Most banks stay open on Election Day, but hours may be shorter
Banks do not automatically close on Election Day. Most branches operate on a normal or slightly reduced schedule, though some locations may close early or stay closed if they are in a building used as a polling place. The safest approach is to check your specific branch's hours before Election Day rather than assume they will be open.
Federal holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas force all banks closed. Election Day is not a federal holiday, so banks are not required to shut down. However, individual banks set their own policies, and some may choose to close certain branches or reduce hours in areas where polling happens at their location.
ATMs and mobile banking work regardless of branch hours, so you can withdraw cash or transfer money electronically even if your branch is closed.
Key Takeaways
- Election Day is not a federal holiday, so banks are not required to close, though some branches may have reduced hours or close early.
- Branches located inside polling places may close for the day, while branches elsewhere typically operate normally.
- Calling your branch or checking your bank's website for hours is the only reliable way to know whether your location will be open.
- ATMs and online banking remain available even if your branch is closed, so you can access your money without visiting in person.
- If you need cash or to handle banking before Election Day, doing so a day or two early removes the uncertainty.
How to find your branch's Election Day hours
Call your branch directly or visit your bank's website and search for "branch hours" or "locations." Most banks list hours for each branch separately, and many show whether a location will have different hours on specific dates. If the website does not show Election Day specifically, call the branch phone number listed—staff can tell you whether they will be open and at what times.
If your branch is inside a building used as a polling place, the bank may close that location entirely or reduce hours to avoid disrupting voting. Some banks notify customers in advance through email or their mobile app. Check those channels a few days before the election if you bank with a large institution.
What to do if your branch is closed
ATMs work 24 hours regardless of branch hours, so you can withdraw cash at any time. If you need to deposit a check or handle a transaction that requires a teller, you have several options: visit a different branch location, use your bank's mobile app to deposit checks by photo, or wait until the day after Election Day.
If you bank with a large national chain, you may be able to visit any branch in the network, not just your home branch. Check your bank's website to see which other locations are nearby and confirm they will be open.
Banks that typically close or reduce hours on Election Day
Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank generally keep branches open on Election Day but may reduce hours or close specific locations. Credit unions vary by institution—some follow the same pattern as banks, while others may close entirely. Community banks and smaller regional banks are most likely to close or have limited hours.
The only way to know your bank's specific policy is to contact them directly. Do not assume that because one branch is open, all branches will be, or that because your bank was open last Election Day, it will be open this year.
Planning ahead to avoid Election Day banking
The simplest approach is to handle banking needs before Election Day. Withdraw cash, deposit checks, and complete any transactions that require a teller on the day before or earlier in the week. This removes the need to figure out whether your branch will be open and gives you a backup plan if something unexpected comes up.
If you know you will need cash on Election Day itself, withdraw it the day before. If you need to deposit a check, use mobile check deposit through your bank's app if available—most banks process these within one business day, so a check deposited on Election Day will typically post by the next day.
Federal Reserve and banking system operations
The Federal Reserve does not operate on Election Day, which means the banking system's back-end processing moves more slowly. Transfers between banks may take longer, and some transactions that normally clear the same day might not post until the next business day. This is another reason to handle time-sensitive banking before Election Day if possible.
Your own bank's ATM and online services continue to work normally, and you can move money within your own accounts when ready. The delay affects transfers to other banks or institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my ATM on Election Day if the branch is closed?
Yes. ATMs operate 24 hours a day regardless of branch hours. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts at any time, even if the branch itself is closed.
Will my check deposit process faster if I deposit it before Election Day?
Possibly. Because the Federal Reserve does not operate on Election Day, checks deposited on that day may not post until the next business day, while checks deposited the day before typically post the same day. If timing matters, deposit earlier in the week.
Do credit unions close on Election Day?
Credit unions are not required to close, but policies vary by institution. Some follow the same schedule as banks in their area, while others may close entirely. Contact your credit union directly to confirm their Election Day hours.
What if I need to wire money on Election Day?
Wire transfers typically process more slowly on Election Day because the Federal Reserve is not operating. If you need to send money urgently, do it the day before. If you must wire on Election Day itself, contact your bank to ask whether they can process it and when it will reach the recipient.
Are online banks open on Election Day?
Online banks do not have physical branches, so they do not close on Election Day. You can transfer money, pay bills, and manage your account through their website or app at any time. However, transfers to other banks may process more slowly because the Federal Reserve is not operating.