Most banks in Massachusetts close on Patriots Day, which falls on the third Monday in May
Patriots Day is a state holiday in Massachusetts, and most banks treat it the same way they treat federal holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas — they close their physical branches and do not process transactions that day. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to someone in person, you will need to plan around the closure.
The exact date shifts each year because Patriots Day is always the third Monday in May. In 2024, that was May 20. In 2025, it will be May 19. Check your bank's website or call ahead if you are not certain whether a specific Monday is the holiday.
Some banks may stay open in other states, but if your branch is in Massachusetts, assume it will be closed. A few credit unions and smaller institutions may have different policies, so it is worth confirming with your own bank rather than guessing.
Key Takeaways
- Patriots Day is the third Monday in May, and most Massachusetts banks close their branches that day.
- ATMs and online banking remain available even when branches are closed, so you can still withdraw cash or transfer money remotely.
- Deposits made on Patriots Day through ATMs or mobile apps will typically post the next business day.
- If you need to speak to someone at your bank, plan your visit for the Friday before or the Tuesday after the holiday.
What you can and cannot do on Patriots Day
Your bank's ATM will work normally on Patriots Day, so you can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts without any problem. Mobile banking apps and online banking portals stay open around the clock, so you can pay bills, send money to other people, or move funds between accounts from your phone or computer.
What you cannot do is walk into a branch and speak to a teller or banker. You also cannot deposit a physical check at a teller window or get a cashier's check issued. If you need to deposit a check, you can use your bank's mobile app to photograph and deposit it remotely — most banks process mobile check deposits within one business day, so a deposit made on Patriots Day would post on Tuesday.
Wire transfers and ACH transfers (the electronic transfers that move money between different banks) may also be delayed. Some banks process these on holidays, but many do not. If you need money to move by a specific date, do not wait until Patriots Day to initiate the transfer.
Planning ahead for Patriots Day closures
If you know you will need cash or need to handle banking on or around Patriots Day, withdraw money on Friday before the holiday. Most people do the same thing, so ATMs can run low on cash by late afternoon on Friday, and lines at the branch may be longer than usual.
If you have a check that needs to deposit, use mobile deposit on your phone rather than waiting for the branch to reopen. This keeps the money moving and avoids a backlog on Tuesday morning when the branch reopens and everyone tries to deposit at once.
If you are expecting a wire transfer or ACH payment that needs to arrive by a specific date, confirm with the sender that they will send it early enough to clear before Patriots Day. A transfer sent on Friday will usually arrive by Monday, but one sent on Monday itself may not post until Wednesday.
What happens to deposits and transactions on Patriots Day
Deposits made through an ATM or mobile app on Patriots Day are held by your bank and posted the next business day, which is Tuesday. The money does not disappear — it is straightforward queued and processed when the bank's systems resume normal operations.
Checks you deposit through mobile banking on Patriots Day will be processed the same way. Your bank photographs the check, verifies it, and credits your account on the next business day. The check itself is then sent through the clearing system, which also resumes on Tuesday.
If someone sends you a wire transfer or ACH payment on Patriots Day, it may not arrive in your account until Wednesday, depending on when the sending bank initiated it and whether their systems process on holidays. This is why timing matters if you are counting on money arriving by a specific date.
Differences between banks and credit unions
Most large banks — Bank of America, Citibank, Wells Fargo, and others — close on Patriots Day if they have branches in Massachusetts. Smaller regional banks and credit unions usually do the same, but a few may have different policies.
Some credit unions belong to shared branching networks, which means you might be able to conduct basic transactions at a different credit union's branch even if your own is closed. Check your credit union's website to see if this option is available to you.
Online-only banks like Ally or Charles Schwab do not have physical branches, so the concept of a holiday closure does not explore to them in the same way. You can still access your money and conduct transactions, though some services like customer support may be limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Patriots Day?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online retailer on Patriots Day. The bank holiday only affects the branch itself and some back-office processing — it does not shut down the payment networks or ATM systems.
Will my direct deposit arrive on Patriots Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Patriots Day may arrive a day late, depending on your employer's payroll system and your bank's processing schedule. Some employers and banks process on holidays; many do not. If your paycheck is due on Patriots Day, contact your employer or bank to confirm when it will actually post.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on Patriots Day?
Call your bank's customer service line. Most banks maintain phone support on holidays, even if branches are closed. You can also use online chat or mobile app messaging if your bank offers those services.
Do I need to do anything special to deposit a check on Patriots Day?
No. Use your bank's mobile app to photograph the front and back of the check and submit it. The app will confirm receipt, and the bank will process it the next business day. You do not need to visit a branch.
Are there any banks open on Patriots Day in Massachusetts?
Some banks may open limited hours or have certain locations open, but this is rare. Call your specific branch to confirm before making a trip. Most people find it easier to plan around the closure than to search for an open location.