Most banks are closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on the third Monday of January each year. In 2025, that is January 20. Most major banks treat it as a federal holiday and close their physical branches that day, the same way they close on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Independence Day.

However, "closed" does not mean you cannot access your money. ATMs stay open 24/7 at nearly every bank. Online banking, mobile apps, and phone lines continue to work. If you need to speak to a person or conduct business that requires a teller or loan officer, you will need to wait until the next business day.

Some credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different schedules, so checking your specific bank's website or calling ahead removes the guesswork.

Key Takeaways

  • Major banks close their branches on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which occurs on the third Monday of January.
  • ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps remain available even when branches are closed.
  • Wire transfers, bill payments, and account transfers can usually be completed through digital channels on the holiday.
  • Check your bank's website or call their customer service line to confirm holiday hours, since some regional banks and credit unions may operate differently.

What you can and cannot do on MLK Day

You can withdraw cash from an ATM, check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills online, and deposit checks through mobile deposit. These functions do not require a bank employee to be present.

You cannot visit a branch to open a new account, explore for a loan, resolve a dispute with a teller, get a cashier's check, or conduct business that requires a signature in person. If you need any of these services, plan ahead or handle them the day before or after the holiday.

Wire transfers initiated through online banking or a mobile app may process on the holiday, but they typically will not settle until the next business day. The same applies to ACH transfers and bill payments scheduled for that date—they enter the system but clear when the bank reopens.

How to find your bank's specific holiday schedule

The safest approach is to visit your bank's website and search for "holiday hours" or "branch hours." Most banks publish their full-year holiday schedule there. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or look at your monthly statement.

If you bank with a large national chain—Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, or similar—they almost certainly close on MLK Day. If you use a smaller regional bank or credit union, call ahead rather than assume. Some credit unions, particularly those in certain states or with specific membership bases, may operate on federal holidays.

If you are traveling or do not have straightforward access to your bank's contact information, you can also search "[Your Bank Name] MLK Day hours" online. Most banks maintain this information on their public websites.

Planning ahead to avoid delays

If you know you will need cash or services on or around MLK Day, withdraw money from an ATM the day before. If you need a cashier's check, wire transfer, or loan decision, handle it on Friday or Tuesday instead. Checks deposited through mobile deposit on the holiday will not clear until Tuesday, so factor that into your budget if you are counting on the funds.

If you have a time-sensitive transaction—paying a bill before a due date, for example—use online bill pay rather than waiting to visit a branch. Most online systems let you schedule payments for specific dates, so you can set it up days in advance and know it will process on time.

What happens if you need emergency access to money

ATMs are your primary option on the holiday itself. If you need more cash than your daily ATM withdrawal limit allows, you are limited until the bank reopens. Some banks set daily ATM withdrawal limits at $500 or $1,000, though this varies by account type and bank.

If you have an emergency that requires speaking to a bank representative—fraud on your account, a lost debit card, or a critical error—call the customer service number on the back of your card. Banks maintain phone support on federal holidays, even when branches are closed. They cannot process all requests over the phone, but they can freeze accounts, dispute transactions, and provide guidance on next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check on MLK Day?

Yes, through mobile deposit or ATM deposit if your bank offers it. The check will not clear until the next business day, but it enters the system on the holiday. Physical branch deposits are not possible because branches are closed.

Will my bill payment go through if I schedule it for MLK Day?

It will enter the system, but it will not settle until the next business day. If the bill is due on MLK Day itself, schedule it for the day before instead to may support it posts on time.

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

Call the customer service number on the back of your card. Representatives are available to document the dispute and freeze your account if needed. The formal investigation and resolution process will begin when the bank reopens.

Are credit unions open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

Most are closed, but some regional credit unions operate on federal holidays. Check your credit union's website or call their main number to confirm. Do not assume they follow the same schedule as banks.

Can I use my debit card to make purchases on MLK Day?

Yes. Your debit card works at stores, restaurants, and online merchants regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The transaction will post to your account when the merchant processes it, typically within one to three business days.