Most banks are closed on November 11 if it falls on a weekday
November 11 is Veterans Day, a federal holiday. When Veterans Day lands on a Monday through Friday, most banks in the United States close for the day. This means you cannot visit a branch, use a teller, or speak to a loan officer in person.
If November 11 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, banks are already closed on that day anyway, so the holiday does not change your weekend banking options. The following Monday may be observed as a holiday instead — check with your specific bank to confirm.
Even though branches are closed, your money does not disappear. ATMs stay open 24/7, and you can still transfer money online or through a mobile app. Direct deposits and bill payments scheduled before the holiday will process normally.
Key Takeaways
- Federal banks close on Veterans Day when it falls on a weekday, though ATMs and online banking remain available.
- If you need to deposit a check or speak to someone in person, plan to visit your branch the day before or after the holiday.
- Wire transfers, ACH transfers, and bill payments you set up before the holiday will go through on schedule.
- Some credit unions and smaller banks may have different holiday schedules, so call ahead if you are unsure about your bank.
What you can and cannot do on Veterans Day
You can withdraw cash from any ATM, check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, and pay bills online. You can also deposit checks using mobile deposit if your bank offers it — you photograph the check with your phone and submit it through the app.
You cannot visit a branch to speak with a banker, deposit cash over the counter, or get a cashier's check in person. If you need to open a new account, explore for a loan, or resolve a problem that requires a person's help, you will need to wait until the branch reopens.
Planning ahead for the holiday
If you know you will need cash or a service that requires a branch visit, go the day before the holiday. Friday, November 10 is your final note if November 11 is a Monday. If the holiday falls on a Tuesday, visit on Monday or Wednesday.
If you need to deposit a physical check and cannot use mobile deposit, do it before the holiday closes. Checks deposited after the holiday may not clear until the following business day anyway, so timing matters less than you might think.
For wire transfers or time-sensitive payments, submit them before the holiday. Most banks process these overnight, so a transfer sent on November 10 will likely clear on November 11 even though the branch is closed.
How the holiday affects direct deposits and automatic payments
Direct deposits scheduled to hit your account on Veterans Day will arrive on time. The Federal Reserve processes these overnight, and the holiday does not stop that system. Your paycheck or benefit payment will land in your account as usual.
Automatic bill payments you have set up will also process on schedule. If a payment is due on November 11, it will be sent on November 11 — the bank closure does not delay it. This is true whether you pay through your bank's bill pay system or through the company's website.
What to do if you need help on Veterans Day
Call your bank's customer service line. Most banks staff a phone line 24/7, even on holidays, for questions about your account, fraud concerns, or lost cards. The number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website.
If your issue is urgent and involves fraud or a compromised card, call when ready. If it is a general question that can wait, you can also email your bank or message them through their mobile app — many banks respond to messages within a few hours during business days and within 24 hours on holidays.
Different rules for different banks
Most national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank close on Veterans Day. Credit unions and smaller regional banks usually do too, but not always. Some credit unions have different holiday schedules or keep limited hours.
If you bank at a smaller institution or credit union, call ahead to confirm. A five-minute phone call saves a wasted trip. You can also check your bank's website — most post holiday hours in the "Contact Us" or "Locations" section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my paycheck arrive on time if Veterans Day is a Friday?
Yes. Direct deposits process overnight through the Federal Reserve, which does not stop for holidays. Your paycheck will arrive in your account on the scheduled date, whether that is Veterans Day or any other day.
Can I use my debit card to buy things on Veterans Day?
Yes. Your debit card works at stores, gas pumps, and ATMs regardless of whether your bank branch is open. The bank closure does not affect card transactions.
What if I need to deposit cash and the branch is closed?
Most banks do not have a way to deposit cash outside the branch. If you need to deposit cash urgently, visit the day before the holiday. If it can wait, deposit it the day after.
Do online banks close on Veterans Day?
Online banks like Ally or Charles Schwab do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can transfer money, check balances, and manage your account normally on Veterans Day.
Will a check I deposit on November 10 clear before the holiday?
Probably not. Most checks take one to two business days to clear, so a check deposited on November 10 will likely clear on November 12 or 13. The holiday adds an extra day to the timeline.