Most banks close on Veterans Day, but the rules vary by bank and state
Yes, most banks in the United States close on Veterans Day (November 11). Federal banks must close because the federal government observes Veterans Day as a paid holiday. However, some banks stay open, and a few states observe the holiday on a different date or under a different name. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or handle a banking transaction on or around November 11, you should check with your specific bank rather than assume it will be closed.
The closure affects more than just branch hours. Automated clearing houses (ACHs) that process transfers between banks also close on Veterans Day, which means electronic transfers initiated on that day may not post until the next business day. Wire transfers may also experience delays. If you have a time-sensitive payment due, plan to send it before November 10.
Key Takeaways
- Federal banks must close on Veterans Day, but some credit unions and online-only banks may remain open—contact your bank directly to confirm.
- Electronic transfers and ACH payments initiated on Veterans Day will not process until the next business day, so send time-sensitive payments on November 10 or earlier.
- A handful of states (Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina) observe the holiday under a different name or on a different date, which may affect local banks in those states.
- ATMs and mobile banking apps continue to work on Veterans Day even when branches are closed, so you can still withdraw cash and check balances.
Which banks close and which stay open
National banks and most state-chartered banks close on Veterans Day because they are regulated by federal banking authorities. This includes the major chains: Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional banks. Credit unions typically close as well, though some credit unions that are not federally chartered may stay open—this varies by institution and by state.
Online-only banks and some smaller community banks may remain open on Veterans Day because they do not operate physical branches. If you bank with an online institution like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, or a similar provider, you can still log in and conduct transactions through their app or website. However, customer service phone lines may be closed, and any transactions requiring human review might be delayed until the next business day.
The safest approach is to call your bank's customer service line or check their website before November 11. Most banks publish their holiday hours in advance, and many send notifications to customers about closures.
How Veterans Day closures affect transfers and payments
When banks close on a federal holiday, the Federal Reserve also closes, which stops the processing of ACH transfers—the electronic system that moves money between bank accounts. If you initiate an ACH transfer on Veterans Day, it will not leave your account until the next business day, and it will not arrive at the receiving account until one to two business days after that. This matters if you are paying a bill with an ACH transfer and the due date is November 11 or November 12.
Wire transfers have different rules. Some banks process wires on holidays, but many do not. If you need to send a wire on or around Veterans Day, contact your bank to ask whether they will process it. If they will not, send the wire on November 10 or earlier.
Credit card payments, mortgage payments, and other bill payments scheduled to post on Veterans Day may post on November 12 instead, depending on your bank and the receiving institution. Check your payment confirmation to see the expected posting date. If a payment is due on November 11 and you are cutting it close, pay by November 10.
States that observe Veterans Day differently
Three states—Alabama, Mississippi, and South Carolina—do not observe Veterans Day on November 11. Instead, they observe it under a different name or on a different date. Alabama and Mississippi observe "Veterans Day" on November 11 but also observe a separate state holiday called "Confederate Memorial Day" on a different date. South Carolina observes "Veterans Day" on November 11 but calls it "South Carolina Veterans Day" and may have different closure rules for state-chartered banks.
If you bank with a state-chartered bank in one of these states, the bank may follow state holiday rules rather than federal rules. Contact your bank to confirm whether it will be open on November 11. Federal banks operating in these states must still close on November 11 because they follow federal law, not state law.
ATMs, mobile apps, and services that stay open
ATMs operate 24/7 on Veterans Day, even when bank branches are closed. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks using mobile deposit, and check your balance at any time. Mobile banking apps also work normally on Veterans Day—you can transfer money between your own accounts, view transactions, and set up future payments.
However, some services do require a branch or a live person. If you need to open a new account, get a cashier's check, dispute a transaction, or speak to a loan officer, you will need to wait until November 12. If you need a cashier's check on November 11, plan ahead and get it on November 10.
Planning ahead for Veterans Day banking
If you have banking needs around Veterans Day, take these steps: First, check your bank's website or call customer service to confirm their hours on November 11. Second, if you need to make a time-sensitive payment, send it on November 10 or earlier. Third, if you need cash, withdraw it before November 11 using an ATM. Fourth, if you need a service that requires a branch visit, schedule it for November 12 or later.
For payroll, if your employer uses direct deposit and your pay date falls on Veterans Day, the deposit will likely post on November 12 instead. Check with your employer's payroll department if you are unsure. If you are expecting a tax refund or government payment on November 11, it may arrive on November 12 if the deposit is processed through the banking system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day if my bank is closed?
Yes. Debit cards work at any merchant or ATM on Veterans Day, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. You can make purchases, withdraw cash, and check your balance. The only limitation is that you cannot visit a branch to speak with a banker or conduct services that require in-person verification.
Will my direct deposit arrive on time if Veterans Day falls on my payday?
Direct deposits scheduled for Veterans Day typically post on November 12 instead, because the Federal Reserve does not process ACH transfers on federal holidays. Check with your employer's payroll department to confirm the expected deposit date. Some employers deposit payroll the day before a holiday to avoid delays.
What if I need to deposit a check on Veterans Day?
If your bank has a mobile deposit feature in its app, you can photograph and deposit the check on Veterans Day, and it will process on November 12. If you need to deposit a physical check at a branch, you will have to wait until November 12. Some banks offer after-hours deposit envelopes at their branches, but these are typically collected the next business day.
Do credit unions close on Veterans Day?
Most federally chartered credit unions close on Veterans Day. Some state-chartered credit unions may stay open, depending on state law and the credit union's policy. Contact your credit union directly to confirm their hours on November 11.
Will my bill payment go through if I schedule it for Veterans Day?
It depends on the type of payment and the receiving institution. ACH payments will not process until November 12. Wire transfers may or may not process, depending on your bank. To be safe, schedule bill payments for November 10 or earlier if the due date is November 11 or 12.