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

Veterans Day is November 11 each year. When November 11 falls on a weekday, most banks in the United States close for the day. If November 11 falls on a weekend, banks typically observe the holiday on the nearest weekday — usually the Friday before if it's a Saturday, or the Monday after if it's a Sunday.

The Federal Reserve, which sets the official holiday schedule for the banking system, recognizes Veterans Day as a federal holiday. This means that banks that are members of the Federal Reserve system — which includes most major banks and many regional ones — will be closed. However, some credit unions and smaller institutions may have different policies, so it's worth checking with your specific bank.

If you need to do banking on or around Veterans Day, plan ahead. ATMs and online banking remain available even when branches are closed, so you can withdraw cash, check balances, and transfer money between your own accounts without visiting a branch.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks close on November 11 when it falls on a weekday, and observe the holiday on the nearest weekday when it falls on a weekend.
  • The Federal Reserve's official holiday schedule determines closures for most major banks and Federal Reserve member institutions.
  • ATMs and online banking services work normally on Veterans Day even when bank branches are closed.
  • Credit unions and smaller banks may have different holiday schedules, so check with your institution directly if you're unsure.
  • Wire transfers and other services that depend on bank staff may be delayed if you initiate them on or just before Veterans Day.

How to check your specific bank's Veterans Day hours

The fastest way to confirm whether your bank is open is to call the branch directly or check the bank's website. Most banks post holiday hours prominently on their homepage or in the branch locator tool. Search for your bank's name plus "holiday hours" to find this information quickly.

If you bank with a major national chain like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, or Citibank, they will be closed on Veterans Day when it falls on a weekday. Regional banks and credit unions vary — some follow the Federal Reserve schedule exactly, while others may have their own policies. A quick phone call to your branch removes any doubt.

What banking services still work on Veterans Day

ATMs operate 24/7 regardless of whether the branch is open. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), and check your balance at any time on Veterans Day.

Online banking and mobile apps work normally. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, check transactions, and view statements without any interruption. These services don't require bank staff to be present.

However, services that require human processing will be delayed. If you initiate a wire transfer on Veterans Day, it will not process until the next business day. Deposits made at an ATM or through mobile check deposit will be credited to your account, but the funds may not be available until the following day depending on your bank's policy.

When to plan ahead for Veterans Day banking

If you need cash, withdraw it the day before Veterans Day. ATMs will have cash available, but if you need a large amount or have other banking needs that require speaking to someone, handle it before the holiday.

If you're expecting a deposit or payment to arrive on or around Veterans Day, remember that the banking system doesn't process transactions on federal holidays. A payment sent on November 10 may not clear until November 12 or later, depending on the type of transaction and your bank's processing timeline.

Bill payments scheduled through your bank's online system will process on the next business day if you schedule them for Veterans Day itself. If you have a bill due on or shortly after Veterans Day, submit the payment a day or two early to avoid late fees.

Wire transfers and ACH payments on Veterans Day

Wire transfers do not process on federal holidays. If you initiate a wire transfer on Veterans Day, it will sit in your bank's queue and process the next business day. This means a wire sent on November 11 will typically arrive at the receiving bank on November 12 at the earliest.

ACH transfers (the system used for direct deposits, bill payments, and transfers between banks) also do not process on federal holidays. The Federal Reserve, which operates the ACH network, does not process transactions on Veterans Day. Plan accordingly if you're expecting a direct deposit or sending a payment via ACH.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Debit cards work at merchants, ATMs, and online retailers regardless of whether your bank branch is open. The only limitation is that you cannot visit a teller or speak to bank staff in person.

Will my check deposit process if I deposit it on Veterans Day?

If you deposit a check at an ATM or through mobile deposit on Veterans Day, it will be received by the bank, but processing and availability of funds will begin the next business day. The check will not clear until November 12 or later.

What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on Veterans Day?

Call your bank's customer service line. Most banks maintain a phone line for customer support even on holidays, though wait times may be longer. For urgent issues, you may need to wait until the branch reopens the next business day.

Do credit unions close on Veterans Day?

Most credit unions follow the Federal Reserve holiday schedule and close on Veterans Day, but some have different policies. Contact your credit union directly to confirm their hours.

If Veterans Day falls on a Saturday, is the bank closed on Friday or Monday?

If Veterans Day falls on a Saturday, most banks observe the holiday on Friday, November 10. If it falls on a Sunday, they observe it on Monday, November 12. Check your bank's specific policy to be certain.