You can also call your local branch directly — the phone line will tell you whether it is open, even if you reach voicemail.
If you use a smaller bank or credit union, call before assuming it is closed. Some community banks and credit unions do stay open on Veterans Day, especially if they serve military families or have branches in areas with large military populations. A two-minute phone call saves a wasted trip.
Banks that typically close versus those that may stay open
The largest national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — close all or nearly all branches on Veterans Day. Regional and community banks vary. Some close entirely, while others keep select branches open with reduced hours.
Credit unions are more likely to stay open than banks, but this depends on the individual credit union. Military-focused credit unions and those in military communities sometimes maintain full hours on Veterans Day. Your best move is to contact your credit union directly rather than guessing.
Planning ahead for Veterans Day banking
If you know you will need cash or in-person banking on November 11, withdraw cash the day before. If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit through your app — it works on the holiday, and the check will process the next business day. If you need a wire transfer or cashier's check, complete it on November 10 or wait until November 12.
If you are expecting a direct deposit on Veterans Day, it will likely arrive on schedule because employers and the Social Security Administration process payroll before the Federal Reserve closes. However, if you are waiting for a check to clear or a wire to arrive, expect a one-day delay.
What to do if you need banking services on November 11
Use your ATM card to withdraw cash or check your balance. Pay bills and transfer money through your bank's website or mobile app. If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit. If you absolutely must speak to someone, some banks offer phone support on holidays, though response times may be slower.
If your situation is urgent — for example, you need to dispute a transaction or report a lost card — call your bank's customer service line. Most banks maintain a phone line for emergencies on federal holidays, even when branches are closed. The number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my direct deposit come through on Veterans Day?
Yes, in most cases. Employers and government agencies (like Social Security) process payroll before the Federal Reserve closes, so your deposit should arrive on schedule. However, if your employer processes payroll on November 11 itself, the deposit may arrive the next day.
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day?
Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs and stores on Veterans Day. ATMs work 24/7 regardless of whether the bank is open. Purchases at stores go through normally because they do not depend on the Federal Reserve being open.
What happens if I deposit a check on Veterans Day?
If you use mobile deposit through your app, the check processes the next business day. If you deposit a physical check at an ATM (if your bank offers this), it will be processed when the bank reopens. Either way, expect the funds to post on November 12 at the earliest.
Do online banks close on Veterans Day?
No. Banks that operate only online (like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, or Marcus) do not have branches, so there is nothing to close. You can transfer money, check balances, and manage your account normally on Veterans Day.
Can I get a cashier's check on Veterans Day?
No. Cashier's checks require a teller, so you need a branch to be open and staffed. If you need one, get it on November 10 or November 12. Some banks can issue them through the mail if you plan ahead.