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 traditional banks — including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank — close their physical branches. However, the answer depends on which bank you use and what you need to do.

If your bank is part of a larger national network, the main branches will almost certainly be closed. But some credit unions, smaller regional banks, and online-only banks operate on different schedules. A few banks stay open on federal holidays, though this is uncommon. The best way to know for certain is to check your specific bank's website or call the branch directly the day before.

Even when branches are closed, you can still access your money through ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps. Transfers, bill payments, and account checks work the same way on Veterans Day as any other day. The only services you cannot use are those that require a teller or banker in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major banks close their physical branches on Veterans Day, though ATMs and online banking remain available.
  • Credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different holiday schedules, so check with your bank directly.
  • You can still transfer money, pay bills, and check your balance through your bank's app or website on Veterans Day.
  • If you need to speak with someone in person, plan your banking for the day before or the day after the holiday.

What you can and cannot do on Veterans Day

When your bank's branch is closed, you lose access to services that require a person behind the counter. You cannot deposit checks by hand, open a new account, get a cashier's check, or speak with a loan officer. If you need cash, you can use any ATM that belongs to your bank or your bank's network — these run 24 hours even when branches are closed.

Online and mobile banking work normally. You can transfer money between your own accounts, send money to other people through your bank's app, pay bills, deposit checks by taking a photo on your phone (if your bank offers mobile deposit), and check your balance. If you use a debit card, you can swipe it at any store or ATM just like any other day.

If you have an urgent banking need on Veterans Day itself, call your bank's customer service line. Most banks staff these lines even on holidays, and they can help with account questions, fraud reports, or lost card replacements.

How to learn about your specific bank is open

The fastest way is to search "[Your Bank Name] hours Veterans Day" or visit your bank's website and look for a holiday hours section. Most banks post their Veterans Day schedule in early November. You can also call the branch directly — if someone answers, they are open; if you get a recording, they are closed.

If you bank at a credit union, check your credit union's website or call the main office. Credit unions are not required to follow the same holiday schedule as traditional banks, so some stay open while others close. The same applies to online banks — some observe federal holidays and some do not, though they typically keep customer service available by phone or chat.

If you use multiple banks or have accounts at different institutions, check each one separately. A branch of one bank might be open while another bank's branch nearby is closed.

Planning ahead to avoid problems

If you know you will need cash or need to do something in person, visit your bank the day before Veterans Day. This is especially important if you need a cashier's check, want to open a new account, or need to deposit a large check. Most banks are open on November 10, and you can handle these tasks then.

If you are expecting a direct deposit or payment to arrive on Veterans Day, it will still go through. Banks process electronic transfers on holidays — the money lands in your account even though the branch is closed. You just cannot go in person to withdraw it until the branch reopens.

For bill payments, use your bank's online bill pay system rather than mailing a check. Online payments process even on holidays, and you will not have to worry about mail delays or a closed branch.

What happens the day after Veterans Day

Banks reopen on November 12 with normal hours. Any deposits you made through the ATM or mobile app on Veterans Day will be processed and show in your account. If you deposited a check by phone or app, it may take one to two business days to clear, depending on your bank's policy.

If you have a question about a transaction that happened on Veterans Day, you can ask a teller or banker on November 12. Keep any receipts or confirmation numbers from ATM withdrawals or mobile deposits so you can reference them if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I withdraw money from an ATM on Veterans Day if my bank is closed?

Yes. ATMs work 24 hours a day, even when the branch is closed. You can use your debit card to withdraw cash, check your balance, or transfer money between your own accounts at any ATM that belongs to your bank or your bank's network.

Will my direct deposit come through on Veterans Day?

Yes. Direct deposits and electronic transfers process on federal holidays. The money will land in your account on Veterans Day even though the branch is closed. You can see it in your online banking or app right away.

What if I need to deposit a check on Veterans Day?

If your bank offers mobile deposit, you can photograph the check with your phone and deposit it through the app. If not, you will need to wait until November 12 when the branch reopens. For time-sensitive checks, mobile deposit is the fastest option.

Are online banks open on Veterans Day?

Online banks do not have physical branches, so there is no "open" or "closed" in the traditional sense. You can access your account and move money anytime. However, some online banks do not process certain transactions on federal holidays, so check your bank's policy.

What if I lost my debit card and need a replacement on Veterans Day?

Call your bank's customer service line. Most banks staff these lines on holidays and can report your card lost, freeze your account temporarily, and arrange for a replacement card to be mailed or picked up when the branch reopens.