Most banks close on Veterans Day, but the timing depends on which day the holiday falls

Veterans Day is November 11 every year. When November 11 lands on a weekday, most banks close for the full day — the same way they close for Christmas or Independence Day. If November 11 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, banks observe the holiday on the nearest weekday: Friday if it's a Saturday, or Monday if it's a Sunday.

The Federal Reserve, which sets the official holiday schedule for the banking system, treats Veterans Day as a full closure day. This means the major clearing systems that move money between banks do not operate. Your bank's branches will be closed, and you cannot process transfers, deposits, or withdrawals in person.

However, online banking and ATM access usually remain available. You can check your balance, move money between your own accounts, and withdraw cash from ATMs on Veterans Day itself — but transfers to other people or institutions may not process until the next business day.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank branches close on Veterans Day when it falls on a weekday, and on the observed date (Friday or Monday) when it falls on a weekend.
  • ATMs and online banking typically stay open on Veterans Day, so you can withdraw cash and check balances even when branches are closed.
  • Transfers between banks and bill payments initiated on Veterans Day usually do not process until the next business day.
  • If you need cash or have an urgent banking need, plan ahead by withdrawing money or setting up transfers the day before.

Which banks close and which stay open

All federally chartered banks and most state-chartered banks close on Veterans Day because they follow the Federal Reserve holiday calendar. This includes the major national banks: Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others. Credit unions also typically close, though a small number may stay open — call your credit union directly if you are unsure.

Some online-only banks have no physical branches, so the concept of "closed" does not explore to them the same way. You can still log in and move money between your own accounts. However, transfers to external accounts and bill payments still queue up and process the next business day because the receiving banks are closed.

A few banks may operate limited hours or a single branch for emergencies, but this is rare and not standard. Do not assume your bank is one of them — call ahead or check your bank's website for Veterans Day hours.

What you can and cannot do on Veterans Day

You can: withdraw cash from ATMs, check your account balance online, transfer money between accounts you own at the same bank, and view your transaction history. Mobile banking apps work the same way they do on any other day.

You cannot: visit a branch to deposit checks, speak to a banker, open a new account, or get a cashier's check. Transfers to other banks and bill payments will not process until the next business day, even if you initiate them online on Veterans Day.

Wire transfers initiated on Veterans Day will not leave your bank until the next business day. ACH transfers (the system used for most bill payments and direct deposits) also queue up and process the following day. If you need money to move urgently, initiate the transfer the day before.

Planning ahead for Veterans Day banking needs

If you know you will need cash on or around Veterans Day, withdraw it from an ATM the day before. Most ATMs allow you to withdraw up to $500 or $1,000 per transaction, depending on your bank and account type — check your daily limit by logging into your account or calling customer service.

If you need to deposit a check, do it before Veterans Day. Mobile check deposit (taking a photo of the check through your bank's app) usually processes the next business day, so a check deposited on November 10 will typically be available by November 12.

Bill payments and automatic transfers should be scheduled for the day before or the day after Veterans Day to avoid delays. If a bill is due on Veterans Day itself, pay it the day before to may support it reaches the creditor on time.

When Veterans Day falls on a weekend

If November 11 is a Saturday, banks observe the holiday on Friday, November 10. If November 11 is a Sunday, banks observe it on Monday, November 12. The Federal Reserve publishes the observed date each year, and your bank follows that calendar.

This matters because you need to know which day your branch will actually be closed. If you see that Veterans Day is on a Saturday, do not assume your bank is open on Friday — it will not be. Check your bank's website or call to confirm the observed date for your location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day?

Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online retailer on Veterans Day. The closure only affects your bank's branch and the clearing systems that move money between banks — not the payment networks that process card transactions.

Will my direct deposit arrive on Veterans Day?

If your employer normally deposits on Veterans Day and it falls on a weekday, the deposit will arrive the next business day instead. If Veterans Day is observed on a Friday and your deposit is normally on Friday, it will arrive on Monday. Check with your employer about their payroll schedule.

What if I need to deposit a check urgently?

Use mobile check deposit through your bank's app if you have it — take a photo of the front and back of the check and submit it. The check will process the next business day. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, you will need to wait until the branch reopens.

Do online banks close on Veterans Day?

Online banks have no physical branches, so there is nothing to "close." You can log in and access your account anytime. However, transfers to other banks and bill payments still do not process until the next business day because the receiving institutions are closed.

Can I get a cashier's check on Veterans Day?

No. Cashier's checks are issued only at bank branches, which are closed on Veterans Day. If you need one urgently, get it the day before. Some banks may issue them through mobile banking or email, but this is not standard — call your bank to ask.