Most banks are closed on Memorial Day, but some branches and services stay open
Memorial Day is a federal holiday, and most traditional banks close their physical branches on that day. However, the full picture depends on which bank you use and what you need to do. ATMs and online banking work 24/7 regardless of the holiday. Some banks operate limited hours at select locations, and a few credit unions or smaller institutions may stay open. If you need to deposit a check, transfer money, or speak to someone in person, you should plan ahead.
The key is knowing your specific bank's policy before Memorial Day arrives. A five-minute call to your branch or a check of their website now saves frustration when you need access on the holiday itself.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks close all branches on Memorial Day, though ATMs and online banking remain available around the clock.
- Some banks operate a small number of branches with reduced hours on Memorial Day; call your branch directly to confirm.
- Credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different schedules, so do not assume they follow the same closure pattern as national chains.
- Any transaction you can do online or through an ATM (deposits via mobile app, transfers, bill pay) works on Memorial Day without delay.
- If you need in-person service, plan to visit your bank on the Friday before or the Tuesday after the holiday.
How to check your bank's Memorial Day hours right now
The fastest way is to call your branch directly. Ask the person who answers whether they will be open on Memorial Day and, if so, what hours they will operate. Write down the answer so you have it later. Most branches can tell you in under a minute.
If you prefer not to call, visit your bank's website and look for "hours" or "locations." Many banks list holiday hours separately from regular hours. Search the page for "Memorial Day" or "holiday hours." If you cannot find it online, the phone call is your backup—it takes less time than searching multiple pages.
What you can still do on Memorial Day without visiting a branch
ATMs work on every holiday. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your bank offers mobile deposit or an ATM that accepts envelopes), and check your balance at any time. Mobile deposit—photographing a check through your bank's app—works on Memorial Day just like any other day, and the check usually clears by the next business day.
Online banking, bill pay, and transfers between your own accounts all process on Memorial Day. If you send money to another person through your bank's transfer system, it may not arrive until Tuesday, but the transaction itself goes through. Credit card payments made online on Monday will post on Tuesday. Peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo and PayPal operate normally on the holiday.
Major banks' typical Memorial Day closure patterns
| Bank Type | Typical Memorial Day Status | How to Confirm |
|---|---|---|
| National chains (Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank) | All branches closed; ATMs and online banking open | Call your branch or check the bank's website for "holiday hours" |
| Regional banks | Usually closed, but some may operate select branches | Call ahead; do not assume closure |
| Credit unions | Varies widely; some close, some stay open | Contact your credit union directly |
| Online-only banks | No physical branches; all services available 24/7 | No action needed; everything works normally |
What happens if you need cash or a deposit on Memorial Day
If you need cash, use an ATM. Your bank's ATM is free; other banks' ATMs may charge a fee (usually $2 to $3), but the money comes out when ready. If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit through your bank's app if available—photograph both sides of the check and submit it. The bank receives it on Monday and processes it by Tuesday or Wednesday.
If your bank does not offer mobile deposit and you cannot wait until Tuesday, some grocery stores and pharmacies with in-store banking services (like Walmart or CVS) may accept deposits on Memorial Day, though this varies by location and is not may provide. Call ahead if you think you might need this option.
Planning ahead to avoid Monday problems
If you know you will need in-person banking on or around Memorial Day, visit your branch on Friday before the holiday. Deposit checks, withdraw cash, or handle any transactions that require a teller. This gives you a buffer and eliminates the risk of needing something on Monday that you cannot get.
If you are expecting a check or payment to arrive around Memorial Day, remember that deposits made on Monday will not clear until Tuesday or later. Plan your budget with that delay in mind. If you have bills due on Tuesday, make sure you have enough in your account already, or pay them online before Monday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card at a store on Memorial Day if my bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any store, ATM, or online merchant on Memorial Day. The bank being closed does not affect your ability to spend money or check your balance. The transaction processes normally.
Will a check I deposit on Memorial Day clear by Tuesday?
Not usually. Checks deposited on Monday (or any day) typically clear within one to two business days. A Monday deposit usually clears by Wednesday. If you need the money urgently, ask the bank about expedited clearing when you deposit it, though this is not always available.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on Memorial Day?
Most banks do not staff branches on federal holidays. However, some banks operate a customer service phone line on holidays. Call the number on the back of your card to see if someone is available. For non-urgent questions, wait until Tuesday.
Do credit unions close on Memorial Day?
Most do, but not all. Credit union policies vary by institution. Call your credit union directly to confirm whether they will be open on Memorial Day. Do not assume they follow the same schedule as banks.
Can I pay my mortgage or loan on Memorial Day?
You can submit a payment online or through your lender's app on Memorial Day, and it will process on the next business day. If you have a due date on Tuesday, submit your payment on Friday to be safe. Payments made on Monday may not post until Wednesday.