Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches stay open
Yes, most banks in the United States close on Veterans Day (November 11th), because it is a federal holiday. The Federal Reserve, which sets the standard for the banking system, does not process transactions on federal holidays. This means that on Veterans Day, you will not be able to visit a branch, use ATMs at that branch, or expect deposits to clear.
However, the rule is not absolute. Some banks operate limited hours or keep certain branches open, especially in areas where Veterans Day falls on a weekday and the bank has high customer traffic. A few online-only banks process transactions normally because they do not have physical branches. Your best move is to check your specific bank's website or call your branch directly — do not assume based on what another bank does.
Key Takeaways
- Federal banks close on Veterans Day because it is a federal holiday recognized by the Federal Reserve.
- Some banks may keep select branches open or offer limited hours, so contact your branch to confirm.
- ATMs at closed branches will not work, but ATMs at other locations or through other networks may still function.
- Deposits made on Veterans Day will not clear until the next business day, even if you use an ATM or mobile app.
- Online banks without physical branches may process transactions normally, but wire transfers and other services may still be delayed.
What happens to deposits and transfers on Veterans Day
If you deposit a check or transfer money on Veterans Day, the transaction will not process until the next business day. This is true whether you use a branch, an ATM, or your mobile app. The bank records your action, but the Federal Reserve does not move the money between banks until it reopens.
Wire transfers are usually delayed as well. If you send a wire on Veterans Day, it will sit in a queue and process the next business day. International transfers take even longer because they depend on banks in other countries, which may also be closed or operating on different schedules.
How to learn about your bank is open on Veterans Day
The fastest way is to visit your bank's website and search for "holiday hours" or "Veterans Day hours." Most banks post this information in November. If you cannot find it online, call your branch directly — the phone line will either tell you the hours or connect you to someone who can.
If your bank is part of a larger network (like Bank of America, Chase, or Wells Fargo), check the main website first, then confirm with your specific branch, because some locations may differ from the standard policy.
ATM access on Veterans Day
ATMs at a closed branch may not work on Veterans Day, depending on how the bank has set them up. Some banks disable ATMs when the branch closes; others leave them running. If you need cash, try an ATM at a different branch, at a different bank, or at a grocery store or convenience store that has an ATM from your bank's network.
Be aware that using an ATM from a different bank may charge you a fee — usually between $1 and $3. Your own bank's ATM network is free, so if you know Veterans Day is coming, withdraw cash the day before.
Online banking and mobile apps on Veterans Day
You can log into your online banking account and your mobile app on Veterans Day — those services do not close. You can view your balance, check recent transactions, and set up transfers. However, any transaction you initiate will not actually move money until the next business day, because the Federal Reserve is closed.
This is an important distinction: you can use the tools, but the banking system itself is not processing transactions. If you schedule a payment for Veterans Day, it will go through the next business day instead.
Planning ahead to avoid Veterans Day delays
If you have a bill due around Veterans Day, pay it the day before the holiday. If you are expecting a deposit (like a paycheck), it may arrive a day late if your employer processes payroll on Veterans Day. Contact your employer or payroll department to confirm when they process payments.
If you need to make a large transfer or wire, do it before Veterans Day. If you are waiting for a check to clear, assume it will take one extra day. These small adjustments prevent surprises when you check your balance on the holiday.
What counts as a federal holiday for banking
The Federal Reserve recognizes ten federal holidays each year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving. Christmas is also observed. Banks close on all of these days, though some may have limited hours.
State and local holidays do not automatically close banks. For example, if your state observes a holiday that the Federal Reserve does not, your bank may stay open. Always check your specific bank's holiday schedule rather than assuming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my paycheck deposit on Veterans Day if my employer processes it that day?
No. If your employer submits payroll on Veterans Day, the Federal Reserve will not process it until the next business day. Contact your payroll department to find out when they process payments — many employers avoid processing on federal holidays to prevent delays.
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day?
Yes. Your debit card will work at stores, restaurants, and online retailers on Veterans Day because those transactions do not go through the Federal Reserve. However, if you try to use your card to withdraw cash from an ATM at a closed branch, that ATM may not work.
Do credit unions close on Veterans Day?
Most credit unions follow the same federal holiday schedule as banks and close on Veterans Day. However, some credit unions may have different hours. Check with your credit union directly to confirm their Veterans Day schedule.
What if I need cash and all the banks near me are closed?
Try an ATM at a grocery store, convenience store, pharmacy, or gas station. These locations often have ATMs from multiple banks and networks. You may pay a fee to use an ATM that is not from your bank, but it is faster than waiting until the next day.
Will my online transfer go through on Veterans Day if I schedule it for that day?
No. Even if you schedule a transfer in your online banking app on Veterans Day, it will not process until the next business day. The app lets you set it up, but the Federal Reserve does not move the money until it reopens.