Most banks close on MLK Day, but some branches and ATMs stay open

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday, which means most banks treat it the same way they treat Thanksgiving or Christmas — they close their branches and don't process transactions. Your local branch will almost certainly be closed on the third Monday in January.

However, ATMs and online banking work 24/7, so you can withdraw cash or check your balance even when the building is locked. Some banks in areas with large populations or high demand keep a few branches open on federal holidays, though this is uncommon. The only way to know if your specific branch is open is to call ahead or check your bank's website the day before.

Key Takeaways

  • Most bank branches close on Martin Luther King Jr. Day because it is a federal holiday.
  • ATMs work around the clock, so you can withdraw money or check your balance even when branches are closed.
  • Online banking, mobile apps, and phone banking all function normally on the holiday.
  • A few banks in major cities may keep select branches open, but you need to contact your bank directly to confirm.
  • Any deposits or transfers you make on the holiday will process the next business day, not when ready.

What you can and cannot do on MLK Day

If you need cash, an ATM is your answer. You can withdraw money, deposit checks into an envelope slot, and transfer funds between your own accounts through the ATM screen. These machines do not close for holidays.

You cannot walk into a branch and speak to a teller, open a new account, get a cashier's check, or resolve a problem that requires a person. If you need to deposit a check by hand, most banks let you use a mobile app to photograph the front and back instead — this works on holidays. If your bank does not have mobile deposit, you will have to wait until the next business day.

Online banking, bill pay, and money transfers through your bank's website or app all work normally. If you send money to another account on MLK Day, it will usually arrive the next business day, not the same day, because the banking system itself is closed.

When transactions actually process

The holiday itself does not stop you from moving money around in your account. What it stops is the movement of money between banks. If you transfer funds from your account to someone else's account at a different bank on MLK Day, that transfer sits in a queue and processes the next business day.

The same is true for checks you deposit. If you photograph a check through your mobile app on Monday (MLK Day), the bank receives the image, but the check does not clear until Tuesday. Payments you schedule to go out on MLK Day will also wait until Tuesday to leave your account.

This delay matters if you are trying to pay a bill by a certain date. If a payment is due on Tuesday and you send it on Monday (the holiday), it will not reach the other bank until Wednesday. Plan ahead by sending payments the Friday before.

How to learn about your specific branch is open

Call your bank's customer service number — the one on the back of your debit card or on your statement. Tell them your branch location and ask if it will be open on MLK Day. They can tell you in seconds.

You can also visit your bank's website and look for "branch hours" or "holiday hours." Most banks post their MLK Day schedule a week or two in advance. Some banks have a locator tool where you type in your zip code and see hours for nearby branches.

If you bank at a large national bank like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, or Citibank, assume the branch is closed unless you confirm otherwise. Credit unions sometimes have different schedules than big banks, so check your credit union's website too.

What to do if you need cash before the holiday

Withdraw what you need on Friday or the day before MLK Day. ATMs have daily withdrawal limits — usually between $300 and $1,000 depending on your bank and account type — so if you need more than that, you may have to visit the branch before the holiday closes.

If you realize on Monday that you need cash and your ATM limit is not enough, you have limited options. Some grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations offer cash back when you use your debit card to buy something, even on holidays. This does not count against your ATM withdrawal limit.

Banks that may stay open on MLK Day

A small number of banks keep branches open on federal holidays, usually in cities with high foot traffic or large financial districts. Bank of America, for example, opens some branches in Manhattan and other major business centers on most federal holidays, though not all of them.

These exceptions are rare and unpredictable. The only reliable way to know is to call your specific branch or check the bank's website. Do not assume your branch is open just because you heard another branch in another city stayed open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card to buy things on MLK Day if the bank is closed?

Yes. Your debit card works at stores, gas stations, and restaurants regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The bank processes the transaction the next business day, but you can still make the purchase on the holiday itself.

Will a check I deposit on MLK Day clear by the next day?

No. Checks deposited on the holiday will not clear until at least Wednesday, because the banking system does not process transactions on federal holidays. If you need the money urgently, deposit it on Friday instead.

What if I need to dispute a charge on MLK Day?

Call your bank's customer service line. Most banks have phone support available on holidays, even if branches are closed. You can report fraud or dispute a charge over the phone, and the bank will document it. The investigation itself will begin the next business day.

Do credit unions close on MLK Day?

Most credit unions close on federal holidays, but some stay open. Call your credit union directly to ask about their MLK Day hours. Credit union hours vary much more than bank hours do.

If I schedule a bill payment for MLK Day, when does it actually leave my account?

It will leave your account on Tuesday, the next business day. The payment will arrive at the other company on Tuesday or Wednesday depending on their processing time. Schedule payments for Friday if they are due on Monday or Tuesday.