Bank of America closes on MLK Day
Bank of America branches are closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed on the third Monday in January. The bank treats it as a federal holiday, the same way it closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Independence Day. This means you cannot walk into a branch, speak to a teller, or use most in-person services that day.
The closure applies to all U.S. branches. If you need cash, deposits, or account help on MLK Day itself, you will need to use ATMs, mobile banking, or online services instead — all of which run 24/7 regardless of the holiday.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America branches close entirely on MLK Day, which falls on the third Monday of January each year.
- ATMs, online banking, the mobile app, and phone customer service remain available on the holiday.
- Checks and transfers you submit on MLK Day may not process until the next business day because the bank's back-office systems are also closed.
- If you need to speak to someone, customer service phone lines reopen the next business day at their normal time.
What you can and cannot do on MLK Day
ATMs work normally on the holiday — you can withdraw cash, deposit checks using the mobile app and an ATM, and check your balance. Mobile banking and the website also function as usual, so you can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and send money to other people through Zelle or other transfer services.
What you cannot do is speak to a banker in person or by phone. Customer service lines close on federal holidays. If you need to dispute a charge, report fraud, or ask about a loan, you will have to wait until the next business day. Checks you deposit on MLK Day will not begin processing until the next day, so do not count on same-day credit.
Processing delays around the holiday
Transactions you initiate on MLK Day itself may take longer to complete. A wire transfer you send on Monday might not leave your account until Tuesday. A check you deposit on Monday will not start clearing until Tuesday. This is because the bank's processing centers are closed, even though you can submit the transaction through your phone or computer.
If you need money to move by a specific date, plan ahead. Submit transfers and deposits the business day before the holiday, or wait until the day after. The bank's published processing times assume normal business days, and holidays add an extra day to most timelines.
When Bank of America reopens after MLK Day
Branches reopen the next business day at their normal hours. Most locations open at 9 a.m., though some open at 10 a.m. depending on the branch. You can check your specific branch's hours on the Bank of America website by entering your zip code or address.
If you have a time-sensitive issue — a fraud claim, a payment that needs to post, a question about your account — call customer service as soon as the lines reopen. The phone number is on the back of your debit card or on your statement. Wait times are often longer the day after a holiday because other customers are calling in too.
Planning ahead for holiday closures
Bank of America publishes its holiday schedule each year. The federal holidays when branches close are New Year's Day, MLK Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. If you know you will need banking services around one of these dates, move your transactions to the business day before.
For recurring bills or automatic payments, set them up in advance so they process on schedule. The bank's systems handle automatic transactions even on holidays — it is only manual services and customer support that shut down. If you have a payment due on or near MLK Day, schedule it for the day before to avoid any risk of a late posting.
Alternatives if you need banking services on the holiday
If you absolutely need cash on MLK Day, use any ATM — not just Bank of America's. You can withdraw from your Bank of America account at most ATMs nationwide, though you may pay a fee if it is not a Bank of America machine. Some grocery stores and pharmacies have ATMs in-store, which may be open even if bank branches are not.
If you need to send money to someone, Zelle transfers through the mobile app or website work on holidays. You can also use third-party payment apps like Venmo or PayPal if the recipient has an account. These are not bank services, so they operate independently of Bank of America's holiday schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check on MLK Day using the mobile app?
Yes. The mobile check deposit feature works 24/7, including holidays. You photograph the front and back of the check and submit it through the app. The check will not begin processing until the next business day, so it will not show as available funds when ready, but you can submit it whenever you want.
Will my automatic payment go through on MLK Day?
Yes. Automatic payments and recurring transfers process on schedule regardless of holidays. The bank's automated systems run continuously. If your payment is set to post on MLK Day, it will post on MLK Day — you do not need to do anything.
What if I need to report fraud on MLK Day?
Call the fraud number on the back of your card or your statement. Customer service lines are closed on federal holidays, but the fraud line may have a separate number that operates 24/7. Check your card or recent statement to see if a separate fraud line is listed. If not, report it the next business day as soon as the lines reopen.
Can I transfer money between my own accounts on MLK Day?
Yes. Transfers between your own Bank of America accounts through the website or mobile app work on holidays. The transfer will post when ready if both accounts are at Bank of America. Transfers to accounts at other banks may take longer because the receiving bank is also closed.
Do Bank of America ATMs charge fees on MLK Day?
No. ATM fees are the same every day. If you use a Bank of America ATM, there is no fee. If you use an out-of-network ATM, you will pay the same fee you would on any other day — usually $2 to $3, depending on the ATM operator.