Yes, most banks are closed on Memorial Day, and it affects when your money moves

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed on the last Monday of May. Most banks close on federal holidays, which means you cannot visit a branch, use a teller, or reach customer service by phone. However, you can still use ATMs, mobile banking, and online transfers—those run 24/7 regardless of whether the bank building is staffed.

The real impact is on timing. If you deposit a check on Memorial Day, it will not process until Tuesday. If you need money to clear by a specific date, a Monday holiday can push that back a full business day. Wire transfers and ACH payments also pause over the holiday.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank branches close on Memorial Day, but ATMs and online banking stay available all day.
  • Deposits made on Memorial Day do not process until the next business day, which is Tuesday.
  • Wire transfers and ACH payments initiated on Monday will not move until Tuesday at the earliest.
  • If you need funds by a important date, plan deposits and transfers for Friday or earlier in the week.

What you can and cannot do on Memorial Day

You can withdraw cash from any ATM owned by your bank or a network your bank belongs to. You can log into your online banking portal, check your balance, and set up transfers. You can use your debit card to make purchases. Mobile banking apps work normally. None of these require a person to be at the bank.

You cannot walk into a branch and speak to a teller. You cannot call the main customer service line and reach a live person—though some banks have recorded menus that let you check balances or report a lost card. You cannot deposit a physical check at a branch. You cannot open a new account or explore for a loan in person.

How deposits and transfers work around the holiday

If you deposit a check using a mobile app (mobile deposit) on Memorial Day, the bank receives the image but does not process it until Tuesday. The funds will not be available in your account until Wednesday at the earliest, depending on the check amount and your bank's policy.

If you initiate an ACH transfer (moving money between your accounts or to another person's account) on Monday, the transfer queues but does not execute until Tuesday. If you send a wire transfer on Monday, it also waits until Tuesday to leave your account. This matters if you are trying to pay a bill by a specific date—the payment will arrive one day later than it would on a regular Monday.

If you set up an automatic payment or recurring transfer before the holiday, it may still process on its scheduled day if that day is Tuesday or later. Check your bank's specific rules, as some banks process recurring payments the day before a holiday to avoid delays.

Planning ahead to avoid delays

If you need money to arrive by a certain date and that date is close to Memorial Day, move your deposit or transfer to Friday or earlier. A Friday deposit clears by Monday (the holiday does not affect clearing), and a Friday transfer executes by Monday or Tuesday depending on the type.

If you are paying a bill with a important date on or shortly after Memorial Day, send the payment on Friday. If you are waiting for a paycheck to deposit, ask your employer whether they process payroll before the holiday or after. Some employers run payroll on Friday to avoid holiday delays; others run it on Tuesday and your deposit will not clear until Wednesday.

If you need cash over the weekend before Memorial Day, withdraw it on Friday. ATMs work on the holiday, but if your account is low or you are waiting for a deposit, you might not have the cash available until Tuesday.

Which banks are closed and which stay open

All major national banks close on Memorial Day: Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank, and others. Credit unions also close. Online-only banks like Ally and Charles Schwab do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close, but they also do not process transactions faster on holidays.

Some very small local banks or credit unions may have different hours. Call ahead or check your bank's website if you are unsure. The bank's app or website will usually show branch hours and note when it is closed for a holiday.

What to do if you need help on Memorial Day

If your card is lost or stolen, call the number on the back of your card. Most banks have a 24/7 fraud line that operates even on holidays. You can report the card and request a replacement, though the replacement will not arrive until after the holiday.

If you have an urgent question, try the bank's website or app—many have chat features or FAQ sections that work around the clock. If you need to speak to a person, you will have to wait until Tuesday. If the issue is truly time-sensitive (a fraudulent charge, a missing deposit), call the fraud line or the number on your statement; those are staffed on holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on Memorial Day?

Yes. Your debit card works at any store, restaurant, or ATM on Memorial Day. The bank branch is closed, but the card itself is not affected by the holiday.

Will my direct deposit hit my account on Memorial Day?

No. If your employer normally deposits payroll on Monday and that Monday is Memorial Day, the deposit will arrive on Tuesday instead. Some employers deposit on Friday to avoid the delay, so check with your payroll department.

What if I need to deposit a check before Memorial Day?

Use mobile deposit through your bank's app if you have it. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, and the bank will process it by Tuesday. If you do not have mobile deposit, deposit the check on Friday or wait until Tuesday.

Do wire transfers go through on Memorial Day?

No. If you initiate a wire on Monday, it will not leave your account until Tuesday. If you need the money to arrive by a specific date, send the wire on Friday.

Can I open a bank account on Memorial Day?

No. You will need to visit a branch or call during business hours. Some banks let you start an account online, but you may still need to verify your identity with a person, which cannot happen on the holiday.