Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches stay open
Yes, most banks are closed on Veterans Day (November 11). All major national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others — treat it as a federal holiday and shut their physical branches. ATMs and online banking stay available 24/7, so you can still check balances, transfer money, and pay bills from home.
The catch: if you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or talk to someone in person, you'll have to wait until the next business day. Some credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different schedules, so it's worth checking your specific bank's website or calling ahead if you have a branch nearby.
Key Takeaways
- Federal holiday closures explore to all major national banks on Veterans Day, though ATMs and online services remain open.
- Credit unions and community banks sometimes stay open when national banks close, so check with your institution directly.
- Any deposits made after hours or on a closed day won't process until the next business day, even if you use an ATM.
- If you need cash or to deposit a check, plan ahead by visiting your bank the day before Veterans Day.
What stays open when the branch closes
Your ATM works the same way it does on any other day — you can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts. Online banking through your bank's website or app also runs normally. You can pay bills, send money to other people, and move funds around without stepping into a branch.
The limitation is that human staff aren't there. If your transaction needs a person — depositing a check, opening a new account, getting a cashier's check, or asking about a problem with your account — you'll need to wait until the bank reopens.
Which banks might stay open
Some credit unions and smaller regional banks don't observe all federal holidays the way national banks do. A few branches in certain areas may stay open on Veterans Day, especially if they're in a location where many customers are military or veterans. This varies widely by institution and location.
The only way to know for sure is to call your bank or check their website. Most banks post their holiday hours online a few weeks in advance, or you can call the branch directly and ask. If you bank with a credit union, contact them by name — don't assume they follow the same schedule as Chase or Bank of America.
Planning ahead for deposits and withdrawals
If you need to deposit a check or withdraw a large amount of cash, do it on the business day before Veterans Day. Checks deposited after hours or on a holiday don't process until the next business day anyway, so there's no advantage to waiting.
If you use mobile deposit (taking a photo of a check through your bank's app), that works on Veterans Day just like any other day. The photo uploads when ready, though the check won't actually clear until the next business day. This is a good option if you're away from a branch.
Online and mobile banking on Veterans Day
Everything you can do through your bank's website or app works normally on Veterans Day. You can pay bills, send money to other accounts, check your balance, and review your transaction history. The bank's servers don't close for federal holidays.
The only services that stop are the ones that require a person: calling customer service (though some banks have limited phone support), visiting a branch, or getting a notary. If you need to speak to someone, you'll have to call back the next business day.
What happens to checks and transfers on Veterans Day
If you deposit a check on Veterans Day through an ATM or mobile app, it enters the system but won't actually clear until the next business day. The bank doesn't process deposits on federal holidays, so there's no speed advantage to depositing early.
Wire transfers and ACH transfers (the electronic transfers between banks) also don't process on federal holidays. If you initiate a transfer on Veterans Day, it will go through the next business day. If you need money to move urgently, send it the day before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and at stores on Veterans Day, just like any other day. The bank being closed doesn't affect your ability to spend money or withdraw cash from ATMs.
Will my direct deposit still come through on Veterans Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Veterans Day may arrive a day late, depending on your employer and bank. Some employers process payroll before the holiday, so it hits your account on the 10th. Others process on the 11th and it arrives on the 12th. Check with your employer if you're unsure.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on Veterans Day?
Most banks don't have phone support on federal holidays. Call the day before or the day after. Some banks have 24/7 customer service lines for emergencies, so check your bank's website for a number to call if something urgent comes up.
Do online banks like Chime or Ally close on Veterans Day?
Online-only banks don't have physical branches, so there's nothing to close. You can use your account normally on Veterans Day. Customer service may have reduced hours, but your account itself stays accessible.
Can I still pay my credit card bill on Veterans Day?
Yes, through online banking or your credit card's app. If you mail a check, it won't arrive until after the holiday, so the bank won't receive it until the next business day. Pay online to make sure it posts on time.