Most banks close on Memorial Day, but some branches and services stay open
Memorial Day is a federal holiday, which means most banks shut their doors for the day. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to someone in person, you will not be able to do that at a traditional bank branch on Memorial Day itself. However, the picture is more complicated than a simple closed sign — some services keep running, and some banks open on the Monday after if the holiday falls on a Sunday.
The banks that close are the ones you walk into: Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional and local banks all observe Memorial Day as a paid holiday for their employees. ATMs stay open 24/7 regardless, so you can withdraw cash or check your balance any time. Online banking and mobile apps work the same way they always do. The real constraint is human service — tellers, loan officers, and customer service representatives are not working.
Key Takeaways
- Bank branches close on Memorial Day, but ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps remain available around the clock.
- If you need to deposit a physical check or speak to a teller, you will have to wait until the next business day.
- Wire transfers and ACH payments sent on Memorial Day may not process until the following business day, depending on your bank.
- Credit unions follow the same holiday schedule as banks, though a few smaller ones may have different hours — call ahead if you are unsure.
- If Memorial Day falls on a Sunday, most banks reopen on Tuesday (since Monday is the observed holiday), but some open on Monday instead.
What stays open on Memorial Day
ATMs are your main lifeline on Memorial Day. Every major bank operates its ATM network 24/7, holiday or not. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), transfer money between your own accounts, and check your balance without stepping into a branch.
Online and mobile banking work exactly as they do on any other day. You can pay bills, transfer money between accounts, deposit checks by photograph, and review your transactions. The only thing you cannot do is move money to or from accounts at other banks — those transfers (called ACH transfers) are processed by the banking system itself, which does not operate on federal holidays. A transfer you initiate on Memorial Day will sit in a queue and process the next business day.
Wire transfers have the same delay. If you send a wire on Memorial Day, it will not leave your bank until Tuesday. If you are expecting a wire to arrive on Memorial Day, it will not land until the next business day. Some banks allow you to schedule transfers in advance, so if you know you will need money moved, set it up before the holiday.
When to plan ahead for checks and deposits
If you have a check to deposit, plan to do it before Memorial Day or wait until the day after. Checks deposited at an ATM on Memorial Day will be processed the next business day, just like any other deposit. The timing does not change — the bank simply does not process anything on the holiday itself.
If you are expecting a check to arrive on or around Memorial Day, remember that the mail does not run on the holiday either. A check mailed to arrive on Memorial Day will arrive on Tuesday instead. Once it arrives, deposit it at an ATM or through your mobile app, and it will clear according to your bank's normal deposit timeline (usually one to three business days for checks from other banks).
For time-sensitive deposits — like a paycheck you need to clear before a bill is due — deposit it the day before Memorial Day. Do not wait and hope it processes on the holiday.
Credit unions and smaller banks
Credit unions follow the same federal holiday schedule as banks. Most credit unions close on Memorial Day and reopen the next business day. However, some smaller credit unions or community banks may have different policies, so if you bank somewhere local, call ahead or check their website to confirm.
A few credit unions stay open on some federal holidays, but this is rare. If your credit union is part of a shared branching network, you may be able to visit a different branch that is open, but do not assume this without checking first.
What happens if Memorial Day falls on a Sunday
When Memorial Day lands on a Sunday, the federal government observes the holiday on Monday instead. This means banks close on Monday, not Sunday. Most banks reopen on Tuesday morning.
However, some banks open on Monday anyway, treating Sunday as a regular weekend day and Monday as a regular business day. This is less common, but it happens. If you need to know for certain, call your bank or check their website — they will have a holiday schedule posted.
Planning for bills and payments due on or after Memorial Day
If a bill is due on Memorial Day, it will not be processed that day. A payment you send by mail will not arrive until Tuesday. An online payment you schedule for Memorial Day will process on Tuesday instead. If your bill has a grace period, you are usually safe, but if it does not, pay a day or two early to avoid a late fee.
Automatic payments (like a mortgage or utility bill that comes out of your account on a set date) will process on the next business day if the scheduled date falls on Memorial Day. Your bank will handle the timing, but the payment will go through — you do not need to do anything.
If you are worried about a payment timing, call your bank or log into your account and check when automatic payments are scheduled. Most banks show you the exact date a payment will process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Memorial Day?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online retailer on Memorial Day just like any other day. The only thing you cannot do is visit a bank branch in person to speak to someone or conduct business that requires a teller.
Will my direct deposit hit my account on Memorial Day?
No. Direct deposits are processed by the banking system on business days only. If your employer sends payroll on Memorial Day, it will land in your account on Tuesday. Check with your employer about their payroll schedule if you are unsure when you will be paid.
What if I need cash and the ATM is broken?
If your bank's ATM is out of service on Memorial Day, you will have to wait until Tuesday to visit a branch. Some banks participate in ATM networks that let you use another bank's ATM without a fee — check your bank's website to see if this option is available to you. Otherwise, a convenience store or grocery store ATM may work, though you may pay a fee.
Can I call my bank's customer service on Memorial Day?
Most banks have reduced or no customer service on federal holidays. Some large banks run a skeleton crew for emergencies, but you should not count on getting through. If you have a question, call the day before or the day after. For urgent issues, check your bank's website — many have a phone number for after-hours emergencies.
Do online banks close on Memorial Day?
Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. Their websites and apps work normally. Customer service may be limited or unavailable, but your account and your money are accessible 24/7.