Yes, most banks are closed on Presidents Day
Presidents Day falls on the third Monday in February each year. On this day, most banks in the United States close their physical branches and do not process transactions. The Federal Reserve, which sets the official holiday schedule for the banking system, recognizes Presidents Day as a federal holiday.
However, "closed" does not mean you lose access to your money entirely. You can still use ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps to check balances, transfer money between your own accounts, and set up bill payments. What you cannot do is walk into a branch, speak to a teller, or process transactions that require a banker's help — like opening a new account or getting a cashier's check.
Some banks and credit unions may have different holiday schedules, especially if they are smaller institutions or operate in specific regions. A few online-only banks do not have physical branches at all, so the holiday does not affect them in the same way. The safest approach is to check your bank's website or call ahead if you need a service that requires a branch visit.
Key Takeaways
- Presidents Day is the third Monday in February, and most U.S. banks close their branches on this day.
- ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps work normally on Presidents Day, so you can access your money and move it between your own accounts.
- You cannot visit a branch, speak to a teller, or complete transactions that need in-person help on Presidents Day.
- Credit unions and smaller banks may have different schedules, so check with your institution directly if you are unsure.
What you can and cannot do on Presidents Day
ATMs operate 24/7 on Presidents Day just as they do any other day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has that feature), and check your balance without any interruption. Online banking portals and mobile apps also run normally — you can log in, view transactions, transfer money between your own accounts, and pay bills.
What stops working is anything that requires a banker or teller. You cannot open a new account, explore for a loan, order a cashier's check, report a lost card in person, or resolve disputes that need a staff member's attention. If you need one of these services, you will have to wait until the next business day or handle it through phone or online channels if your bank offers those options.
Wire transfers and ACH transfers (electronic transfers between banks) may also be delayed. Many banks do not process these on federal holidays, so a transfer you initiate on Presidents Day might not reach the other account until Tuesday or later. Check your bank's website for their specific holiday schedule.
How to plan ahead if you need banking services
If you know you will need a branch service around Presidents Day, do it the day before. Most banks are open on Friday before the Monday holiday, and they are open again on Tuesday. This gives you a clear window to handle account openings, loan applications, or other services that require in-person help.
If you are waiting for a check to clear or a transfer to arrive, remember that the holiday adds an extra day to the timeline. A check deposited on Friday might not clear until Wednesday instead of Tuesday. A wire transfer initiated on Friday might not arrive until Wednesday. Plan accordingly if you are counting on that money.
For routine needs — cash withdrawals, bill payments, balance checks — you do not need to plan around Presidents Day at all. Your ATM and online banking work the same as always.
Presidents Day dates for the next few years
Presidents Day is always the third Monday in February. Here are the dates coming up:
- 2025: February 17
- 2026: February 16
- 2027: February 15
- 2028: February 21
Mark these dates on your calendar if you know you will need branch services. Planning a week ahead means you will not be caught off guard.
What about credit unions and online banks?
Most credit unions follow the same federal holiday schedule as banks and close on Presidents Day. However, some smaller credit unions or those in specific regions may have different policies. Call your credit union ahead of time if you are unsure.
Online banks and online-only credit unions do not have physical branches, so Presidents Day does not affect them the same way. You can still use their apps and websites normally. However, customer service phone lines may be closed, and any transactions that require human review might be delayed until Tuesday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Presidents Day?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online store on Presidents Day just like any other day. The bank holiday only affects the bank's physical branches and some back-office processing, not the card itself.
Will my direct deposit arrive on Presidents Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Presidents Day may arrive a day late, depending on your employer and your bank. Many employers do not process payroll on federal holidays, so the deposit might not hit your account until Tuesday. Check with your employer's payroll department if you are unsure.
What if I need cash and the ATM is broken?
If your bank's ATM is out of service on Presidents Day, you can use another bank's ATM, though you may be charged a fee. Some ATMs are shared networks (like Allpoint or MoneyPass) that let you withdraw from other banks without a fee. Check your bank's website to find participating ATMs near you.
Do stock markets close on Presidents Day?
Yes, the stock market closes on Presidents Day. If you have a brokerage account and want to trade, you will have to wait until Tuesday. However, you can still view your account balance and place orders that will execute when the market opens on Tuesday.
Is Presidents Day the same as Washington's Birthday?
Officially, the federal holiday is called "Washington's Birthday," but it is widely known as Presidents Day. The name changed in common usage over time, though the official federal designation remains Washington's Birthday. Either way, banks close on the third Monday in February.