Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches may stay open
Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. On this federal holiday, most banks are closed — their branches will not open, ATMs will still work, and online banking continues as usual. However, some banks operate on different schedules. A few larger banks keep select branches open in major cities, and credit unions sometimes have different holiday policies than traditional banks. The safest approach is to call your specific branch the day before to confirm whether it will be open.
If you need cash or to deposit a check on Veterans Day, plan ahead. ATMs work around the clock, and you can transfer money, pay bills, and check balances through your bank's website or mobile app without visiting a branch. If you must speak to someone, many banks offer phone support on holidays, though response times may be slower.
Key Takeaways
- Federal banks close on Veterans Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available.
- Some large banks keep a limited number of branches open in major cities — call ahead to learn about yours is one of them.
- Credit unions may have different holiday schedules, so check with your credit union directly.
- Any deposits made at an ATM on Veterans Day will typically post to your account the next business day.
- If you need to speak with a banker, call your branch the day before to ask about phone support hours.
Which banks typically stay open on Veterans Day
Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank close most branches on Veterans Day. However, these banks sometimes keep branches open in downtown areas of major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The decision varies by location and changes year to year, so you cannot assume your branch will be open just because the bank is large.
Credit unions follow their own schedules. Some close on all federal holidays, while others remain open or operate on reduced hours. If you bank with a credit union, contact them directly — their holiday schedule is not tied to the federal calendar the way traditional banks are.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Marcus by Goldman Sachs do not have physical branches, so the holiday does not affect their services. You can deposit checks by phone camera, transfer money, and manage your account normally on Veterans Day.
What you can do on Veterans Day without a branch
ATMs work 24 hours on Veterans Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your bank's ATM accepts mobile deposits), and transfer money between your own accounts. Deposits made at an ATM on the holiday will post to your account on the next business day, not when ready.
Online and mobile banking work the same way on Veterans Day as any other day. You can pay bills, send money to other people, check your balance, and review transactions. If you need to move money quickly, a transfer to another bank typically takes one to three business days, so initiate it on Veterans Day if you know you will need the funds by the following week.
If you need to speak with customer service, call your bank's main number. Many banks staff phone lines on federal holidays, though wait times are often longer. Ask specifically whether a banker can help you with your issue or whether you need to wait until the branch reopens.
Planning ahead for Veterans Day banking
If you know you will need to visit a branch on or around Veterans Day, plan your visit for the day before. This gives you time to deposit checks, withdraw cash, or handle any transactions that require a banker's help. If you wait until Veterans Day morning, you may find your branch closed.
For recurring needs — like depositing paychecks — set up direct deposit with your employer so the money goes straight into your account without a trip to the bank. If you receive paper checks, most banks let you deposit them through their mobile app by photographing the front and back.
If you have a time-sensitive transaction, such as a wire transfer or a large cash withdrawal, call your branch on the business day before Veterans Day to ask whether they can process it early or whether you should wait until the branch reopens.
What happens if you need emergency cash
ATMs are your fastest option on Veterans Day. If your bank's ATM is not nearby or you have reached your daily withdrawal limit, look for ATMs from other banks in your area. Many charge a fee (usually $2 to $3) for out-of-network use, but the fee is often worth it in an emergency.
If you need a large amount of cash and cannot get it from an ATM, you may need to wait until the next business day. Some banks allow you to schedule a cash withdrawal in advance — call ahead on the business day before to ask whether this is an option.
If you need to send money to someone urgently, online transfer services like Venmo, PayPal, or your bank's peer-to-peer payment system work on Veterans Day. These transfers are usually when ready or arrive within a few hours, depending on the service.
How to learn about your specific branch is open
The most reliable way to know is to call your branch directly. Look up the phone number on your bank's website or the back of your debit card, and call the day before Veterans Day. Ask whether the branch will be open on November 11 and what hours it will operate if it is.
You can also check your bank's website or mobile app. Many banks post holiday hours online a week or two in advance. Search for "holiday hours" or "Veterans Day hours" on the bank's site, or look for a branch locator tool that shows hours for your specific location.
If you cannot reach anyone by phone, send a message through your bank's mobile app or website. Customer service teams often respond within a few hours, even on holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my ATM card work on Veterans Day?
Yes. ATMs operate 24 hours a day on Veterans Day, including withdrawals, deposits, and transfers between your own accounts. Deposits made at an ATM on the holiday will post to your account the next business day.
Can I pay bills on Veterans Day?
Yes, through online banking or your bank's mobile app. Bill payments made on Veterans Day will process on the next business day. If you are paying a bill with a important date on or near Veterans Day, pay it the day before to avoid late fees.
What if I need to deposit a check on Veterans Day?
Use your bank's mobile app to photograph the front and back of the check and deposit it electronically. If your bank's ATM accepts check deposits, you can also use that. Both methods post the deposit on the next business day.
Do credit unions close on Veterans Day?
Most do, but not all. Credit union holiday schedules vary by institution. Call your credit union directly to ask about Veterans Day hours, or check their website for a holiday calendar.
Can I get a wire transfer processed on Veterans Day?
Most banks do not process wire transfers on federal holidays. If you need a wire transfer, submit it on the business day before Veterans Day and ask when it will be sent. Wire transfers typically take one business day to arrive at the receiving bank.