Most banks are closed on Sundays, but not all of them, and the ones that are open operate differently than they do on weekdays
The majority of traditional brick-and-mortar banks close on Sundays. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional banks do not staff branches on Sunday. But some banks stay open — mainly credit unions, online banks, and a few regional chains — and even closed banks let you move money on Sunday through ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking.
What matters for your actual needs depends on what you're trying to do. If you need cash or want to talk to a person, Sunday hours are limited. If you need to send money, pay a bill, or check your balance, you can do that any day of the week, any time of night.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks close all their branches on Sunday, but ATMs and online banking work 24/7 regardless of branch hours.
- Credit unions and online-only banks often have different Sunday hours than traditional banks, and some stay open all day.
- Transfers and payments you initiate on Sunday may not process until Monday, depending on the type of transaction and your bank.
- If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash on Sunday, an ATM or mobile deposit through your bank's app are your fastest options.
- Some banks offer limited Sunday hours at certain locations, so calling ahead or checking your bank's website is the only way to know for sure.
Why most banks close on Sundays
Banks close on Sundays partly because of tradition and partly because of how the financial system actually works. The Federal Reserve, which clears most bank-to-bank transfers, does not process transactions on Sundays. That means a transfer you send on Sunday will not move between banks until Monday morning, so there is no operational reason to staff branches.
Labor costs also matter. Keeping a branch open costs money — rent, utilities, staff wages — and most banks decided long ago that Sunday traffic does not justify the expense. Customers who need to bank on Sunday have shifted to ATMs and apps, which cost less to run than a staffed location.
Sundays are also a federal banking holiday in the sense that the Federal Reserve does not operate, even though banks themselves are not legally required to close. The choice to close is each bank's decision.
Which banks do stay open on Sundays
Credit unions often have different hours than traditional banks. Some credit unions open on Sunday mornings or afternoons, though not all do. Call your credit union directly or check their website — hours vary widely by location and by institution.
Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover do not have physical branches, so the question of Sunday hours does not explore to them the same way. You can access your account and move money any day, any time. However, transfers between your online bank and another bank may still not process until Monday.
A few regional banks and some branches of larger banks do open on Sunday in certain markets, usually in urban areas or near shopping centers. Chase, for example, opens some branches on Sunday in select cities, but most do not. Bank of America has Sunday hours at a small number of locations. The only way to know is to search your bank's branch locator online or call the specific branch you want to visit.
What you can do on Sunday even if your bank is closed
ATMs work on Sunday. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your bank's ATMs have a deposit slot), and check your balance. ATM withdrawals show up when ready. Check deposits typically post by the next business day, though some banks post them the same day if you deposit before a certain time.
Mobile banking apps work on Sunday. You can transfer money between your own accounts, send money to other people through services like Zelle or your bank's own transfer tool, pay bills, and check your balance. The transfer itself happens when ready in your bank's system, but the money may not arrive at the receiving bank until Monday.
Online banking through your bank's website works the same way. You can initiate transactions on Sunday, but processing happens on Monday for transfers between different banks.
When Sunday transactions actually process
A transfer you send on Sunday does not move between banks until Monday morning at the earliest. The Federal Reserve processes most interbank transfers Monday through Friday during business hours. If you send a transfer on Sunday at 11 p.m., it enters the queue Monday morning and processes that day, assuming it is not a holiday.
Transfers within the same bank — moving money from your checking account to your savings account at the same institution — process when ready, even on Sunday. The money moves in your bank's system right away.
Payments to other people through Zelle or similar peer-to-peer services may process on Sunday depending on the receiving bank, but most arrive Monday. Check your bank's terms for the specific service you are using.
ACH transfers (the standard way to move money between banks) do not process on weekends. If you schedule an ACH transfer for Sunday, it will not leave your account until Monday.
How to find your bank's actual Sunday hours
The most reliable way is to use your bank's branch locator on their website. Search for the specific branch you want to visit and look at the hours listed. If the website does not show Sunday hours, that branch is closed on Sunday.
Call the branch directly. A five-minute call tells you whether they are open and what services are available. Some branches may offer limited Sunday hours — for example, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — so asking is faster than showing up.
If you bank with a credit union, call your local branch. Credit union hours vary much more than traditional banks, and the only way to know is to ask.
What to do if you need banking services on Sunday
For cash: Use an ATM. Your bank's ATM works 24/7 if it is in a location that is open (your bank's branch, a grocery store, a gas station). Out-of-network ATMs charge a fee, usually $2 to $3, but the money comes out when ready.
For check deposits: Use mobile deposit through your bank's app if your bank offers it. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, and it deposits into your account. Most banks post mobile deposits by the next business day. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, use an ATM with a deposit slot if available.
For transfers or payments: Use your bank's app or website. The transaction processes on Monday, but you can initiate it on Sunday. If you need the money to arrive on Sunday itself, you cannot do that through a bank — the Federal Reserve does not process transfers on weekends.
For urgent cash needs: If you need money on Sunday and cannot wait until Monday, a credit union that is open on Sunday is your best option. Some credit unions have Sunday hours, though you will need to find one near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check at my bank on Sunday?
If your bank has an ATM with a deposit slot, yes. If not, you can use mobile deposit through your bank's app if they offer it. Both methods post the check by the next business day. You cannot deposit a check at a staffed branch on Sunday at most banks.
Will a transfer I send on Sunday arrive on Sunday?
No. Transfers between different banks do not process on Sunday because the Federal Reserve does not operate. A transfer sent Sunday will process Monday morning at the earliest. Transfers within the same bank (your checking to your savings at the same institution) process when ready.
Are credit unions open on Sundays?
Some are, but not all. Credit union hours vary by location and institution. Call your credit union or check their website to see if your local branch has Sunday hours.
Can I withdraw money from my bank on Sunday if the branch is closed?
Yes, through an ATM. ATMs work 24/7 and let you withdraw cash, deposit checks, and check your balance. You may pay a fee if you use an out-of-network ATM.
What if I need to talk to someone at my bank on Sunday?
Most banks offer phone support on Sunday, though hours vary. Call the number on the back of your debit card or check your bank's website for customer service hours. For urgent issues, some banks have 24/7 phone support.