Most banks close on Patriots Day, but the timing and which ones depends on where you live

Patriots Day is a state holiday in Massachusetts and Maine, observed on the second Monday in September. On that day, most national banks close their physical branches — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and others treat it the same way they treat federal holidays like Memorial Day or Labor Day. However, some regional banks and credit unions stay open, and online banking continues regardless of the holiday.

The key difference is that Patriots Day is not a federal holiday. The federal government does not observe it. So banks that operate only in states that recognize it will close, but banks in other states may not. If you bank with an institution that has branches across multiple states, call your specific branch the day before to confirm, because the answer depends on which state your branch is located in, not where the bank is headquartered.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks in Massachusetts and Maine close on Patriots Day because those states observe it as a holiday, but banks in other states typically remain open.
  • National banks like Chase and Bank of America close their Massachusetts and Maine branches on Patriots Day but keep other state branches open.
  • Online banking, ATMs, and mobile apps work on Patriots Day regardless of whether your branch is physically closed.
  • If you need to visit a branch on Patriots Day, call ahead to confirm your specific location's hours rather than assuming based on the bank's name.
  • Credit unions vary by state and employer — some close on Patriots Day and others do not, so check with your institution directly.

Which banks close in Massachusetts and Maine

In Massachusetts and Maine, most major banks close their branches on Patriots Day. This includes Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional institutions. The Federal Reserve also closes on Patriots Day in those states, which affects the clearing and settlement of checks and transfers that day.

If you have a checking or savings account at any of these banks and your branch is in Massachusetts or Maine, assume it will be closed on Patriots Day unless you call to confirm otherwise. Some branches may have limited hours or a single location open for emergencies, but this is rare and not standard practice.

What still works when your branch is closed

Your bank does not stop functioning on Patriots Day just because the physical branch closes. You can still withdraw money from ATMs, transfer funds between your own accounts using mobile banking or online banking, pay bills, and deposit checks using mobile deposit (photograph and submit through the app). These services run on the bank's servers and do not depend on branch staff being present.

If you need to speak to someone, most banks offer phone support on holidays, though wait times are often longer. Check your bank's website or the back of your debit card for the customer service number. Some banks also offer chat support through their app or website.

What you cannot do on Patriots Day

You cannot visit a closed branch in person to open a new account, get a cashier's check, or speak to a loan officer. You also cannot deposit cash or checks at a teller window — though mobile deposit works for checks if you have the app set up. If you need a cashier's check or need to handle something that requires a person, plan ahead and complete it before Patriots Day or wait until the branch reopens.

Transfers to other banks may also take longer. If you initiate an ACH transfer or wire on Patriots Day, it will not process until the next business day because the Federal Reserve is closed and cannot clear the transaction.

Banks that may stay open on Patriots Day

Some smaller regional banks and credit unions do not close on Patriots Day because they operate primarily outside Massachusetts and Maine, or because their policies differ from national banks. Examples include Eastern Bank (a Massachusetts-based mutual bank that sometimes stays open) and various employer-sponsored credit unions. The only way to know is to contact your bank or credit union directly.

If you bank with a credit union, check your member handbook or call the main line. Credit unions are not required to follow the same holiday schedule as national banks, so policies vary widely.

Planning ahead for Patriots Day

If you know you will need cash or need to complete a banking task on or around Patriots Day, withdraw cash the day before or use an ATM on the holiday itself. If you need a cashier's check or other service that requires a teller, complete it at least one business day before. If you are expecting a deposit or transfer, remember that it will not process on Patriots Day, so plan for the money to arrive the next business day.

Check your bank's website or call the branch directly the day before Patriots Day to confirm hours. Many banks post holiday schedules online several weeks in advance, so you can also plan by looking at your bank's website now if you know Patriots Day is coming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my direct deposit process on Patriots Day?

Direct deposits scheduled for Patriots Day will process the next business day instead, because the Federal Reserve is closed and cannot clear the transaction. If your paycheck normally arrives on a Patriots Day, it will arrive the next day. Check with your employer's payroll department if you are unsure when your next deposit will hit.

Can I use my debit card on Patriots Day?

Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs and merchants on Patriots Day. The card itself does not care whether your branch is open. You can withdraw cash, make purchases, and check your balance without any problem.

What if I need to deposit a check on Patriots Day?

If your bank has a mobile deposit feature in its app, you can photograph the check and submit it on Patriots Day. It will process the next business day. If you do not have mobile deposit set up, you will need to wait until the branch reopens or use an ATM with a deposit slot if your bank has one.

Do online banks close on Patriots Day?

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and others do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can transfer money, withdraw from ATMs, and manage your account normally on Patriots Day. Processing times for transfers to other banks may still be delayed because the Federal Reserve is closed.

Will wire transfers go through on Patriots Day?

No. Wire transfers initiated on Patriots Day will not process until the next business day because the Federal Reserve's wire system is closed. If you need to send money urgently, send it the day before.