Yes, most banks and post offices close on Veterans Day
Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. On that day, most banks observe the federal holiday and close their branches. The U.S. Postal Service also closes all post offices on Veterans Day. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or mail a package, you will need to do it before November 11 or wait until the next business day.
Some banks and credit unions may have different policies, particularly if they are smaller institutions or operate in states with their own holiday schedules. A few banks may keep limited hours or operate certain branches, but this is uncommon. Your best approach is to call your bank or credit union directly to confirm their Veterans Day schedule rather than assume they are open.
ATMs and online banking remain available on Veterans Day even when physical locations are closed. You can withdraw cash from ATMs, transfer money between accounts, pay bills online, and check your balance without visiting a branch or post office.
Key Takeaways
- Federal banks and all U.S. Postal Service locations close on November 11 for Veterans Day, with no in-person services available.
- ATMs work normally on Veterans Day, and you can conduct most banking tasks online or through mobile apps.
- Mail is not delivered on Veterans Day, and post offices do not accept packages or letters for mailing that day.
- Private banks and credit unions may have different policies, so contact your institution directly to confirm their schedule.
- Plan ahead if you need to mail something or conduct in-person banking around Veterans Day.
What happens to mail delivery on Veterans Day
The U.S. Postal Service does not deliver mail on Veterans Day. No mail carriers will be out on November 11, and no packages will move through the system that day. If you are expecting a time-sensitive delivery, it will arrive the day after Veterans Day instead.
Post offices do not accept new mail, packages, or letters for mailing on Veterans Day. If you need to mail something, do it on November 10 or wait until November 12. Priority Mail Express, which normally guarantees delivery on specific dates, will not deliver on Veterans Day — your may provide delivery date will shift to the next business day.
If a package is scheduled to arrive on November 11, USPS will hold it and deliver it on November 12. You do not need to do anything; the carrier will attempt delivery the next day.
Which banks stay open and which close
All national banks and federally chartered banks close on Veterans Day because it is a federal holiday. This includes Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most other large institutions. State-chartered banks that are members of the Federal Reserve also close.
Credit unions typically close on Veterans Day as well, though some smaller or regional credit unions may operate on different schedules. Call your credit union ahead of time to confirm. Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover do not have physical branches, so there is no "closing," but customer service phone lines may have reduced hours or be closed.
A small number of banks may keep one or two branches open in major cities, but this is rare. Do not assume your bank is open on Veterans Day — contact them directly or check their website for their specific holiday schedule.
How to handle banking needs around Veterans Day
If you need cash, withdraw it on November 10. ATMs work 24/7 on Veterans Day, so you can get money any time, but if you need a large amount or a cashier's check, you must visit a branch before the holiday.
If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit through your bank's app if you have it. Most banks allow you to photograph the front and back of a check and deposit it without visiting a branch. The deposit will post on the next business day after Veterans Day.
If you need to wire money, transfer funds between accounts, or pay bills, do this online or through your mobile app. These transactions process normally on Veterans Day even though branches are closed. If you cannot do it online, complete the transaction on November 10.
If you have a time-sensitive banking need that requires speaking to someone, call your bank on November 10 and handle it then. Do not wait until November 11.
Planning ahead for mail and packages
If you are sending a package and need it to arrive by a specific date, mail it at least two business days before that date to account for Veterans Day. For example, if you need something to arrive by November 13, mail it by November 9.
If you are expecting a delivery around November 11, check the tracking number on the carrier's website. USPS, UPS, and FedEx all have different holiday schedules. USPS does not deliver on Veterans Day, but UPS and FedEx may, depending on the service level you paid for. Check your tracking page to see the estimated delivery date.
If you need to mail something on November 11 and it is urgent, use a private carrier like UPS or FedEx instead. They may operate on Veterans Day depending on the service you choose, though many locations close as well. Call ahead to confirm.
State-specific variations and exceptions
A few states observe Veterans Day on a different date or call it by a different name. Alabama observes it as "Armistice Day" on November 11. South Carolina calls it "Veterans Day" but also observes it as a paid holiday for state employees. These state-level differences do not affect federal banks or the U.S. Postal Service, which close nationwide on November 11.
Some states have additional holidays that fall near Veterans Day, which can affect local banks and businesses. Check your state's holiday calendar if you live in a state with unique observances.
Federal holidays apply uniformly to all federal institutions, including the Federal Reserve, federal banks, and USPS. Private banks may choose to follow federal holidays or set their own schedules, so always confirm with your specific bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card or ATM on Veterans Day?
Yes. ATMs work 24/7 on Veterans Day, and you can use your debit card to make purchases at stores and online. You just cannot visit a bank branch to speak with a teller or conduct in-person transactions.
Will my direct deposit process on Veterans Day?
Yes. Direct deposits from employers and government payments (like Social Security) process normally on Veterans Day. The money will appear in your account on the scheduled date, even though banks are closed.
What if I need to mail something on November 11?
Post offices are closed, so you cannot mail anything through USPS on Veterans Day. Mail it on November 10 instead. If it is urgent, use UPS or FedEx, but call ahead to confirm they are open in your area.
Do credit unions close on Veterans Day?
Most credit unions close on Veterans Day, but some smaller ones may stay open. Call your credit union to confirm their schedule. Online services and ATMs work normally regardless of branch closures.
Will my package arrive late because of Veterans Day?
If USPS is delivering your package, it will arrive one day later than originally scheduled. UPS and FedEx may or may not be affected depending on the service level and your location. Check your tracking page for the updated delivery date.