Most banks close on Presidents Day, but some branches and online services stay available
Presidents Day is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday in February. Most traditional banks — Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, and regional banks — close their physical branches on this day. However, online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs work normally. Some banks operate limited hours or keep select branches open, depending on the bank and location.
If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to a banker in person on Presidents Day, you will not be able to do so at most locations. Transactions you make online or through ATMs will process, but they may not clear until the next business day because the Federal Reserve also closes on federal holidays.
Key Takeaways
- Physical bank branches close on Presidents Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available 24/7.
- Checks deposited on Presidents Day through mobile apps or ATMs will not clear until Tuesday at the earliest.
- Wire transfers and ACH payments initiated on Presidents Day may not process until the next business day.
- Credit unions follow the same federal holiday schedule as banks, though a few may operate on a different calendar.
- Call your specific bank ahead of time if you need to confirm whether a particular branch stays open.
What stays open and what closes on Presidents Day
ATMs at your bank work around the clock on Presidents Day — you can withdraw cash and check your balance anytime. Online banking portals and mobile apps also function normally, so you can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and check transactions without interruption.
What closes: the teller windows, loan officers, customer service desks, and safe deposit boxes. If you need to speak to someone at the bank or handle a transaction that requires a banker's signature, you will have to wait until Tuesday. Some larger banks in major cities may keep one or two branches open, but this is rare and varies by location.
How the Federal Reserve holiday affects your transactions
The Federal Reserve closes on Presidents Day, which means the banking system that clears checks and processes transfers between banks shuts down. A check you deposit on Monday through a mobile app or ATM will not clear until Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on the check's origin bank.
Wire transfers and ACH payments (like direct deposits or bill payments to another bank) initiated on Presidents Day will sit in a queue and process the next business day. If you are expecting a wire transfer to arrive on Presidents Day, it will not land until Tuesday. This matters most if you are counting on money arriving by a specific date.
Which banks are most likely to close
The major national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank, and PNC — close all or nearly all branches on Presidents Day. Regional banks like KeyBank, Regions Bank, and Fifth Third also close. Credit unions typically follow the same federal holiday schedule, though some smaller credit unions may operate independently.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Discover Bank do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can still use their services on Presidents Day the same way you would any other day. If you bank with one of these institutions, Presidents Day has no effect on your access to your account.
How to confirm whether your specific bank is open
Call your bank's customer service line or check their website for the Presidents Day holiday schedule. Many banks post their holiday hours in January or early February. You can also search "[Your Bank Name] Presidents Day hours" to find the information quickly.
If you have a specific transaction you need to complete on Presidents Day — such as a large deposit or a signature-required service — call ahead and ask whether your branch will be open or whether you can handle it online instead. Some banks allow you to deposit checks remotely through their mobile app, which bypasses the need to visit a branch.
What to do if you need cash or a deposit on Presidents Day
Use an ATM to withdraw cash anytime on Monday. Most ATMs dispense cash 24/7 and do not close for holidays. If you need to deposit a check, use your bank's mobile app if it offers mobile check deposit — you can photograph the front and back of the check and submit it through the app without visiting a branch.
If your bank does not offer mobile deposit and you absolutely need the check processed on Monday, some banks allow you to mail the check or drop it in a night deposit box. Call your bank to ask whether they have a night deposit slot at your branch. Money deposited in a night box on Monday will be processed Tuesday morning.
Presidents Day and payroll or government payments
Direct deposits scheduled for Presidents Day will arrive in your account on Monday as usual — the Federal Reserve processes direct deposits even on federal holidays. However, if your employer or a government agency (like Social Security or the IRS) processes payroll on a different schedule around the holiday, your deposit might arrive on Friday before or Tuesday after, depending on their system.
If you are expecting a tax refund, stimulus payment, or benefit payment around Presidents Day, check the payment date on your confirmation letter or account. The payment date tells you when the money will arrive, and federal payments typically land on schedule regardless of the holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Presidents Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at merchants, ATMs, and online retailers on Presidents Day. The bank branch being closed does not affect your ability to spend money or withdraw cash from an ATM. Transactions may take longer to post to your account, but they will go through.
Will my paycheck deposit on time if it arrives on Presidents Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Presidents Day arrive on schedule. The Federal Reserve processes direct deposits around the clock, including federal holidays. If your employer's system shows a deposit date of Presidents Day, the money will land in your account that day.
What if I need to pay a bill on Presidents Day?
Pay online through your bank's website or mobile app, or set up an automatic payment before the holiday. Bill payments made online on Presidents Day will process the next business day. If the bill is due on Presidents Day itself, pay it a day or two early to avoid a late fee.
Do credit unions close on Presidents Day?
Most credit unions close on Presidents Day because they follow the federal holiday calendar. However, some smaller credit unions operate on their own schedule. Call your credit union to confirm whether it will be open. Online and mobile banking typically work the same way as at banks.
Can I get a cashier's check on Presidents Day?
No. Cashier's checks require a banker to issue and sign them, so you cannot get one when the branch is closed. If you need a cashier's check, visit your bank on Friday or wait until Tuesday. Some banks allow you to order a cashier's check online for pickup the next business day.