Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches stay open
Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. On that day, most banks in the United States close their physical branches because it is a federal holiday. This means you cannot visit a teller, use the drive-through, or access a safe deposit box in person.
However, you can still use ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps on Veterans Day — these services run 24/7 regardless of whether branches are staffed. If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash, an ATM is your option. If you need to speak to someone, you will have to wait until the next business day.
A small number of banks operate some branches on Veterans Day, particularly in areas where the holiday is observed on a different date or where local law allows it. Call your specific branch the day before to confirm whether it will be open.
Key Takeaways
- Federal banks close on Veterans Day (November 11), so you cannot visit a branch or speak to a teller that day.
- ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps work normally on Veterans Day, so you can withdraw cash or check your balance anytime.
- Some credit unions and smaller banks may stay open on Veterans Day — call your branch directly to confirm.
- If you need to make a deposit, use your bank's mobile app to deposit a check by photo, or wait until the next business day.
Why banks close on federal holidays
Banks close on federal holidays because the Federal Reserve — the central banking system that clears checks and processes large transfers — is closed. Without the Federal Reserve operating, banks cannot complete many transactions that require connection to the broader financial system.
Veterans Day is one of 11 federal holidays when most banks shut down. The others include New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and a few others. State-chartered banks and credit unions sometimes follow different rules, but most follow the federal holiday calendar.
What you can and cannot do on Veterans Day
You can: Withdraw cash from an ATM, check your account balance online or through your mobile app, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills online, deposit checks using mobile check deposit, and set up automatic payments.
You cannot: Visit a branch to speak to a banker, deposit cash in person, access a safe deposit box, get a cashier's check, open a new account, or speak to customer service by phone (most banks have limited or no phone support on federal holidays).
If you need cash and do not have an ATM card, plan ahead. Withdraw what you need on the day before Veterans Day. The same applies if you need to deposit cash — bring it to the bank on the day before or the day after.
Credit unions and smaller banks may have different hours
Credit unions do not always follow the same holiday schedule as large national banks. Some credit unions stay open on Veterans Day, while others close. The only way to know is to contact your credit union directly or check their website.
Online-only banks (banks with no physical branches) do not have holiday closures because there are no branches to close. You can use their services on Veterans Day just as you would any other day. However, if you need to deposit a physical check, you will use mobile check deposit, which works on holidays.
Planning ahead for Veterans Day
If you know you will need banking services on or around Veterans Day, take these steps a few days before:
- Withdraw the cash you will need for the holiday period.
- Deposit any checks before the holiday.
- Pay bills online or set them up on automatic payment.
- If you need a cashier's check or other service that requires a banker, complete it before November 11.
- Call your bank or credit union if you are unsure whether your specific branch will be open.
If you realize on Veterans Day that you need something only a banker can do, you have two options: wait until the next business day, or visit a different bank's branch if you have accounts elsewhere. Some banks will help you with basic services even if you are not a customer, though this is not may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day?
Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and any store on Veterans Day. You can also use it to pay bills online or make purchases. The only thing you cannot do is visit a bank branch in person.
Will my direct deposit go through on Veterans Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Veterans Day may arrive a day late because the Federal Reserve does not process transfers on federal holidays. Check with your employer or the organization sending the deposit — they can tell you whether it will arrive on November 11 or November 12.
What if I need to deposit cash on Veterans Day?
You cannot deposit cash in person on Veterans Day. If your bank has a night deposit box outside the branch, you can use that. Otherwise, wait until the next business day. Some banks let you deposit checks by taking a photo with your phone, but this does not work for cash.
Are online banks open on Veterans Day?
Yes. Banks with no physical branches operate normally on Veterans Day because there are no branches to close. You can transfer money, check balances, and use all online services. Customer support may be limited, but your account access does not change.
What if my bank is open on Veterans Day in my state?
Some states do not observe Veterans Day on November 11, or they allow banks to stay open. Call your branch directly to confirm. If it is open, hours may be different from a normal business day — many banks that open on federal holidays have reduced hours.