Presidents Day is a federal holiday, but most banks stay open
Presidents Day falls on the third Monday in February. It is a federal holiday, which means federal offices and courts close. Most banks, however, remain open on Presidents Day — they do not treat it as a banking holiday. You can visit your branch, use ATMs, and conduct business as usual.
The confusion happens because Presidents Day is a federal holiday and a bank holiday are not the same thing. Federal holidays affect government offices. Banking holidays affect banks. The two lists overlap but are not identical. Presidents Day is on one list but not the other.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks stay open on Presidents Day, even though it is a federal holiday.
- Federal offices, courts, and the stock market close on Presidents Day, but bank branches typically do not.
- ATMs work on Presidents Day regardless of whether your bank branch is open.
- If you need to reach customer service by phone, call ahead to confirm your bank's schedule, as some institutions may have reduced staffing.
- Wire transfers and ACH payments may process more slowly on Presidents Day because the Federal Reserve does not operate.
Which banks close on Presidents Day
Most major banks — including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, and US Bank — keep branches open on Presidents Day. Regional and community banks vary. Some stay open; others close. Your best move is to check your bank's website or call your local branch directly before you go.
Credit unions are more likely to close on Presidents Day than commercial banks. If you bank with a credit union, assume it will be closed unless you see otherwise on their website or app. Some credit unions observe all federal holidays; others observe only a subset.
What does close on Presidents Day
The Federal Reserve does not operate on Presidents Day. This means wire transfers, ACH payments, and other transactions that move through the Federal Reserve system will not process that day — they will clear the next business day instead. If you send a wire transfer on Presidents Day afternoon, it will not leave your account until Tuesday.
The stock market closes on Presidents Day. If you trade stocks or mutual funds, you cannot buy or sell on that day. Government offices and federal courts close. Post offices close. Most schools close.
ATMs and online banking on Presidents Day
ATMs work on Presidents Day even if your bank branch is closed. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, and check your balance 24 hours a day. Online banking platforms stay open. You can log in, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and view transactions whenever you want.
Transactions you initiate online on Presidents Day may not process until the next business day if they involve the Federal Reserve or another bank. A transfer to another bank's account, for example, will sit in a queue until Tuesday. A payment to a credit card or loan will usually post the next day.
How to confirm your bank's Presidents Day hours
Call your branch directly or check your bank's website. Most banks publish holiday hours weeks in advance. You can also check your mobile app — many apps display branch hours and let you search by location. If you are unsure, a five-minute call to your local branch saves a wasted trip.
If you need customer service on Presidents Day, phone lines may have reduced staffing even if the branch is technically open. Chat support and email may also be slower. Plan ahead if you have a time-sensitive question.
Wire transfers and payments on Presidents Day
Do not count on wire transfers or ACH payments clearing on Presidents Day. The Federal Reserve does not process these transactions on federal holidays. If you initiate a wire transfer on Presidents Day, it will not leave your account until the next business day. The same applies to bill payments sent through your bank's bill pay system.
If you need money to reach someone by a specific date, send it on Friday or earlier in the week. If Presidents Day falls on a Monday and you need the money to arrive by Tuesday, it will not happen through the banking system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Presidents Day?
Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs and point-of-sale terminals on Presidents Day. Transactions at stores and restaurants process normally. Transactions that require the Federal Reserve — like transfers between banks — may post the next day, but the card itself functions without interruption.
Will my direct deposit hit my account on Presidents Day?
If Presidents Day is the day your paycheck normally deposits, it will likely arrive on the next business day instead. Employers typically submit payroll before the holiday, but the Federal Reserve does not process it until Tuesday. Check with your employer's payroll department if you are unsure.
What if I need to deposit a check on Presidents Day?
Use your bank's ATM or mobile app to deposit the check. ATM deposits and mobile check deposits are available 24/7. The check will be processed and the funds will appear in your account the next business day, or possibly the day after, depending on your bank's policy.
Do credit card payments process on Presidents Day?
Credit card payments you make on Presidents Day will not post until the next business day. If your payment is due on Presidents Day, make the payment on Friday or earlier to avoid a late fee. Many credit card companies allow you to set up automatic payments so you do not have to think about it.
Is the stock market open on Presidents Day?
No. The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ both close on Presidents Day. You cannot buy or sell stocks, ETFs, or mutual funds that day. If you use a brokerage app, you will see that trading is unavailable.