Most major banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches and online services stay available
Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. On that date, most large banks—including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, and US Bank—close their physical branches as a federal holiday. However, the specifics depend on which bank you use and what you need to do.
If you need cash, a deposit, or to speak with someone in person on Veterans Day, call your bank's customer service line the day before to confirm your local branch is closed. Some banks keep select branches open in certain cities, though this is rare. If you need to transfer money, pay a bill, or check your balance, you can do those things online or through your bank's mobile app on Veterans Day—those services run 24/7 regardless of the holiday.
Key Takeaways
- Physical bank branches close on Veterans Day, but online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs work normally.
- Call your bank the day before if you need to visit a branch, because a small number of locations may stay open in major cities.
- Checks and transfers you submit on Veterans Day will process the next business day, not when ready.
- If you need cash before the holiday, withdraw it on November 10 or earlier.
What you can and cannot do on Veterans Day
You can use ATMs, mobile banking apps, and online banking portals on Veterans Day without any interruption. Transfers between your own accounts, bill payments, and balance checks all work normally. You can also deposit checks through mobile deposit (taking a photo of the check through your app), though the bank will not process it until the next business day.
You cannot visit a physical branch, speak to a teller, or get a cashier's check on Veterans Day. If you need a wire transfer or a notarized document, those require a branch visit and will have to wait until November 12. Credit unions often follow the same schedule as banks, so check with yours if you use one instead.
When deposits and transfers actually post
Any deposit or transfer you make on Veterans Day will sit in a queue until the next business day. If November 12 is a weekday, your transaction processes then. If November 12 falls on a weekend, processing happens on the following Monday. This matters if you are counting on money arriving by a specific date—plan ahead by depositing or transferring on November 10.
Wire transfers submitted on Veterans Day will not leave your account until the next business day either. If you are sending money to pay a bill or send funds to someone else, do it before the holiday to avoid a one-day delay.
Which banks stay open and which do not
| Bank | Branches on Veterans Day | Online Banking | ATMs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of America | Closed | Open | Open |
| Wells Fargo | Closed | Open | Open |
| Chase | Closed | Open | Open |
| Citibank | Closed | Open | Open |
| US Bank | Closed | Open | Open |
| Capital One 360 | No branches | Open | Open |
| Ally Bank | No branches | Open | Open |
Online-only banks like Capital One 360 and Ally Bank have no physical branches, so the holiday does not affect them at all. If you bank with a smaller regional or community bank, check their website or call ahead—some may have different policies.
How to prepare before Veterans Day
If you know you will need cash on or around Veterans Day, withdraw it on November 10. Take out enough to cover a few days in case you need more than expected. If you use ATMs regularly, remember that ATMs work on the holiday, so you can get cash from any machine in your bank's network even if branches are closed.
If you need to make a large deposit, deposit it before November 11. Mobile deposit works on the holiday, but the bank will not process it until the next business day, so if timing matters, do it earlier in the week. If you are expecting a direct deposit or a check to clear by a specific date, factor in the one-day delay that the holiday creates.
What happens if you have an emergency on Veterans Day
If you have a genuine emergency—a fraudulent charge, a lost card, or a compromised account—call your bank's customer service line. Most banks staff their phone lines on federal holidays specifically for emergencies. You will not be able to visit a branch, but a representative can freeze your card, dispute a charge, or help you regain access to your account over the phone.
If your card is lost or stolen, call when ready rather than waiting until November 12. Your bank can issue a temporary card number or arrange an emergency cash advance while a replacement is mailed. The sooner you report it, the sooner you can protect yourself from unauthorized charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online retailer on Veterans Day. The bank closure only affects in-person branch services like speaking to a teller or getting a cashier's check.
Will my direct deposit go through on Veterans Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Veterans Day will post on the next business day instead. If your paycheck is supposed to arrive on November 11 and that is a weekday, it will arrive on November 12. Check with your employer if you are unsure of the exact deposit date.
Can I deposit a check through my phone on Veterans Day?
Yes, mobile deposit works on Veterans Day. The bank will not process the check until the next business day, but you can submit it anytime. The funds will appear in your account once processing is complete, usually within one or two business days.
What if I need a cashier's check on Veterans Day?
You cannot get a cashier's check on Veterans Day because that requires a visit to a branch. Plan ahead and get one on November 10 or earlier if you know you will need it.
Do credit unions close on Veterans Day?
Most credit unions close on Veterans Day, but some stay open. Call your credit union the day before to confirm. Online banking and ATMs at credit unions typically work on the holiday the same way they do at banks.