Most banks are closed on Presidents Day

Presidents Day is a federal holiday, and most banks treat it the same way they treat other federal holidays like Thanksgiving or Independence Day — they close their branches and do not process transactions. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to someone at a branch, you will not be able to do that on Presidents Day itself.

However, the details matter depending on what you are trying to do and which bank you use. Some banks offer limited services on the holiday, and digital banking does not stop just because the branch is closed.

Key Takeaways

  • Physical bank branches close on Presidents Day, which falls on the third Monday in February each year.
  • ATMs and online banking continue to work on Presidents Day, so you can withdraw cash and check your balance anytime.
  • Transactions you make on Presidents Day — like transfers or bill payments through your phone or computer — will process the next business day.
  • Some banks offer Saturday or Sunday hours, so you may be able to visit a branch the day before or after the holiday instead.
  • Call your specific bank ahead of time if you need a service that requires talking to a person, because a few banks have different holiday schedules.

What stays open: ATMs and online banking

Your ATM works on Presidents Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks using mobile deposit (if your bank offers it), and check your balance at any time. ATMs do not close for federal holidays.

Online banking and mobile apps also work normally. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, send money to other people, and check your transaction history. The only catch is that the actual processing of those transactions may wait until the next business day — so a bill payment you make on Presidents Day might not reach the recipient until Tuesday.

When transactions process after the holiday

Banks use a system called the ACH network (Automated Clearing House) to move money between accounts. This network does not operate on federal holidays, so any transaction you start on Presidents Day sits in a queue until Tuesday morning.

This matters most for bill payments and transfers to other banks. If you pay a bill on Presidents Day, the payment will not leave your account until Tuesday, even though you authorized it on Monday. The same is true for wire transfers or sending money to friends at a different bank. Transfers between accounts at the same bank sometimes process when ready anyway, but you should not count on it.

Check deposits through mobile deposit also wait until the next business day to clear, though the deposit itself may show in your account right away as "pending."

How to handle banking needs around Presidents Day

If you need cash, use an ATM on Presidents Day itself — that is the simplest option. If you need to speak to someone at the bank, plan ahead: visit on Friday or Saturday if your branch has Saturday hours, or wait until Tuesday.

For bill payments or transfers, do them on Friday if the money needs to move by a specific date. Anything you do on Presidents Day will not process until Tuesday, so if a bill is due on Tuesday, you are cutting it close.

If you are expecting a deposit — like a paycheck or a refund — and it is scheduled to arrive on Presidents Day, it will actually arrive on Tuesday instead. Banks do not process incoming deposits on federal holidays either.

Which banks have different holiday schedules

Most major banks — Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, and others — close all branches on Presidents Day. Credit unions usually do the same. However, some smaller regional banks or credit unions may have different policies, and a few banks that operate in multiple states may follow state holidays instead of federal ones.

The safest move is to call your bank or check their website before Presidents Day. Search for "[Your Bank Name] Presidents Day hours" or call the customer service number on the back of your card. They can tell you whether your specific branch is open and what services are available.

Planning ahead for Presidents Day banking

If you know you will need banking services around Presidents Day, handle it on Friday. Deposit checks, withdraw cash, and make any bill payments or transfers that need to process by a certain date. This gives you a full business day of buffer before the holiday.

If you realize on Monday that you need something, remember that ATMs and online banking work fine. You can withdraw cash from an ATM, check your balance, and start transfers or bill payments — they just will not process until Tuesday. For anything that requires a person, you will have to wait until Tuesday or find a branch with extended weekend hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on Presidents Day?

Yes. Debit cards work at any merchant or ATM on Presidents Day. The bank branch is closed, but the payment networks that process card transactions operate normally. You can swipe or tap your card anywhere that accepts it.

Will my direct deposit arrive on Presidents Day?

No. Direct deposits scheduled for Presidents Day will arrive on Tuesday instead. The ACH network that handles payroll deposits does not operate on federal holidays, so employers' deposits are delayed by one day.

What if I need to report fraud on Presidents Day?

Call your bank's fraud line. Most banks have a 24/7 fraud hotline separate from regular customer service, and it operates even on holidays. The number is usually on the back of your card or your bank statement.

Can I still use my credit card on Presidents Day?

Yes. Credit cards work normally on Presidents Day at stores and online. The credit card networks do not close for federal holidays. Your payment to the credit card company will process the next business day if you pay on Monday, but you can make purchases anytime.

Do online banks close on Presidents Day?

Online banks like Ally or Charles Schwab do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to "close." You can access your account and make transactions anytime. However, transfers to other banks and ACH payments still wait until Tuesday to process, just like at traditional banks.