Most banks are closed on Presidents Day, but some branches and services stay open
Presidents Day is a federal holiday, which means most traditional banks close their physical branches. However, the picture is more complicated than a straightforward yes or no. Some banks open limited branches in certain locations, ATMs and online banking work around the clock, and credit unions may have different schedules than big banks. The key is checking with your specific bank rather than assuming based on the holiday alone.
If you need to do banking on Presidents Day, your options depend on what you need to do. Depositing a check, transferring money, or paying a bill can usually happen online or through an ATM without visiting a branch. If you need to speak to someone or handle something that requires a teller, you will likely need to wait until the next business day — or find a bank that operates on that particular Monday.
Key Takeaways
- Federal banks close on Presidents Day, but some credit unions, online-only banks, and a few large bank branches may stay open — call ahead to confirm.
- ATMs work on Presidents Day regardless of whether the branch is open, so you can withdraw cash or deposit checks at a machine.
- Online banking, mobile apps, and bill pay all function normally on the holiday, even if no staff are working.
- If you need to speak with a banker or handle a transaction that requires a person, plan to visit on a different day or call the day before to ask about holiday hours.
Which banks typically stay open on Presidents Day
Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank close most or all of their branches on Presidents Day. However, some of these banks may open a small number of branches in major cities or shopping areas. The only way to know is to call your local branch or check the bank's website for holiday hours — they usually post these a week or two in advance.
Credit unions sometimes operate on different schedules than traditional banks. Some credit unions close on Presidents Day, but others stay open or have limited hours. If you bank with a credit union, contact them directly. Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Marcus have no physical branches, so the holiday does not affect their digital services, though customer service phone lines may be closed.
What you can do without visiting a branch
ATMs work 24 hours on Presidents Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks using a mobile check deposit or ATM envelope, transfer money between your own accounts, and check your balance. If your bank is part of a network like Allpoint or MoneyPass, you may be able to use ATMs from other banks without a fee.
Online banking and mobile apps work normally on the holiday. You can pay bills, transfer money, set up automatic payments, send money to other people through services like Zelle or PayPal, and review your account history. These services do not depend on branch staff, so they run around the clock.
What requires a branch to be open
Some transactions genuinely need a person behind a counter. Opening a new account, explore for a loan, getting a cashier's check, reporting a lost card in person, or discussing account problems with a banker all require a branch to be staffed. If you need one of these services on Presidents Day, you will need to either find a bank that is open or wait until Tuesday.
If your card is lost or stolen and you need a replacement urgently, call your bank's customer service line. Many banks have 24-hour phone support even on holidays, and they can sometimes issue a temporary card number or arrange an emergency replacement for the next day.
How to learn about your bank is open
The most reliable way is to call your branch directly or visit the bank's website and search for "holiday hours" or "Presidents Day hours." Most banks post this information by the Friday before the holiday. You can also use the bank's branch locator tool and click on your location to see the hours listed for that specific day.
If you cannot find the information online, call the main customer service number listed on your bank card or statement. They can tell you whether your branch is open and what services are available. Do this the day before if possible, so you are not caught off guard on Monday morning.
Planning ahead to avoid problems
If you know you will need cash or need to make a deposit on Presidents Day, handle it the Friday before. Withdraw extra cash, deposit checks through an ATM or mobile app, or set up any bill payments in advance. This approach works for most banking needs and removes the uncertainty of whether your branch will be open.
If you are expecting a check or payment to arrive around Presidents Day, remember that the banking system does not process deposits on federal holidays. A check deposited on Monday will not clear until Tuesday at the earliest, and transfers may take longer. Plan accordingly if you need that money quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Presidents Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM or store on Presidents Day, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The bank's computer systems run 24/7, so transactions process normally. You can also use your card for online purchases.
Will checks I deposit on Presidents Day clear the same day?
No. Federal holidays pause the banking system's check-clearing process. A check deposited on Monday will not begin clearing until Tuesday. If you deposit through a mobile app or ATM, the timing is the same — the holiday delays processing by one day.
What if I need cash and my bank is closed?
Use any ATM, including those at other banks, grocery stores, or convenience stores. ATMs work 24 hours on holidays. You may pay a small fee if you use an out-of-network ATM, but you will get your cash. Alternatively, you can withdraw cash back when you make a purchase at a store.
Do online banks close on Presidents Day?
Online banks have no physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can access your account, transfer money, and pay bills anytime on Presidents Day. Customer service phone lines may have reduced hours or be closed, but your account itself remains accessible.
Can I open a new account on Presidents Day?
Not at a traditional bank branch. If you need to open an account urgently, some online banks let you do this through their website or app on any day, including holidays. Otherwise, you will need to visit a branch or call when the bank reopens on Tuesday.