Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches stay open

Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. On that day, all federally chartered banks close, and most state-chartered banks close as well. This means you cannot visit a branch, use the ATM inside the building, or speak to a teller. However, some banks keep their ATMs accessible even when the branch is closed, and online banking continues to work.

The banks that close on Veterans Day include the major national chains: Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank, and most regional and community banks. Credit unions typically close too. If you bank with a smaller institution or a credit union, call ahead or check your bank's website to confirm, because closure policies vary.

If Veterans Day falls on a weekend, most banks observe the holiday on the nearest weekday instead. When November 11 is a Saturday, banks usually close on Friday, November 10. When it falls on a Sunday, they close on Monday, November 12.

Key Takeaways

  • All federally chartered banks and most state banks close on Veterans Day, November 11, with no branch access or teller service that day.
  • ATMs outside the building or at other locations remain open, and online banking works normally on Veterans Day.
  • When Veterans Day falls on a weekend, banks observe the holiday on the nearest weekday instead.
  • Plan cash withdrawals, bill payments, and deposits for the day before or after to avoid delays.
  • Credit unions and smaller banks may have different policies, so contact your institution directly if you are unsure.

What you can and cannot do on Veterans Day

You cannot walk into a bank branch on Veterans Day and speak to a teller, deposit a check, or withdraw cash from the counter. The building will be closed and staff will not be present. If you need to access funds that day, you must use an ATM.

ATMs work on Veterans Day as long as they are not inside a closed branch. Many banks place ATMs in separate, always-open vestibules or at other locations like grocery stores and gas stations. Your debit card will work at any ATM in your bank's network, and you can withdraw cash and check your balance.

Online banking, mobile apps, and phone banking all function normally on Veterans Day. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills online, and check your balance at any time. Wire transfers initiated on Veterans Day may not process until the next business day, depending on your bank's system.

Planning ahead for Veterans Day closures

If you know you will need cash or need to make a deposit on or around Veterans Day, withdraw money and handle deposits on November 10 or the day after the holiday. This prevents you from being caught without access to funds.

If you have bills due on November 11, pay them online before that date or set up automatic payments in advance. Most online bill payment systems let you schedule payments for a future date, so you can arrange payment before the bank closes.

If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit through your bank's app if it offers that service. Most banks allow you to photograph the front and back of a check and submit it through the app, and the funds post within one to two business days. This works on Veterans Day and does not require a branch visit.

What happens to transactions on Veterans Day

Transactions you initiate online or through an ATM on Veterans Day will process, but the timing depends on the type of transaction. ATM withdrawals are immediate. Online transfers between your own accounts usually post the same day or the next business day.

Payments to other people or businesses initiated on Veterans Day may not process until November 12 or later, because the bank does not settle transactions on federal holidays. If a bill is due on November 11, paying it online on November 10 ensures it reaches the creditor on time.

Checks you deposit on Veterans Day will not be processed until November 12 at the earliest. If you use mobile deposit, the check image is submitted on Veterans Day, but the funds typically post the next business day.

How to learn about your specific bank closes

Call your bank's customer service line or visit the bank's website and search for "holiday hours" or "Veterans Day." Most banks publish their holiday schedule online, and the customer service number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your account statements.

If you bank with a credit union, check the credit union's website or call the branch directly. Credit union policies on Veterans Day vary more than bank policies do, and some credit unions may stay open or have limited hours.

If you are unsure whether your branch will be open, it is safer to assume it will be closed and plan accordingly. A quick phone call or website check takes less than five minutes and prevents a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day if the bank is closed?

Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM on Veterans Day, and you can make purchases at stores and online. The bank branch itself is closed, but the card and online banking continue to function normally.

Will my direct deposit arrive on Veterans Day?

Direct deposits scheduled for Veterans Day may arrive on that day or may be delayed until November 12, depending on your employer's payroll system and your bank's processing schedule. Contact your employer's payroll department or your bank if you are unsure when to expect the deposit.

What if I need to deposit a check on Veterans Day?

Use mobile deposit through your bank's app if it is available. Photograph both sides of the check and submit it through the app on Veterans Day. The check image is received that day, and the funds typically post by November 12.

Do online banks close on Veterans Day?

Online banks do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can access your account, transfer money, and withdraw funds through ATMs on Veterans Day just as you would on any other day.

What if Veterans Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday?

Banks observe the holiday on the nearest weekday. If November 11 is a Saturday, banks close on Friday, November 10. If it is a Sunday, they close on Monday, November 12. Check your bank's website to confirm which day it observes the holiday.