Most banks are closed on Yom Kippur, but the day your bank closes depends on whether it observes the Jewish holiday

Yom Kippur is a major Jewish holiday observed by many people in the United States. Banks that are closed on this day will not process transactions, and you will not be able to visit a branch or use in-person services. However, not all banks close — it depends on the bank's policies and the communities it serves.

The date of Yom Kippur changes each year because it follows the Hebrew calendar. In 2024, Yom Kippur falls on October 12. In 2025, it falls on October 1 and 2. You can check your bank's specific holiday schedule on its website or by calling your local branch.

Even if your bank is closed on Yom Kippur, you can still use ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps to check balances, transfer money between your own accounts, and pay bills. Deposits made through ATMs or mobile apps will be processed the next business day.

Key Takeaways

  • Whether your bank closes on Yom Kippur depends on the bank's holiday schedule, not on a federal rule — call your branch or check the website to confirm.
  • ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps work on Yom Kippur even if branches are closed, so you can still move money and check balances.
  • Deposits made through ATMs or mobile apps on Yom Kippur will post to your account the next business day.
  • Checks deposited on Yom Kippur may take longer to clear because the bank is not processing them that day.
  • Wire transfers and other services that require bank staff will not go through until the next business day.

Which banks typically close on Yom Kippur

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank do not close for Yom Kippur as a standard practice. These banks operate on federal holidays only, and Yom Kippur is not a federal holiday in the United States.

Credit unions and smaller regional banks are more likely to close, especially if they serve communities with significant Jewish populations. Some banks in areas like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago may close on Yom Kippur even if they do not close for other religious holidays. The only way to know for certain is to contact your specific bank.

Jewish-owned or Jewish-focused banks and credit unions almost always close on Yom Kippur. If you bank with an institution that serves the Jewish community, assume it will be closed unless you hear otherwise.

How to learn about your bank is closed

The fastest way is to call your local branch directly and ask if they will be open on Yom Kippur. The person who answers can tell you when ready and can also tell you the branch's hours on the day before and the day after.

You can also check your bank's website. Most banks publish their holiday schedule online, usually under a section called "Hours" or "Locations." Search for "Yom Kippur" or look for a full list of holidays your bank observes. If you do not see Yom Kippur listed, that usually means the bank does not close for it.

If you have a mobile app, you can often look up branch hours directly in the app. Some apps show a full calendar of closures for the next several months.

What you can and cannot do when your bank is closed

You can use ATMs to withdraw cash, deposit checks, and deposit cash (if your ATM accepts deposits). You can also transfer money between your own accounts, check your balance, and see recent transactions. These services work 24 hours a day, whether the bank is open or closed.

You can log into online banking or your mobile app to pay bills, set up transfers, and view statements. Any transactions you set up will be processed the next business day. You can also contact customer service through the app or website if you have questions.

You cannot visit a branch to speak with a banker, open a new account, explore for a loan, or resolve a problem that requires a staff member. You also cannot deposit a check at the branch or cash a check that requires a teller. Wire transfers will not go through until the next business day.

Planning ahead if your bank closes on Yom Kippur

If you know your bank will be closed on Yom Kippur and you need cash or need to deposit a check, do it the day before. Withdraw enough cash to cover what you need during the holiday and the day after, since you may not want to use an ATM during Yom Kippur if you observe it.

If you need to deposit a check, use the ATM or mobile app on Yom Kippur itself. The deposit will be processed the next business day, which is the same timing as if you deposited it in person on Yom Kippur (since the bank would not process it that day anyway).

If you have a time-sensitive transaction that requires a banker — like a wire transfer, a loan decision, or opening an account — plan to do it before Yom Kippur begins or after it ends. Do not wait until the last minute, because you may not be able to reach anyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on Yom Kippur if the bank is closed?

Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and at any store, whether your bank is open or closed. The transaction will go through normally. The only thing you cannot do is visit your bank's branch in person.

Will a check I deposit on Yom Kippur clear faster or slower?

It will clear on the same timeline as any other day, because the bank does not process deposits on the day it is closed. If you deposit a check on Yom Kippur through an ATM or mobile app, it will be processed the next business day, just as if you had deposited it after hours on any other day.

What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on Yom Kippur?

Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Many banks have phone lines staffed 24 hours a day, even if branches are closed. If you reach an automated system, you may be able to resolve your issue without speaking to a person, or you can leave a message and someone will call you back the next business day.

Do credit unions close on Yom Kippur?

Some do and some do not. Credit unions set their own holiday schedules, so you need to check with your specific credit union. Call your local branch or check the website to find out whether it will be open on Yom Kippur.

Is Yom Kippur a federal holiday?

No. Yom Kippur is not a federal holiday in the United States, so federal offices and most large national banks do not close. However, individual banks and businesses can choose to close for religious holidays that matter to their communities or customers.