Most banks close on Veterans Day, but not all branches and not all banking services
Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. On that day, most major banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — close their physical branches because it is a federal holiday. However, the closure is not universal. Some credit unions and smaller regional banks stay open, and almost all banks keep their online and mobile services running.
If you need cash or have to speak to someone in person, call your bank the day before to confirm whether your specific branch will be open. Do not assume based on the bank's name alone — branch hours vary by location, and some branches in certain areas may stay open even when most do not.
Key Takeaways
- Major national banks close their branches on Veterans Day, but online banking, ATMs, and mobile apps continue to work.
- Credit unions and regional banks have different policies — some close, some stay open — so you need to check with your institution directly.
- ATM withdrawals and transfers through your bank's app or website are available 24/7 on Veterans Day, even if branches are closed.
- If you need cash before Veterans Day, withdraw it on November 10 or earlier to avoid being caught without access.
What stays open on Veterans Day at major banks
ATMs remain available at all times, including Veterans Day. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts using any ATM belonging to your bank or a network your bank participates in.
Online banking portals and mobile apps work normally on Veterans Day. You can pay bills, transfer money between accounts, deposit checks by phone camera, and check your balance from home or anywhere with internet access. These services do not stop because a branch is closed.
Phone banking lines at some banks may have reduced staffing or longer wait times, but many banks maintain customer service phone lines on federal holidays. If you need to speak to someone, try calling early in the morning.
Which banks typically close and which may stay open
Banks that close on Veterans Day: Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank, PNC Bank, TD Bank, and Ally Bank all close their physical branches. This is standard practice for federally chartered banks and most state-chartered banks.
Banks that may stay open: Some credit unions, community banks, and online-only banks do not observe Veterans Day as a closure day. Navy Federal Credit Union, for example, has different policies than traditional banks. Local and regional banks vary widely — some close, some stay open with reduced hours.
The only way to know for certain is to contact your bank directly. Call the branch phone number or check your bank's website for Veterans Day hours. Most banks post holiday schedules online by early November.
How to plan ahead if you need banking services on Veterans Day
If you know you will need cash or banking services on November 11, withdraw cash the day before. Most ATMs have daily withdrawal limits, so plan how much you will need and pull it out on November 10.
If you need to deposit a check, use mobile check deposit through your bank's app — this works on Veterans Day and the check will be processed when the bank reopens on November 12. Do not wait until Veterans Day to deposit if the check is time-sensitive.
If you have a payment due on Veterans Day, pay it online or through your bank's app before the holiday. Most bills can be scheduled to pay automatically or set up in advance. If you are unsure whether a payment will go through on a holiday, contact the company you are paying and ask.
What happens to checks and transfers on Veterans Day
Checks deposited on Veterans Day through mobile deposit will be processed the next business day, which is November 12. The bank does not process deposits on the holiday itself, but the app will accept your deposit and hold it until processing resumes.
Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated on Veterans Day may not process until November 12 or later, depending on the type of transfer and your bank's processing schedule. If you need money to move urgently, initiate the transfer before November 11.
Payments you schedule through your bank's bill pay system will go out on the date you select, even if that date is Veterans Day. However, the receiving institution may not process it until November 12.
Federal employee payroll and government payments on Veterans Day
Federal employees are paid on schedule even though Veterans Day is a federal holiday — the paychecks hit accounts on the regular pay date. If your pay date falls on November 11, your deposit will arrive as scheduled because the Federal Reserve processes government payments on holidays.
Social Security payments, VA benefits, and other federal benefit payments also arrive on schedule. These are not delayed by Veterans Day. If your regular payment date is November 11, the money will be in your account on that day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online retailer on Veterans Day. The branch being closed does not affect your card. You can also use contactless payment, online shopping, and any other card-based transaction normally.
Will my direct deposit go through on Veterans Day?
Yes. Direct deposits from employers, government agencies, and other sources are processed by the Federal Reserve and arrive on schedule, even on federal holidays. Your employer's payroll does not stop because the bank is closed.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on Veterans Day?
Call your bank's customer service line — many maintain phone support on federal holidays, though wait times may be longer. If you cannot reach anyone, use online chat if your bank offers it, or wait until November 12 when branches reopen. For emergencies like fraud, most banks have 24/7 fraud lines.
Do online banks close on Veterans Day?
No. Banks that operate only online, like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and others, do not have physical branches to close. Their services run 24/7 on Veterans Day just like any other day. However, customer support phone lines may have reduced hours.
Can I still use my bank's app to transfer money on Veterans Day?
Yes. Mobile apps and online banking work on Veterans Day. Transfers between your own accounts happen immediately. Transfers to other people or institutions may not process until November 12, depending on the type of transfer.