Most banks are closed on Sunday, but you have options that work around the clock

The vast majority of brick-and-mortar banks do not open on Sunday. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional banks operate Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at some locations. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to someone in person on a Sunday, you will need to use an alternative.

The real question is not which bank is open, but what you actually need to do. Depositing a check, moving money, paying a bill, and getting cash each have different solutions that work on Sunday—and most of them do not require waiting until Monday.

Key Takeaways

  • Most traditional banks close on Sunday, but online banks and credit unions often process transactions 24/7, and ATMs work around the clock at most institutions.
  • Mobile check deposit through your bank's app lets you deposit checks on Sunday without visiting a branch, though the funds may not clear until Monday or Tuesday.
  • If you need cash on Sunday, your bank's ATM or a convenience store ATM will work, though out-of-network ATMs may charge a fee.
  • Some credit unions and online banks have no physical branches but offer customer service by phone or chat on Sunday, which can solve many problems without a visit.
  • A few banks operate limited Sunday hours in high-traffic locations, but this is rare and varies by city and branch.

ATMs work on Sunday even when the bank does not

Every major bank operates ATMs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you need to withdraw cash, deposit a check, transfer money between accounts, or check your balance on Sunday, your bank's ATM is open. You do not need to be inside a branch or speak to anyone.

The catch: not all ATMs accept check deposits. Older machines may only dispense cash. If your bank has upgraded its ATMs in the past few years, most will accept checks, but call your bank's customer service line or check their website to confirm which machines near you have deposit capability.

If you use an ATM that belongs to a different bank, you will usually pay a fee—typically $2 to $3. Your own bank's ATM is always free.

Mobile check deposit works on Sunday and clears by Tuesday

Most banks let you deposit checks through their mobile app without visiting a branch or ATM. You photograph the front and back of the check, enter the amount, and submit it. The transaction happens when ready on your phone.

The deposit itself is free, but the check does not clear when ready. Banks typically hold mobile deposits for one to two business days, so a check deposited on Sunday morning will usually be available by Tuesday. If you need the money sooner, this will not solve your problem—but for most situations, Sunday deposit with Tuesday availability is fast enough.

To use mobile deposit, read your bank's app, go to the deposit or check section, and follow the prompts. You will need a smartphone with a camera. Some banks require you to set up mobile deposit in advance, so if you have never used it, log in to your account online or call customer service to turn it on.

Online banks and credit unions often have Sunday customer service

If you bank with an online-only institution like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, or Discover Bank, you have no physical branch to visit on any day. Instead, these banks offer phone and chat support seven days a week, including Sunday. You can resolve most account issues—freezing a card, disputing a charge, transferring money, or answering security questions—without stepping into a building.

Many credit unions also offer extended hours or Sunday service, especially larger ones. Call your credit union's main number or check their website to see whether they have Sunday phone support. If they do, you can handle most transactions the same way you would at a branch.

The trade-off: online banks and credit unions have no physical location, so you cannot deposit cash in person or speak to someone face-to-face. But for most banking tasks, this does not matter.

A few banks operate limited Sunday hours in major cities

Some branches in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and other large metropolitan areas open for a few hours on Sunday afternoon, usually from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or noon to 4 p.m. This is not standard—it depends entirely on the individual branch and the bank's local strategy.

If you need to visit a branch on Sunday, call ahead to confirm the location is actually open. Do not assume. Bank websites sometimes list Sunday hours for specific branches, but the easiest way to check is to call the branch directly or use the bank's branch locator tool and filter for Sunday availability.

Even if a branch is open, you may wait longer on Sunday than on a weekday. Staff is usually minimal, and lines move slowly.

Wire transfers and bill payments work on Sunday through your app or website

If you need to send money to someone else or pay a bill on Sunday, you can do this through your bank's website or app without visiting a branch. Log in, navigate to transfers or bill pay, enter the recipient's information, and schedule the transaction.

The money does not leave your account when ready. Transfers between your own accounts at the same bank usually process within hours. Transfers to another person's account at a different bank typically take one to three business days. Bill payments scheduled for Sunday usually process on Monday.

This is not a real-time system, but it works on Sunday and requires no branch visit or phone call.

Convenience stores and grocery stores have ATMs and limited cash services

If you need cash and your bank's ATM is not nearby, most convenience stores and grocery stores operate ATMs on Sunday. Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, and local convenience stores have machines that work around the clock. You will pay a fee—usually $2 to $3—but the cash is available when ready.

Some grocery stores and pharmacies also offer cash back when you use a debit card to make a purchase. This is free and does not require a separate ATM transaction. If you buy something small on Sunday, you can ask for cash back and avoid the ATM fee entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check on Sunday and have it clear the same day?

No. Even if you deposit a check on Sunday using a mobile app or ATM, banks do not process deposits on weekends. The check will clear on Monday at the earliest, and usually by Tuesday. If you need the money on Sunday itself, you cannot get it through a check deposit.

What if I need to speak to a real person on Sunday?

Call your bank's customer service line. Most banks staff phone lines 24/7, including Sunday. You will reach someone who can answer questions, dispute charges, freeze a card, or help with account issues. You do not need to visit a branch.

Do all ATMs accept check deposits?

No. Older ATMs only dispense cash. Most banks have upgraded their machines in recent years to accept deposits, but not all. Call your bank or check their website to find which ATMs near you accept checks.

Will I pay a fee to use another bank's ATM on Sunday?

Yes. Using an ATM that does not belong to your bank usually costs $2 to $3, whether it is Sunday or any other day. Your own bank's ATM is always free. Some banks reimburse out-of-network fees if you maintain a high balance or have a premium account—check your account terms.

Can I open a new account on Sunday?

You cannot open an account at a physical branch on Sunday. However, many banks let you open accounts online through their website or app at any time, including Sunday. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires an ID and initial deposit. Check your bank's website to see whether online account opening is available.