Yes, most banks close on Memorial Day

Memorial Day falls on the last Monday of May each year. Most banks in the United States close on this federal holiday, meaning you cannot visit a branch, use a teller, or conduct business in person. However, you can still use ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps to check balances, transfer money, and pay bills.

The exact closure depends on your bank. Some larger national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all close on Memorial Day. Credit unions typically close as well. If you use a smaller regional or community bank, call ahead or check their website to confirm, because a few institutions may have different holiday schedules.

If you need cash before the holiday, withdraw it the business day before. If you need to deposit a check, you can use a mobile deposit app (most banks offer this) or deposit it at an ATM if your bank supports that feature. The deposit will process when the bank reopens on Tuesday.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major banks close their branches on Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) but ATMs and online banking remain available.
  • You can withdraw cash, check balances, transfer money, and pay bills online or through your bank's mobile app during the closure.
  • Mobile check deposit lets you submit checks without visiting a branch, though the deposit posts when the bank reopens.
  • If your bank is small or regional, confirm their holiday schedule by phone or website rather than assuming they close.

What you can and cannot do on Memorial Day

You cannot walk into a branch, speak to a teller, or use a safe deposit box on Memorial Day. You also cannot get a cashier's check, open a new account, or explore for a loan in person. If you need to dispute a transaction or report fraud, you can call the bank's customer service line — most banks staff these lines on holidays — or use their online dispute tool.

You can do almost everything else remotely. Transfer money between your own accounts, send money to someone else's account, pay bills through your bank's bill pay system, deposit checks using your phone camera, and withdraw cash from any ATM in your bank's network or a partner network. You can also check your balance, review recent transactions, and set up alerts.

If you use a debit card, it works normally on Memorial Day. Credit cards work too. The holiday only affects the bank's physical locations and staff, not the systems that process card transactions.

Planning ahead for the long weekend

If you know you will need cash over the Memorial Day weekend, withdraw it on Friday or Saturday before the holiday. ATMs are available 24/7, so you can get money even after the branch closes on Friday afternoon.

If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit on your phone instead of waiting for Tuesday. Most banks process mobile deposits within one business day after the bank reopens. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, some ATMs accept check deposits — look for a slot labeled "check deposit" or ask your bank which ATMs have this feature.

If you are expecting a direct deposit (like a paycheck) on Memorial Day, it will not hit your account until Tuesday. Plan your spending accordingly. The same applies to bill payments you schedule for Monday — they will process on Tuesday instead.

What happens to transfers and payments during the closure

If you send money to another person's account at the same bank on Memorial Day, it will not arrive until Tuesday. If you send it to someone at a different bank, it may take longer — typically one to three business days depending on the banks involved. Wire transfers sent on Monday will process on Tuesday.

Bill payments you schedule for Monday will process on Tuesday. This matters if a bill is due on Monday — the payment will arrive late. To avoid late fees, schedule payments for Friday or earlier. If you have already missed a due date, call the creditor to explain that you scheduled payment before the holiday.

Automatic payments (like insurance premiums or loan payments set to draft on a certain date) may be delayed if that date falls on Memorial Day. Check with your service provider about their holiday schedule, or set automatic payments for a date earlier in the month.

Memorial Day closures at credit unions and online banks

Credit unions close on Memorial Day just like traditional banks. You lose access to branches and tellers, but online and mobile banking continues. ATM access depends on whether your credit union is part of a shared branching network — if it is, you may be able to visit another credit union's branch on Monday, though this is rare.

Online banks (sometimes called neobanks) like Chime, Ally, and Marcus do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can transfer money, check balances, and manage your account normally on Memorial Day. However, transfers to other banks may still be delayed because the receiving bank is closed.

If you need emergency cash on Memorial Day

Use an ATM. Your bank's ATM network is open 24/7, and you can withdraw cash anytime. If you do not have an ATM card or have reached your daily withdrawal limit, some banks allow you to request a cash advance on a credit card at an ATM, though this usually comes with a fee.

If you need cash and do not have a card, ask a friend or family member for a loan. Some retailers like grocery stores and pharmacies will give you cash back if you make a purchase with a debit card, though this is not may provide and amounts are usually small.

Do not wait until Monday to realize you need cash. Withdraw what you think you will need on Friday or Saturday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on Memorial Day if the bank is closed?

Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs, stores, and online merchants on Memorial Day because the card network is separate from the bank's branch operations. The bank being closed does not affect card transactions.

Will my paycheck deposit on Memorial Day if I get direct deposit?

No. Direct deposits scheduled for Monday will arrive on Tuesday when the bank reopens. If you need the money over the weekend, plan ahead and ask your employer if they can process payroll earlier.

What if I need to report fraud on Memorial Day?

Call your bank's customer service number — most banks staff these lines on federal holidays. You can also report fraud through your online banking portal or mobile app, which are available 24/7.

Do online banks close on Memorial Day?

Online banks do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can use your account normally. However, transfers to other banks may be delayed because those banks are closed.

Can I use another bank's ATM on Memorial Day?

Yes. Most banks are part of ATM networks that let you withdraw cash from other banks' ATMs, though you may pay a fee. Check your bank's website to find ATMs you can use without a fee.