Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches stay open depending on where you bank
Yes, most banks close on Veterans Day (November 11). The Federal Reserve observes Veterans Day as a holiday, which means the banking system itself shuts down — no wire transfers, no ACH payments, no check clearing. If your bank is part of the Federal Reserve system, which nearly all are, your local branch will be closed and you cannot conduct business there.
However, some banks keep certain branches open on Veterans Day, and some online-only banks process transactions normally. The difference depends on your bank's policy and whether you need in-person service or can use ATMs and digital banking.
Key Takeaways
- The Federal Reserve closes on Veterans Day, so traditional bank branches do not open for in-person service.
- ATMs and online banking usually work on Veterans Day even when branches are closed, because they run on separate systems.
- Some banks operate a small number of branches on Veterans Day; call your specific branch the day before to confirm.
- Wire transfers, ACH payments, and check deposits do not process on Veterans Day — they clear the next business day.
- Online banks and credit unions may have different holiday schedules, so check your institution's website for their Veterans Day hours.
What actually closes and what stays open on Veterans Day
Bank branches close, but your money does not disappear. ATMs work normally on Veterans Day because they are connected to a separate network that runs around the clock. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks into an ATM envelope (though the deposit will not post until the next business day).
Online banking portals and mobile apps also work on Veterans Day. You can log in, view your accounts, and set up transfers — but any transfer you initiate will not actually move money until the next business day when the Federal Reserve reopens. The same applies to bill payments scheduled through your bank's website; they queue up and process on November 12.
Wire transfers and ACH transfers (the electronic payments that move money between accounts) do not process on Veterans Day. If you send a wire on November 11, it sits in the queue until November 12. Checks deposited on Veterans Day do not clear until November 12 at the earliest.
Which banks might stay open on Veterans Day
Some large national banks keep a handful of branches open on Veterans Day, usually in major cities or at high-traffic locations. Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank sometimes operate select branches, but this varies by location and year. A branch open in one city might be closed in another.
Credit unions follow their own holiday schedules. Some close on Veterans Day, others stay open. Your credit union's website will list its holiday hours, or you can call the branch directly.
Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can use their services normally on Veterans Day, though any transfers initiated will still queue until the next business day because the Federal Reserve is closed.
How to learn about your specific bank is open on Veterans Day
Call your branch directly the day before Veterans Day. Do not rely on the bank's main customer service line or website, because they often give general information that does not reflect local branch decisions. Ask the person who answers whether that specific branch will be open on November 11 and what hours they will keep.
Check your bank's website for a holiday hours page. Most banks publish this in early November. Search for "Veterans Day hours" or "holiday hours" on their site, or look for a branch locator that shows individual branch schedules.
If you use an online bank, visit their website or app and search for their holiday schedule. They usually post it in October or early November.
What to do if you need banking services on Veterans Day
Plan ahead. If you need to deposit a check, deposit it into an ATM on November 10 or wait until November 12. If you need to send a wire transfer, send it on November 10 or November 12. The one-day delay rarely matters for routine transactions.
If you need cash, use an ATM on Veterans Day. Your bank's ATM is free; ATMs from other banks may charge a fee, but they work on the holiday.
If you have an urgent banking problem — a fraudulent charge, a locked account, a missing deposit — call your bank's customer service line on Veterans Day. Most banks staff their phone lines even when branches are closed. You may not be able to resolve everything over the phone, but you can report the problem and ask what to do next.
Why the Federal Reserve closes on Veterans Day
Veterans Day is a federal holiday, and the Federal Reserve observes all federal holidays. When the Federal Reserve closes, the entire banking system's clearing and settlement operations stop. This is why wire transfers and ACH payments do not process — there is no central system running to move the money between banks.
Individual banks could theoretically stay open and let you withdraw money or make deposits, but they cannot move money electronically without the Federal Reserve. Most banks choose to close their branches rather than staff them for cash-only service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day?
Yes. Debit card transactions process normally on Veterans Day because they run through separate payment networks (Visa, Mastercard) that operate independently of the Federal Reserve. Your purchase will go through, and the money will leave your account, though the exact timing depends on the merchant.
Will my direct deposit hit my account on Veterans Day?
No. Employers typically process payroll the day before a federal holiday so deposits arrive on the last business day before the holiday. If your employer processes payroll on Veterans Day itself, the deposit will not post until November 12.
What if I need to cash a check on Veterans Day?
You cannot cash it at a bank branch on Veterans Day. Some grocery stores and check-cashing services stay open and will cash checks for a fee. Otherwise, wait until November 12 to cash it at your bank or deposit it into an ATM.
Do credit card payments process on Veterans Day?
Credit card payments you make online or through an app will be accepted on Veterans Day, but they will not actually post to your account until November 12. If you are close to a payment deadline, pay on November 10 to be safe.
Is Veterans Day the same as Memorial Day for bank closures?
Yes. Both are federal holidays, so banks close and the Federal Reserve shuts down. The same rules apply: branches close, ATMs work, online banking works but transfers do not process until the next business day.