Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches stay open
Yes, most banks are closed on Veterans Day (November 11th). All federally chartered banks must close on this federal holiday. However, some credit unions and smaller regional banks may stay open, and a few large banks keep select branches open in major cities. The safest approach is to check your specific bank's website or call your branch directly the day before to confirm their hours.
If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash on Veterans Day, you can use ATMs and mobile banking apps — those work 24/7 regardless of whether the branch is staffed. Online transfers between accounts also process normally. The only services that stop are the ones that require a person behind the counter: opening a new account, getting a cashier's check, or speaking to a loan officer.
Key Takeaways
- Federal holidays close all nationally chartered banks, including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank on Veterans Day.
- ATMs and online banking work on Veterans Day even when branches are closed, so you can withdraw cash and transfer money between your own accounts.
- Some credit unions and regional banks stay open on Veterans Day, so call ahead if your bank is not one of the major national chains.
- If you need to speak to someone at your bank, plan your visit for the business day before or after the holiday.
Which banks definitely close on Veterans Day
All banks chartered by the federal government must close on Veterans Day. This includes the largest banks in the country: Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, U.S. Bank, and PNC Bank. If your bank is one of these, assume the branch is closed on November 11th unless you see otherwise on their website.
State-chartered banks — banks licensed by an individual state rather than the federal government — are not required to close on Veterans Day. Some do anyway, but others stay open. If you bank with a smaller or regional bank, check their website or call the branch to know for certain.
What you can still do on Veterans Day
ATMs work around the clock on holidays. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks using the ATM at your bank's building or at partner ATMs in other networks. Mobile banking apps work the same way — you can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and check your balance from your phone or computer.
Online bill pay also processes normally on Veterans Day. If you schedule a payment to go out on that day, it will go through. Transfers to other people's accounts (like Venmo or your bank's own transfer service) also work. The only thing that stops is in-person service: you cannot open a new account, speak to a loan officer, or get a cashier's check on a day when the branch is closed.
How to learn about your specific bank is open
The fastest way is to search "[Your Bank Name] Veterans Day hours" on Google. Most banks post their holiday schedule on their website weeks in advance. You can also call your branch directly — even if it is closed, the voicemail usually says so and directs you to the nearest open location.
If you use a smaller bank or credit union, their website may not list every holiday. In that case, a quick phone call to the branch is worth it, especially if you need to do something that requires a person — like opening an account or getting a certified check.
Planning ahead for Veterans Day banking
If you know you will need to do something in person around Veterans Day, do it on the business day before. This is especially important if you need a cashier's check, want to open a new account, or have questions about a loan. Banks are often busy the day before a holiday, so plan to go early in the morning if you can.
If Veterans Day falls on a weekend, most banks observe the holiday on the nearest weekday. For example, if November 11th is a Saturday, banks usually close on Friday, November 10th. If it is a Sunday, they close on Monday, November 12th. Check your bank's website to confirm which day they are observing the holiday.
What happens to deposits made on Veterans Day
If you deposit a check using an ATM on Veterans Day, it goes into a queue and processes the next business day. The bank receives it, but the funds do not hit your account until the following day. This is the same timing as any other deposit made after hours or on a weekend.
If you need the money urgently, deposit it the day before instead. If you are depositing a check from your employer or another reliable source, the timing usually does not matter — but if you are counting on same-day availability, plan around the holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and at stores on Veterans Day, even if your bank's branch is closed. The bank's computer systems run 24/7. You can also use your card to pay bills online or make purchases.
Will my direct deposit go through on Veterans Day?
Direct deposits from your employer usually process on schedule, even if it is a federal holiday. Your employer's payroll system sends the money, and your bank receives it. However, some employers do not process payroll on federal holidays, so check with your HR department if you are unsure when your next deposit is coming.
What if I need cash and the ATM is out of money?
ATMs can run out of cash on busy holidays. If the ATM at your bank is empty, try an ATM at a different location — a grocery store, gas station, or another bank branch. You can also use your debit card to buy something small at a store and ask for cash back.
Do online banks close on Veterans Day?
Online banks (like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Marcus) do not have physical branches, so there is no "closing." You can transfer money, check balances, and manage your account normally on Veterans Day. Customer service phone lines may have reduced hours, but your account itself is always accessible.
If Veterans Day is on a Saturday, is the bank closed on Friday or Monday?
Most banks observe the holiday on Friday if November 11th falls on a Saturday, and on Monday if it falls on a Sunday. Check your bank's website to confirm, because some banks observe on the actual date and some observe on the nearest weekday.