Most Massachusetts banks close on Patriots Day, but the timing depends on which bank you use

Patriots Day falls on the third Monday in May each year. On that day, most Massachusetts banks are closed — it is a state holiday. However, some banks stay open, and the ones that do have limited hours. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or handle a transaction on Patriots Day, you will need to know whether your specific bank observes the holiday.

The safest approach is to call your bank directly or check their website the week before. Banks publish holiday schedules in advance, and most let you see branch hours online. If your bank is closed, you can still use ATMs and mobile banking to move money, but you will not be able to speak to a person or handle transactions that require a teller.

Key Takeaways

  • Patriots Day is the third Monday in May, and most Massachusetts banks close on this day, though some branches may have limited hours.
  • ATMs and mobile banking apps work on Patriots Day even when branches are closed, so you can withdraw cash or transfer money without visiting a branch.
  • Some banks that operate nationally or have limited Massachusetts presence may stay open on Patriots Day because it is not a federal holiday.
  • Calling your bank or checking their website before Patriots Day is the only way to know for certain whether your branch will be open.
  • If you need to deposit a check or handle a transaction that requires a teller, plan to do it the day before or the day after the holiday.

Why Patriots Day affects bank hours differently than federal holidays

Patriots Day is a Massachusetts state holiday, not a federal holiday. This distinction matters because banks that operate only in Massachusetts almost always close on state holidays, but banks that operate across multiple states may not. A bank headquartered in New York or California has no legal requirement to close on Patriots Day, even if it has branches in Massachusetts.

Banks that do close on Patriots Day typically do so because they choose to honor the holiday for their Massachusetts employees and customers, not because they are required to by law. This is why you will see variation: some large national banks close all their Massachusetts branches on Patriots Day, while others keep a few open with reduced staffing.

Which Massachusetts banks typically close on Patriots Day

Banks based in Massachusetts or with a strong Massachusetts presence almost always close on Patriots Day. This includes Eastern Bank, Salem Five, and Brookline Bank. Larger regional banks like Bank of America and Citizens Bank close their Massachusetts branches on Patriots Day, though they may have different policies in other states.

If your bank is a credit union, check with your specific institution. Many Massachusetts credit unions close on Patriots Day, but some stay open. The best way to know is to contact your branch directly or log into your account online to see posted hours.

Banks that may stay open on Patriots Day

Some national banks with a smaller footprint in Massachusetts may stay open on Patriots Day because they do not have a significant Massachusetts workforce. However, this is not a reliable rule — you cannot assume a national bank will be open just because it is not based in Massachusetts.

Online-only banks and fintech companies do not have physical branches, so the concept of being "closed" does not explore to them. You can transfer money, check balances, and handle most transactions through their apps on Patriots Day. However, customer service phone lines may have reduced hours or be closed entirely.

What you can do on Patriots Day when branches are closed

ATMs work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of whether the branch is open. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), and check your balance on Patriots Day. Mobile banking apps also work around the clock, so you can transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and send money to other people.

Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated through your bank's website or app will process on Patriots Day, though they may not settle until the next business day. If you need to speak to a person at your bank, you will have to wait until the day after Patriots Day, unless your bank operates a customer service line that works on state holidays.

How to learn about your specific bank is open on Patriots Day

The most reliable source is your bank's website. Most banks publish holiday schedules several weeks in advance. Look for a "Holiday Hours" or "Branch Hours" section, or search for "Patriots Day" on the site. You can also call your local branch directly and ask whether they will be open on the third Monday in May.

If you bank with a large national bank, check whether they have a Massachusetts-specific holiday schedule. Some banks post different hours for different regions. If you cannot find the information online, call the branch you plan to visit and ask directly — staff can tell you whether they will be open and what services will be available.

Planning ahead to avoid Patriots Day closures

If you know you will need to visit your bank around Patriots Day, deposit checks or withdraw large amounts of cash the day before. This avoids the risk of finding your branch closed when you arrive. If you need to make a payment or transfer money on Patriots Day itself, use your mobile app or ATM instead of waiting for a branch to open.

For recurring transactions like bill payments or automatic transfers, set these up in advance through your bank's online system. They will process on schedule even if the branch is closed. If you have a time-sensitive transaction that requires a teller, schedule it for the day after Patriots Day to may support someone is available to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check on Patriots Day if the branch is closed?

If your ATM has a deposit slot, you can deposit a check 24 hours a day. If your ATM does not have this feature, you will need to wait until the branch reopens. Some banks also let you deposit checks through their mobile app by taking a photo of the front and back of the check.

Will my automatic bill payments process on Patriots Day?

Yes. Automatic payments and transfers you have already set up will process on Patriots Day, though they may not settle until the next business day. You do not need to do anything — they will go through as scheduled.

Is Patriots Day the same date every year?

No. Patriots Day is always the third Monday in May, so the date changes each year. In 2024 it falls on May 20, and in 2025 it falls on May 19. Check your bank's website each year to confirm their holiday schedule.

What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on Patriots Day?

Most branches will be closed, so you will not be able to visit in person. Some banks operate customer service phone lines on state holidays, but many do not. Call ahead to see if your bank has phone support available on Patriots Day.

Do online banks close on Patriots Day?

Online banks do not have physical branches, so they do not "close" in the traditional sense. You can access your account and move money through their app anytime. However, customer service lines may have reduced hours or be unavailable on Patriots Day.