Most banks are closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but some branches and services stay open

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday in January. Most major banks — including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank — close their physical branches on this day. However, the specifics depend on which bank you use, where you live, and what you need to do.

If you need cash or want to speak to someone in person, you will not be able to do that at a closed branch. But you can still access your money through ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking. Some banks also operate limited hours at select locations, and credit unions sometimes follow different schedules than national banks.

The key is knowing what your specific bank does and planning ahead if you need in-person service.

Key Takeaways

  • Most national bank branches close on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which falls on the third Monday in January each year.
  • ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking work normally on the holiday, so you can check balances, transfer money, and pay bills without visiting a branch.
  • Some banks operate limited hours at certain branches or keep drive-through windows open, so calling ahead is worth doing if you need in-person service.
  • Credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different holiday schedules, so check with your institution directly rather than assuming it follows the national bank calendar.

Which banks close and which stay open

The Federal Reserve and U.S. Treasury observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a holiday, which means federal banking operations shut down. This affects all banks that are members of the Federal Reserve system — essentially every major national bank. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, U.S. Bank, and PNC all close their branches on this day.

However, closure is not absolute. Some banks keep drive-through windows open or operate a single branch in certain areas. A few banks in competitive markets stay open with reduced staffing. The only way to know what your bank does is to check their website or call the branch directly. Most banks post their holiday hours online at least a week in advance.

Credit unions follow their own schedules. Some close on all federal holidays, while others stay open. If you bank with a credit union, contact them directly — do not assume they follow the same calendar as national banks.

What you can still do on the holiday

Even though branches are closed, you retain full access to your money through digital channels. ATMs work normally and dispense cash 24/7. You can use your debit card to make purchases anywhere that accepts cards. Mobile banking apps let you check your balance, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and deposit checks by photograph.

Online banking portals work the same way. You can log in, move money, set up automatic payments, and monitor transactions. If you need to send a wire transfer, you can usually initiate it through your bank's website or app, though the actual transfer may not process until the next business day.

The one thing you cannot do is speak to a person at the bank or conduct business that requires a teller or loan officer. If you need a cashier's check, a signature on a document, or information from a banker, you will have to wait until the branch reopens.

Planning ahead for in-person needs

If you know you need to visit a branch around Martin Luther King Jr. Day, plan for the closure. Withdraw cash a day or two before the holiday. If you need a cashier's check, get it before the holiday or wait until the day after. If you are explore for a loan or opening an account, schedule that appointment for a different week.

Some banks offer Saturday hours, so you might be able to visit on the Saturday before the holiday. A few locations in major cities stay open on Sundays as well. Check your bank's website for weekend hours at branches near you.

If you have an urgent banking need on the holiday itself — for instance, you need to dispute a fraudulent transaction — call your bank's customer service line. Most banks maintain phone support on holidays, and representatives can often resolve issues or start the process remotely.

How the holiday affects payments and transfers

Payments you make on Martin Luther King Jr. Day through your bank's app or website will process normally for most transactions. Debit card purchases go through when ready. Bill payments scheduled through your bank may process on the holiday or may wait until the next business day, depending on how far in advance you scheduled them.

Wire transfers initiated on the holiday will not move until the next business day, because the Federal Reserve does not process wires on federal holidays. If you need money to arrive by a specific date, do not wait until the holiday to send it.

Deposits made at ATMs on the holiday will be credited to your account, but the funds may not be available until the next business day. Checks deposited through mobile banking follow the same timeline — they are received on the holiday but clear the next day.

Regional and local bank differences

Smaller regional banks and community banks sometimes operate on different schedules than national chains. Some observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a holiday, while others stay open. A few regional banks in the South have historically observed different holidays altogether, though this is becoming less common.

If you bank with a regional or community bank, check their website or call your branch directly. Do not assume they follow the federal holiday calendar. The same applies to online-only banks — most stay open on all holidays because they have no physical branches, but it is worth confirming.

International banks operating in the United States also vary. Some close on federal holidays, while others stay open because they follow their home country's calendar. If this applies to you, contact your bank to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card and ATM on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

Yes. ATMs work 24/7 on holidays, and debit cards work anywhere that accepts them. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and make purchases normally. The only thing you cannot do is visit a physical branch or speak to a teller.

Will my bill payment go through if I schedule it for Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

It depends on when you schedule it. If you set up a bill payment to go out on the holiday, it may process on that day or wait until the next business day — this varies by bank. To be safe, schedule bill payments for the day before or the day after the holiday if the due date is not tight.

Can I deposit a check on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

You can deposit a check through a mobile app or ATM on the holiday, and it will be received. However, the funds will not be available until the next business day. If you need the money to clear quickly, deposit it before the holiday.

What if I need to wire money on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

Wire transfers do not process on federal holidays because the Federal Reserve is closed. If you initiate a wire on the holiday, it will not move until the next business day. Plan ahead if you need money to arrive by a specific date.

Do credit unions close on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

Most do, but not all. Credit unions set their own holiday schedules. Contact your credit union directly to confirm whether they are open or closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day — do not assume they follow the same calendar as national banks.