November 11 is a federal holiday, but most banks stay open
November 11 is Veterans Day, a federal holiday. The U.S. government, post offices, and most federal offices close. However, most retail and commercial banks remain open on Veterans Day, even though it is a federal holiday. Some banks may have reduced hours or close individual branches, but the banking system itself does not shut down.
The confusion happens because federal holidays do not automatically close banks. Banks are regulated by the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, not by the federal holiday calendar. Banks choose which holidays to observe, and Veterans Day is not one most of them do.
If you need to visit a bank branch on November 11, call ahead or check your bank's website to confirm hours. Some credit unions and smaller institutions may close, so do not assume all financial institutions will be open.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks stay open on Veterans Day, even though it is a federal holiday.
- Federal offices, post offices, and government agencies close on November 11.
- Banks that do close on Veterans Day are the exception, not the rule — call your branch to confirm.
- Wire transfers and online banking work normally on Veterans Day, regardless of branch hours.
- The Federal Reserve does not process certain transactions on federal holidays, which can delay settlement even if your bank is open.
Which banks close on Veterans Day
Most major national banks — Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, and others — operate normally on November 11. Some may reduce hours at certain branches or close a few locations, but the majority of branches stay open during regular business hours.
Credit unions are more likely to close on Veterans Day. If you bank at a credit union, check their website or call the branch directly. Smaller regional banks and community banks vary widely — some close, some do not.
Online banks (those without physical branches) are unaffected by Veterans Day. You can deposit checks, transfer money, and access your account normally through their apps and websites.
What does close on November 11
Federal offices, including Social Security offices, IRS field offices, and Veterans Affairs offices, close on Veterans Day. If you need to visit a government agency, plan for November 12 or later.
Post offices close on Veterans Day. If you need to mail something or pick up a package, do that before November 11 or after. However, USPS delivery does not happen on Veterans Day.
Stock markets (NYSE and NASDAQ) close on Veterans Day. If you trade stocks or need to execute a trade, you cannot do so on November 11. Bond markets also close.
Most schools and many private businesses close or observe reduced hours. Courts may be closed or operating on limited schedules.
How the Federal Reserve affects transactions on Veterans Day
Even if your bank is open on November Day, the Federal Reserve does not process certain transactions. Wire transfers, ACH transfers, and check clearing do not happen on federal holidays, including Veterans Day.
This means if you send a wire transfer on November 11, it will not settle until November 12 at the earliest. The same applies to ACH transfers and checks deposited on that day. Your bank may accept the transaction, but the Federal Reserve will not move the money until the next business day.
Direct deposits scheduled for November 11 may arrive on November 10 or November 12, depending on your employer and bank. Check with your employer or payroll department if you expect a direct deposit around that date.
Planning around Veterans Day if you need banking services
If you need to deposit a check, transfer money, or handle time-sensitive banking, do it on November 10 or November 12. Do not rely on transactions clearing on November 11, even if your bank branch is open.
If you need cash, ATMs work on Veterans Day regardless of whether the branch is open. You can withdraw money 24/7 from your bank's ATM network.
If you need to speak to someone at your bank about an account issue, call on November 10 or November 12. Customer service lines may have reduced staffing on Veterans Day even if branches are technically open.
State and local variations
Some states observe Veterans Day differently or on a different date. For example, Alabama and Mississippi do not observe Veterans Day as a paid holiday for state employees. However, federal law still makes November 11 a federal holiday, so federal offices and federal employees observe it nationwide.
Local banks and credit unions may follow state law rather than federal law in some cases. If you live in a state with different holiday rules, check with your specific bank about their policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my ATM on Veterans Day?
Yes. ATMs work 24/7 on Veterans Day, even if the bank branch is closed. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks at ATMs on November 11.
Will my direct deposit come through on November 11?
It may, but it depends on your employer's payroll schedule and your bank. Direct deposits scheduled for November 11 sometimes arrive on November 10 or November 12 instead. Contact your payroll department if you are unsure when to expect it.
Can I send a wire transfer on Veterans Day?
Your bank may accept the wire on November 11, but the Federal Reserve will not process it until November 12. If you need the money to arrive on a specific date, send it on November 10 or earlier.
Are credit unions open on Veterans Day?
Most credit unions close on Veterans Day, but some stay open. Call your credit union branch or check their website to confirm hours before you visit on November 11.
Do stock markets close on Veterans Day?
Yes. The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ both close on Veterans Day. You cannot trade stocks on November 11, and any trades placed will execute on November 12 at the earliest.