Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches stay open

Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. On that date, most large banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank — close their physical branches because it is a federal holiday. However, you can still access your money through ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps, which work 24/7.

Some smaller banks and credit unions may stay open on Veterans Day, so call your branch directly if you need to do banking in person that day. The holiday itself is fixed on November 11, but when banks actually close depends on what day of the week it falls on and whether your employer observes it.

If November 11 lands on a Saturday or Sunday, most banks close on the nearest weekday instead — usually the Friday before or the Monday after. This means the closure might not happen on November 11 itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Major banks close their branches on Veterans Day (November 11), but ATMs and online banking remain available around the clock.
  • When November 11 falls on a weekend, banks typically close on the nearest weekday — Friday if it falls on Saturday, or Monday if it falls on Sunday.
  • Credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different hours, so contact your specific branch to confirm.
  • Any transactions you need to make in person should be done the business day before the holiday.

What stays open when branches close

Even though the physical branch is closed, you do not lose access to your money. ATMs work on Veterans Day just like any other day — you can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks at most ATM locations.

Online banking and mobile apps never close. You can transfer money between accounts, pay bills, deposit checks by phone camera, and check your balance at any hour. Wire transfers and ACH transfers (transfers between banks that take one to three business days) can be started online, though they will not process until the next business day.

If you need to speak to someone, most large banks offer phone support on Veterans Day, though wait times are often longer than on regular business days. Check your bank's website or the back of your debit card for the customer service number.

How the federal holiday schedule works

Veterans Day is one of ten federal holidays when most U.S. banks close. The others are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, banks typically close on Friday instead. When it falls on a Sunday, they close on Monday. This rule keeps the closure to one business day. For example, if Veterans Day (November 11) falls on a Saturday, your bank will close on Friday, November 10.

Some banks may close on both the observed day and the actual holiday if there is confusion about which day to observe, so checking ahead prevents a surprise closure.

Credit unions and regional banks may have different hours

While large national banks follow the federal holiday schedule closely, credit unions and smaller regional banks sometimes stay open on Veterans Day or close on different days. This varies by institution and by state.

The best way to know for certain is to call your branch directly or check the hours section of your bank's website. Many banks post holiday hours a week or two in advance. If you bank at a credit union, contact your local branch — they may observe Veterans Day differently than national banks do.

Planning ahead to avoid disruption

If you know you will need cash or need to do banking in person on or around Veterans Day, withdraw money and handle any necessary transactions the business day before. This is especially important if you need a cashier's check, a notary, or help opening an account — services that require a staff member.

If you are expecting a deposit or payment around Veterans Day, remember that any transactions started on the holiday itself will not process until the next business day. Payroll deposits, bill payments, and transfers all follow this rule.

For time-sensitive financial needs, plan to complete them by the end of the business day before the holiday. This prevents delays and gives you a backup day if something goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day if the bank is closed?

Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant or ATM on Veterans Day, even though the branch is closed. The bank's computer systems process transactions 24/7, so you can spend money, withdraw cash, and check your balance without any problem.

Will my paycheck deposit on Veterans Day?

If your employer deposits payroll on Veterans Day itself, the money will sit in the bank's system but will not show in your account until the next business day. If payday falls on Veterans Day, ask your employer whether they deposit on the day before instead.

What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on Veterans Day?

Most large banks offer phone support on federal holidays, though wait times are longer. Call the number on the back of your card or your bank's website. For urgent issues, try the after-hours support line. Credit unions may not offer phone support on Veterans Day, so check with your institution ahead of time.

Do online bill payments go through on Veterans Day?

You can schedule a bill payment online on Veterans Day, but it will not process until the next business day. If a bill is due on Veterans Day, schedule the payment for the day before to make sure it arrives on time.

Are wire transfers available on Veterans Day?

You can start a wire transfer online on Veterans Day, but it will not actually send until the next business day. If you need money to move urgently, initiate the transfer before the holiday. Some banks offer same-day wire service, but it does not explore to federal holidays.