Most banks are closed on Sundays, but you have options that work around the clock
Traditional bank branches do not open on Sundays. The vast majority of banks in the United States observe Sunday as a non-business day, which means you cannot walk into a physical location, speak to a teller, or use a staffed service window. However, this does not mean you cannot bank on Sunday — it means the way you bank changes depending on what you need to do.
If you need cash, a deposit, or account help on Sunday, your real options are ATMs (which run 24/7 at most banks), online banking portals, mobile apps, and customer service phone lines. Some credit unions and a small number of regional banks do open on Sunday, but they are the exception rather than the rule, and their hours are typically limited to afternoon slots.
Key Takeaways
- ATMs owned by your bank work on Sunday and do not charge you a fee, even though the branch itself is closed.
- Online banking and mobile apps let you transfer money, pay bills, and check balances on Sunday without visiting a branch.
- Customer service phone lines at most major banks operate on Sunday, though wait times are often longer than on weekdays.
- A small number of credit unions and regional banks open on Sunday afternoons, but you need to check your specific institution's schedule.
- If you need cash and do not have access to your bank's ATM, out-of-network ATMs charge fees that range widely depending on the operator.
ATMs work on Sunday even when branches are closed
Your bank's ATM is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including Sunday. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), transfer money between accounts, and check your balance without stepping foot in a branch. There is no fee for using your own bank's ATM, regardless of the day or time.
The catch is location. If you are away from home or do not have a nearby ATM, you may need to use an out-of-network machine. These charge fees — typically $2 to $3 per transaction — and some charge more. ATMs in casinos, bars, and tourist areas can charge $5 or higher. You pay the fee at the time of withdrawal, and it comes out of your account when ready.
If you use the same out-of-network ATM regularly, ask your bank whether they have a surcharge-free network you can join. Many banks belong to shared networks (like Allpoint or MoneyPass) that let you use thousands of ATMs without a fee.
Online banking and mobile apps work around the clock
Every major bank offers online banking through a website or mobile app, and both work on Sunday just as they do on any other day. You can log in at any hour to transfer money between your own accounts, send money to someone else, pay bills, deposit checks by photograph, and review your transaction history.
The timing of when the transaction actually posts depends on the type of transfer. A transfer between your own accounts at the same bank usually posts the same day or the next business day. A transfer to another person's account at a different bank (called an ACH transfer) typically takes one to three business days, even if you initiate it on Sunday. Wire transfers are faster but may not process until Monday morning if you send them late on Sunday.
If you need to deposit a check on Sunday, most banks let you photograph the front and back with your phone and submit it through the app. The bank credits the funds to your account, though the actual clearing process may take a few business days.
Customer service phone lines are usually open on Sunday
Most major banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank — staff customer service phone lines on Sunday. You can call to report a lost card, dispute a transaction, ask about your account, or get help with a problem. The phone number is on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website.
Sunday wait times are often longer than weekday wait times because fewer representatives are working. If you can handle your issue through the app or online banking, that is usually faster. If you need a human, calling early in the morning (around 8 or 9 a.m.) typically means a shorter wait than calling in the afternoon.
Some banks also offer chat support through their website or app on Sunday, which can be faster than calling if you have a straightforward question.
Credit unions and regional banks sometimes open on Sunday
A small number of credit unions and regional banks do open on Sunday, but hours vary widely. Some open for just a few hours in the afternoon (typically 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.), while others do not open at all. There is no industry standard, so you need to check your specific institution's schedule.
To find out whether your bank or credit union opens on Sunday, visit their website and look for "hours" or "locations." Most banks list Sunday hours separately from weekday hours. You can also call the branch directly or use their branch locator tool to see the schedule for the location nearest you.
If you belong to a credit union, ask whether they are part of a shared branching network. Some credit unions let you conduct business at other credit union branches on Sunday, even if your own branch is closed.
What to do if you need cash and cannot reach an ATM
If you need cash on Sunday and do not have access to your bank's ATM, your options are limited but real. You can use an out-of-network ATM and pay the fee, or you can ask a retailer whether they offer cash back with a debit card purchase. Many grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores let you withdraw cash at the register when you buy something, and they do not charge a fee.
Some banks also partner with retailers to offer surcharge-free ATM access. For example, Bank of America customers can use ATMs at Walgreens and CVS without a fee. Check your bank's website to see whether you have this benefit.
If you are traveling and need cash, ask your hotel front desk whether they can exchange a traveler's check or advance you cash against a credit card. This is not ideal, but it is an option if you are in a bind.
Planning ahead prevents Sunday banking problems
The simplest approach is to plan ahead. Withdraw cash on Friday or Saturday if you know you will need it on Sunday. Pay bills online during the week rather than waiting until the weekend. If you need to deposit a check, do it on Friday or use mobile deposit on Sunday and let it clear during the week.
If you travel frequently or live somewhere with limited ATM access, ask your bank about their surcharge-free network or whether they reimburse out-of-network ATM fees. Some banks (like Charles Schwab Bank and Ally Bank) reimburse all ATM fees nationwide, which can save you money if you use out-of-network machines often.
Keep your bank's customer service number saved in your phone. If something goes wrong on Sunday — a fraudulent charge, a lost card, or a locked account — you can reach someone quickly without hunting for the number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check on Sunday?
Yes, through mobile deposit. Most banks let you photograph the front and back of a check using your phone and submit it through the app on Sunday. The bank credits the funds to your account, though the check clears during the next business day. Some banks also have ATMs with deposit slots that work 24/7.
Will a wire transfer I send on Sunday go through the same day?
No. Wire transfers sent on Sunday typically do not process until Monday morning. If you need money to move on Sunday, use an ACH transfer (which takes one to three business days) or ask the recipient whether they can wait until Monday for a wire.
Do I pay a fee to use my bank's ATM on Sunday?
No. Your bank does not charge you to use its own ATM, regardless of the day or time. You only pay a fee if you use an ATM owned by a different bank or operator.
What if my bank branch is closed on Sunday but I need to speak to someone?
Call the customer service number on the back of your card. Most major banks staff phone lines on Sunday, though wait times may be longer than on weekdays. You can also try chat support through the bank's website or app.
Are there any banks that are always open on Sunday?
No bank is open every Sunday across all locations. Some credit unions and regional banks open on Sunday afternoons, but it varies by branch and institution. Check your specific bank's website or call ahead to confirm Sunday hours at the location you plan to visit.