Most banks close on MLK Day, but some branches and services stay open
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday, which means most banks observe it and close their physical branches. However, the specifics depend on which bank you use, where you live, and what service you need. Some banks keep limited branches open in certain areas, and nearly all banks keep online banking, ATMs, and mobile apps running 24/7 regardless of the holiday.
If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to someone in person on MLK Day, you should assume your local branch is closed. But if you need to transfer money between your own accounts, pay a bill online, or check your balance, you can do that from your phone or computer without interruption.
Key Takeaways
- Most bank branches close on MLK Day because it is a federal holiday, though some banks may keep select locations open in major cities.
- ATMs, online banking, mobile apps, and automated phone systems work normally on MLK Day — the holiday does not affect digital services.
- Checks deposited on MLK Day through an ATM or mobile app will be processed the next business day, not immediately.
- If you need cash or in-person service on MLK Day, call your bank ahead of time to confirm whether your specific branch is open.
- Wire transfers and ACH payments initiated on MLK Day may not process until the next business day, depending on your bank.
Which banks close on MLK Day
All major national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank, and others — close their branches on MLK Day because it is a federal holiday. Credit unions also close on this day. The closure applies to the main branch, drive-through windows, and loan offices.
Some large banks operate a small number of branches in major metropolitan areas that may stay open on federal holidays, but this is rare and varies by location. If you think your branch might be one of them, call the branch directly before MLK Day to confirm. Do not assume based on the bank's name or size — location matters more than anything else.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no physical branches, so the holiday does not affect them in the same way. You can still use their services normally on MLK Day.
What you can and cannot do on MLK Day
Your ability to handle banking tasks on MLK Day depends entirely on whether you need a person or a machine. Digital services — ATMs, online banking, mobile apps, and automated phone lines — run without interruption. In-person services and live customer support stop completely.
The table below shows what works and what does not on MLK Day:
| Service | Available on MLK Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ATM withdrawal or deposit | Yes | Works 24/7; deposits process the next business day |
| Online banking login and transfers | Yes | Between your own accounts; external transfers may delay |
| Mobile app use | Yes | Mobile check deposit works; processing starts next day |
| Automated phone system | Yes | Balance checks and account info; no live representative |
| Wire transfer initiation | Yes (online) | Processes the next business day, not same-day |
| ACH payment initiation | Yes (online) | Processes the next business day or later |
| In-person branch visit | No | Branches closed; call ahead if unsure |
| Live customer service by phone | No | Automated systems available; representatives return next day |
| Loan or mortgage processing | No | Underwriting and approval pause; resumes next business day |
How check deposits work on MLK Day
If you deposit a check using an ATM or your bank's mobile app on MLK Day, the deposit is recorded in your account immediately (or within a few hours), but the check itself is not processed until the next business day. This means the funds will not be available until Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on your bank's hold policy.
If you mail a check or hand it to a teller on MLK Day, it will not be received or processed until Tuesday. For this reason, if you need funds urgently, deposit by mobile app or ATM on the day before MLK Day instead. The timing is the same either way — the check processes on Tuesday — but depositing early gives you one extra day of certainty.
Wire transfers and ACH payments on MLK Day
You can initiate a wire transfer or ACH payment through online banking on MLK Day, and your bank will accept the request. However, the actual transfer does not happen until the next business day — Tuesday. This is true even if you submit the request early in the morning on MLK Day.
If you need money to arrive on a specific date, do not wait until MLK Day to send it. Initiate the transfer on the Friday before the holiday instead. Some banks allow you to schedule transfers in advance, which is a safer option when a holiday is coming. Scheduling ahead removes the guesswork and ensures the transfer leaves your account on the day you choose.
What happens to time-sensitive transactions
Mortgage applications, loan approvals, and other underwriting decisions pause on MLK Day. If your lender was reviewing your application on Friday, they will resume on Tuesday. This can affect closing dates, so if you are in the middle of a real estate transaction or loan process, contact your lender before MLK Day to understand how the holiday affects your timeline.
Credit card payments submitted on MLK Day through online banking will be recorded as received on that day, but the payment will not post to your account until the next business day. If you are cutting it close to a due date, submit your payment by Friday instead. The same rule applies to any bill payment made through your bank's bill-pay system.
How to prepare before MLK Day
If you know you will need cash or in-person banking services on or around MLK Day, withdraw cash and handle deposits on Friday. Use ATMs on MLK Day itself if you need additional cash — they work around the clock and never close for holidays.
If you need to reach customer service, call on Friday or plan to wait until Tuesday. Some banks offer chat support through their websites or apps even when branches are closed, though response times may be slower on a holiday. Check your bank's website to see what support options are available before the holiday arrives.
Call your bank's main line or visit their website to confirm whether your specific branch is open on MLK Day. A few banks do keep select locations staffed on federal holidays, and the only way to know is to ask directly. Do not rely on past experience — holiday schedules can change from year to year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw money from an ATM on MLK Day?
Yes. ATMs work 24/7 on MLK Day and every other day. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks through an ATM regardless of whether the branch is open.
Will my direct deposit arrive on MLK Day?
No. Direct deposits scheduled for MLK Day will arrive on Tuesday instead, because the federal holiday pauses the ACH system that processes payroll. If your payday falls on MLK Day, your employer typically deposits funds the Friday before or the Tuesday after.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on MLK Day?
Call the bank's automated line to check your balance or account information. For live support, you will need to wait until Tuesday. Some banks offer chat or email support through their websites, though response times may be delayed.
Do online banks like Ally or Discover close on MLK Day?
Online banks have no physical branches, so they do not close in the traditional sense. You can use their services normally on MLK Day. However, processing of transfers and deposits may still be delayed because the underlying banking system (ACH, wire networks) pauses on federal holidays.
If I deposit a check on MLK Day using my phone, when will I have the money?
The deposit is recorded immediately, but the check is not processed until Tuesday. Depending on your bank's hold policy, funds may be available Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning.