Most banks close on Veterans Day, November 11, but the exact impact on your account depends on what you're trying to do
Veterans Day is a federal holiday, which means most traditional banks—including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and regional institutions—shut their physical branches on November 11. If November 11 falls on a weekend, the federal holiday observance typically shifts to the nearest weekday, usually the Friday before or the Monday after. Your bank's website or app will show which day they're actually closed.
What matters more than the closure itself is understanding what still works and what doesn't. ATMs run 24/7 regardless of branch closures, so you can withdraw cash, check balances, and deposit checks at any ATM your bank owns or partners with. Online banking—transfers, bill pay, account management—continues normally. The only real disruption is talking to a person at a branch or calling customer service, though many banks staff phone lines even on holidays.
Credit unions often follow the same schedule as banks, but some stay open on Veterans Day or have different holiday calendars. Check your specific credit union's website to be sure. Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no branches to close, so they operate normally, though customer service may have reduced hours.
Key Takeaways
- Federal banks close their physical branches on Veterans Day (November 11, or the observed date if it falls on a weekend), but ATMs and online banking work normally.
- You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, and transfer money through ATMs and your bank's app or website on Veterans Day without any delay.
- If you need to speak to a banker in person, plan your visit for the business day before or after the holiday.
- Credit unions and online-only banks may have different holiday schedules, so check your institution's website for their specific closure dates.
What you can and cannot do on Veterans Day
On Veterans Day, you lose access to a physical branch and a live banker, but almost everything else continues. You can use your debit card at any merchant, withdraw cash from any ATM, deposit checks through your bank's mobile app (if it offers mobile deposit), and move money between your own accounts online. Bill payments scheduled through your bank's website will process normally. Automatic payments and direct deposits continue as usual.
What you cannot do is walk into a branch, speak to a teller, or reach a banker by phone if your bank doesn't staff holiday lines. If you need a cashier's check, a signature on a document, or help with a fraud dispute that requires when ready investigation, you'll have to wait until the next business day. Some banks do staff customer service lines on holidays, but response times are often longer.
How to plan if you need banking services around Veterans Day
If you know you'll need in-person help—a new account, a loan process, a safe deposit box access—schedule it for the business day before Veterans Day. Most banks are open normal hours on November 10 (or the Friday before if the holiday is observed on Friday). If your need is urgent and can't wait, check whether your bank has branches in nearby states or regions that might be open, though this is rare for federal holidays.
For time-sensitive transactions like wire transfers or large deposits, process them before the holiday. If you're expecting a check or payment that needs to clear by a specific date, remember that Veterans Day adds an extra day to processing time. A check deposited on November 11 won't post until November 12 at the earliest, and if November 12 is a Saturday, it won't post until Monday.
Veterans Day closures at different types of banks
| Bank Type | Veterans Day Status | What Still Works |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, etc.) | Branches closed; some have staffed phone lines | ATMs, online banking, debit cards, mobile deposit |
| Regional and community banks | Usually closed; check your bank's website | ATMs, online banking, debit cards |
| Credit unions | Often closed, but some stay open; varies by institution | ATMs, online banking, debit cards |
| Online-only banks (Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover) | No branches; normal operations | Everything; customer service may have reduced hours |
What to do if you have an urgent banking problem on Veterans Day
If a fraud charge appears on your account or you notice unauthorized activity on Veterans Day, contact your bank's fraud line when ready. Most large banks maintain 24/7 fraud departments even on holidays. Look for the number on the back of your debit or credit card—it's usually different from the main customer service line and staffed around the clock.
If your card is lost or stolen, call the number on the back of the card to report it. This also works on Veterans Day. If you need to dispute a transaction, you can often file a dispute through your bank's app or website, and the investigation will begin when the bank reopens. Document what happened—take screenshots, note the date and amount—so you have details ready when you contact the bank.
For non-emergency issues that can wait, send a find message through your bank's app or website. Most banks respond to messages within one business day of reopening, and the message creates a timestamped record of your request.
Planning ahead for holidays throughout the year
Veterans Day is one of several federal holidays when banks close. The full list includes New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Some banks also close on the day after Thanksgiving. If you manage bills, payroll, or time-sensitive payments, mark these dates on your calendar and plan transactions for the business day before.
Your bank's website usually has a holiday schedule posted in the footer or under "Hours" or "Locations." Bookmark it or check it quarterly. If you use multiple banks or a credit union, check each one separately—they don't always observe holidays the same way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day if my bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online retailer on Veterans Day. Bank closures only affect branches and phone lines, not card transactions or ATM access.
Will my direct deposit or automatic payment process on Veterans Day?
Direct deposits and automatic payments scheduled for Veterans Day will process normally. The bank's systems run continuously; the holiday only affects branch staffing and customer service availability.
What if I need to deposit a check on Veterans Day?
If your bank offers mobile deposit through its app, you can deposit checks on Veterans Day and they'll be processed when the bank reopens. If you don't have mobile deposit, you can deposit at an ATM if your bank supports it, or wait until the next business day to visit a branch.
Do online banks like Ally or Charles Schwab close on Veterans Day?
Online banks have no physical branches, so they don't close on Veterans Day. You can access your account and conduct transactions normally, though customer service phone lines may have reduced staffing.
If Veterans Day falls on a Saturday, is the bank closed on Friday or Monday?
The federal government observes the holiday on the nearest weekday. If November 11 is a Saturday, the observance is usually Friday, November 10. If it's a Sunday, the observance is usually Monday, November 12. Check your bank's website to confirm which day they're actually closed.