Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches and online services stay available
Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. Most major banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank — close their physical branches on this federal holiday. However, you can still move money online through your bank's website or mobile app, and ATMs work normally. If you need to speak to someone or conduct business that requires a teller, you will need to wait until the next business day.
Some smaller regional banks and credit unions may have different schedules, so check with your specific institution before you plan a trip to a branch. A quick call to your branch or a look at their website will tell you whether they are open. The distinction matters because it affects whether you can deposit cash, get a cashier's check, or resolve account issues on or around the holiday.
Key Takeaways
- Major national banks close their branches on Veterans Day, but online banking and ATMs remain available.
- Checks you deposit through mobile deposit or ATM will process when the bank reopens the next business day.
- Credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different holiday schedules, so contact your bank directly to confirm.
- If you need a teller or in-person service, plan to visit on November 10 or after November 12.
- Wire transfers and direct deposits may post one day late because the Federal Reserve is also closed on Veterans Day.
What stays open on Veterans Day
ATMs operate 24/7 on Veterans Day, so you can withdraw cash or check your balance at any time. Online banking through your bank's website or app works normally — you can transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and check transactions without any interruption. Debit cards also work at stores, gas stations, and online retailers throughout the day.
Mobile deposit (taking a photo of a check through your bank's app) also works on the holiday itself. However, the check will not actually be processed and deposited into your account until the next business day when the bank reopens. The same applies to checks deposited through an ATM envelope — they sit in the machine until staff process them after the holiday ends.
What closes and when service resumes
Physical bank branches close on Veterans Day. Teller windows, loan officers, and in-person services are not available. If you need to deposit cash, get a cashier's check, open a new account, or discuss an account issue face-to-face, you will have to wait until the next business day.
Banks reopen on November 12 (or the next business day if November 12 falls on a weekend). Any deposits you made through ATM or mobile deposit on the holiday will post to your account once the bank processes them after reopening. This means a check deposited on Veterans Day itself will not show in your available balance until November 12 or later, depending on your bank's processing timeline.
How to plan ahead if you need banking services
If you know you will need in-person banking around Veterans Day, visit your branch on November 10 or earlier. Deposit cash, get cashier's checks, open accounts, or handle any account changes before the holiday. This is especially important if you need cash on hand — withdrawing before the holiday ensures you have what you need without relying on an ATM.
For bill payments or transfers, use online banking or your mobile app — these work on the holiday and will process normally. If you are expecting a check deposit, use mobile deposit on Veterans Day itself so it posts as soon as the bank reopens. Plan wire transfers for November 10 or November 12 if timing matters, since the Federal Reserve is closed on the holiday and will delay processing.
Credit unions and smaller banks may have different hours
Not all financial institutions follow the same holiday schedule. Some credit unions stay open on Veterans Day, while others close. Regional banks may have their own policies. The only way to know for certain is to contact your bank or credit union directly.
Call your branch, check their website, or look at their mobile app — most banks post holiday hours in advance, often several weeks before the holiday. A five-minute call can save you a wasted trip. Some institutions also send email or text reminders about holiday closures to account holders.
Wire transfers and other services on Veterans Day
Wire transfers initiated through online banking on Veterans Day will not send until the next business day. The Federal Reserve, which processes many interbank transfers, is also closed on Veterans Day, so any transaction that requires Fed involvement will be delayed. This includes ACH transfers (the system used for many bill payments and payroll deposits).
If you need to send money urgently around the holiday, plan to initiate the transfer on November 10 or wait until November 12. Same-day wire services are not available on federal holidays. Direct deposits scheduled to arrive on Veterans Day may post a day late for the same reason — the Federal Reserve is not processing transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day?
Yes. Debit cards work normally on Veterans Day at stores, gas stations, and online retailers. The holiday only affects your bank's physical branches and some internal processing — it does not stop you from spending money or using ATMs.
Will my direct deposit post on Veterans Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Veterans Day may post a day late because the Federal Reserve is closed. Check with your employer or the organization sending the deposit — they can tell you whether it will arrive on November 11 or November 12.
What if I need cash on Veterans Day?
Use an ATM. ATMs work 24/7 on all federal holidays, including Veterans Day. If you do not have enough cash on hand, withdraw from any ATM in your bank's network or a partner network.
Do online banks close on Veterans Day?
Online-only banks (like Ally or Charles Schwab Bank) do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can transfer money, pay bills, and manage your account normally on Veterans Day through their website or app.
Can I deposit a check on Veterans Day?
You can deposit a check through mobile deposit or an ATM on Veterans Day, but it will not process until the next business day. You cannot deposit cash at an ATM, and you cannot hand a check to a teller because branches are closed.