Most U.S. banks close on Rosh Hashanah, but the exact day depends on which year and which bank you use

Rosh Hashanah is a Jewish holiday that falls on different dates each year because it follows the Hebrew calendar. In 2024, it runs from the evening of October 2 through October 4. In 2025, it falls from the evening of September 22 through September 24. Most major U.S. banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank — close on both days of Rosh Hashanah and do not process transactions.

However, not all banks treat it the same way. Some regional banks and credit unions may stay open, and some may close only on the first day. Your best move is to call your specific branch or check your bank's website for its holiday schedule, rather than assuming based on what another bank does.

If you need cash or to handle banking before the holiday, plan ahead. ATMs and online banking usually work during closures, but teller services, loan processing, and wire transfers will not.

Key Takeaways

  • Major national banks close on both days of Rosh Hashanah, but the exact dates shift each year based on the Hebrew calendar.
  • ATMs and online banking typically remain available during bank closures, so you can withdraw cash or transfer money between your own accounts.
  • Wire transfers, loan approvals, and any service requiring a teller or loan officer will be delayed until the bank reopens.
  • Regional banks and credit unions may have different holiday schedules, so contact your institution directly rather than assuming.
  • If you need cash or to complete banking tasks, do so the business day before Rosh Hashanah begins.

Which banks close and which stay open

The Federal Reserve does not require banks to close on Rosh Hashanah, so closure is a choice each bank makes. The major national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, U.S. Bank, and PNC — all close on both days of Rosh Hashanah. Most regional banks do the same, but some stay open or close only on the first day.

Credit unions vary widely. Some close on both days, some on one day, and some stay open. Your credit union's holiday schedule may differ from your bank's, even if you use both at the same institution.

The only way to know for certain is to contact your bank or credit union directly. Call the branch number, check the institution's website for a holiday schedule, or use the bank's app — most apps show branch hours and holiday closures clearly.

What you can and cannot do during a bank closure

ATMs work during bank closures. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), and check your balance. Online banking also stays open — you can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and view transactions from your computer or phone.

What you cannot do: speak to a teller, process a wire transfer, open a new account, explore for a loan, dispute a transaction with a representative, or get a cashier's check. Any service that requires a person on the other end will wait until the bank reopens.

If you need a wire transfer or loan decision before Rosh Hashanah, submit the request the business day before. Some banks process these overnight, but you cannot count on it if the holiday falls when ready after.

Planning ahead: what to do before Rosh Hashanah

If you know Rosh Hashanah is coming, take these steps the business day before the holiday begins. Withdraw cash if you will need it over the next few days — stores and restaurants may be closed too, depending on the neighborhood, so cash becomes more useful. Pay any bills that are due during the closure using online banking or automatic payments set up in advance.

If you need a wire transfer, cashier's check, or loan decision, submit the request before the closure. Call ahead and ask whether the bank can process it before the holiday or if it will be delayed until after. Do not wait until the last hour — call in the morning.

If you are expecting a deposit (paycheck, tax refund, insurance payment), check when it is scheduled to arrive. Deposits made during a bank closure may not post until the next business day after the bank reopens.

How to find your bank's specific holiday schedule

Start with your bank's website. Most have a holiday hours page or a branch locator that shows closures. Search for "holiday hours" or "Rosh Hashanah" on the site. If you cannot find it, call your branch directly — the phone line usually has a recorded message listing upcoming closures, or a person can tell you.

If you bank with a large national chain, you can also check the main customer service number. They can confirm whether your specific branch closes and for how many days.

For credit unions, call the main number or check the website. Some credit unions belong to shared branching networks, which means you may be able to use another credit union's branch if yours is closed — ask whether this option is available to you.

What happens to payments and deposits during the closure

Checks you deposit at an ATM during the closure will be processed when the bank reopens, usually the next business day. The funds may not be available when ready — check clearing times depend on the check amount and your account history, not on when you deposited it.

Automatic bill payments and transfers you have set up in advance will go through on schedule, even if the bank is closed. The transaction posts on the date you set it for, not delayed by the holiday.

If you send a check by mail and it arrives during the closure, it will be opened and processed when staff return. This does not speed up or slow down the clearing process — mail-in checks take several business days regardless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card at stores and ATMs on Rosh Hashanah?

Yes. Your debit card works at any store or ATM, whether your bank is open or closed. The closure only affects services that require bank staff — tellers, loan officers, and customer service representatives. ATMs and card networks operate independently.

Will my paycheck deposit be delayed if it arrives on Rosh Hashanah?

It depends on how the paycheck is sent. If your employer uses direct deposit, the funds will post on the scheduled date even if the bank is closed. If you receive a paper check and deposit it during the closure, it will be processed when the bank reopens, which may delay availability by one business day.

What if I need to dispute a charge during the bank closure?

Call your bank's customer service line — most banks have phone support even on holidays, though wait times are longer. You can also report the dispute through your online banking app or website. The formal dispute process begins when the bank reopens, but documenting the issue early protects your timeline.

Do online banks close on Rosh Hashanah?

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Marcus typically do not close on Rosh Hashanah because they have no physical branches. You can transfer money, withdraw from ATMs, and access customer service as usual. However, some services like wire transfers may process more slowly if the receiving bank is closed.

Can I get a cashier's check if the bank is closed?

No. Cashier's checks require a teller to issue, so you cannot get one during a closure. If you need one before Rosh Hashanah, request it the business day before. Some banks can issue them same-day if you ask in the morning.