Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches stay open
Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. Most major banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others — close their physical branches on this federal holiday. However, you can still access your money through ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps on Veterans Day itself.
The closure affects in-person services only. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash at a teller window, or speak to someone about a loan or account issue, you'll need to wait until the next business day. Some credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different holiday schedules, so checking with your specific institution is worth doing if you have an account there.
If Veterans Day falls on a weekend, most banks observe the holiday on the nearest weekday — usually the Friday before if November 11 is a Saturday, or the Monday after if it's a Sunday. This means your bank may close on a different date than the actual holiday.
Key Takeaways
- Major banks close their branches on Veterans Day (November 11), but ATMs and online banking remain available 24/7.
- When November 11 falls on a weekend, banks typically observe the holiday on Friday or Monday instead, depending on which day is closer.
- If you need to deposit checks or handle in-person banking on or near Veterans Day, plan your visit for the day before or after the holiday.
- Credit unions and smaller banks may have different holiday schedules, so contact your bank directly if you're unsure about their closure dates.
How to handle banking needs around Veterans Day
Plan ahead if you need to deposit checks or handle transactions that require a teller. Most banks process deposits made through ATMs or mobile apps the next business day, so a deposit on November 10 will typically post by November 12 or 13. If you're mailing a check, send it several days early to account for mail delivery time plus the holiday.
For bill payments and transfers, use your bank's online platform or mobile app. These services run continuously and don't stop for holidays. Set up automatic payments before Veterans Day if you have bills due around that time, or make manual transfers through your bank's website the day before the holiday.
If you need cash, withdraw it on November 10 or use an ATM on Veterans Day itself. ATMs don't close for federal holidays and will dispense money as long as you have funds available and your card is active.
What happens to checks and deposits on Veterans Day
Checks deposited through an ATM or mobile app on Veterans Day will be processed the next business day the bank is open. If you deposit a check on November 11, it will typically be processed on November 12 (or November 13 if November 12 is also a weekend). The funds may take an additional one to two business days to clear, depending on the check's origin and your bank's policies.
Checks deposited at a teller window must wait until the bank reopens. If you deposit in person on November 10, processing begins that day. If you wait until November 12, processing begins then. The difference is usually just one business day, but it matters if you're counting on the money quickly.
When your bank might stay open on Veterans Day
Some credit unions, online-only banks, and smaller regional institutions may not observe Veterans Day as a closure. Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and others have no physical branches, so there's nothing to close — you can access your account anytime. Call or check your bank's website to confirm their specific holiday schedule.
A few banks in states or regions with different holiday observances may also stay open. For example, some banks in areas with significant military presence may choose to close on a different day or not at all. Your best move is to contact your bank directly or check their website for a holiday calendar.
Planning for Veterans Day if you bank online
If you use an online-only bank or primarily handle transactions through your bank's app, Veterans Day won't affect you. You can transfer money, pay bills, deposit checks by photo, and check your balance at any time. The only limitation is if you need to speak to customer service — some online banks reduce their phone support hours on federal holidays, though many maintain full staffing.
Check your bank's website or app for their customer service hours on Veterans Day. Most online banks list holiday hours clearly in their help section or on their contact page. If you anticipate needing to call, do it on November 10 or 12 instead.
What to do if you need banking services on Veterans Day
If you absolutely need in-person banking on November 11, check whether any branches in your area stay open. Some banks operate a small number of branches on federal holidays, particularly in busy urban areas or near military bases. Call ahead to confirm before making the trip.
For most situations, you can handle the transaction before or after the holiday. Move your deposit up to November 10, schedule your bill payment through online banking for November 12, or withdraw cash the day before. These small shifts in timing prevent the need to find an open branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my ATM work on Veterans Day?
Yes. ATMs operate 24/7 and don't close for federal holidays. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between accounts on Veterans Day using any ATM from your bank or a network partner.
If I deposit a check on Veterans Day through my phone, when will it post?
Mobile check deposits made on Veterans Day will be processed the next business day the bank is open, typically November 12. The funds may take an additional one to two business days to clear, depending on the check's origin and your bank's policies.
Do all banks close on Veterans Day?
Most major banks close their physical branches on Veterans Day, but online banks and some credit unions may not. Check with your specific bank or credit union to confirm their holiday schedule, as policies vary by institution.
What if November 11 falls on a Saturday or Sunday?
Banks observe the holiday on the nearest weekday — usually Friday if November 11 is a Saturday, or Monday if it's a Sunday. Your bank's website or a quick phone call will confirm which day they're closed in that year.
Can I pay bills on Veterans Day?
Yes, through online banking or your bank's mobile app. You can set up transfers and bill payments anytime, and they'll process on the next business day. If you're paying a third party (like a utility company), check their website to see if they also close on Veterans Day.