Most banks are closed on Labor Day, but you can still access your money
Banks observe Labor Day as a federal holiday, so branch locations will be closed on the first Monday in September. However, you are not locked out of your account. ATMs work 24/7, online banking stays open, and mobile apps let you transfer money, pay bills, and check balances without stepping into a branch.
If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash, plan ahead. Deposits made at an ATM or through mobile deposit will process the next business day (Tuesday). Withdrawals from an ATM have no delay — you can pull cash anytime.
Some banks run limited Saturday hours, so if you need in-person service, check whether your branch is open the Saturday before Labor Day. A few banks also staff Sunday hours at select locations, though this is uncommon.
Key Takeaways
- Bank branches close on Labor Day (the first Monday in September), but ATMs and online banking remain available around the clock.
- Checks deposited at an ATM or through a mobile app on Labor Day will not post until Tuesday, the next business day.
- Cash withdrawals from ATMs have no delay and can be made at any time on Labor Day.
- If you need to speak to a banker or conduct business that requires a person, visit your branch on Saturday or plan for Tuesday.
- Wire transfers and bill payments made online on Labor Day typically process the next business day, depending on your bank's cut-off times.
What you can do on Labor Day without a branch
ATMs are your main tool on Labor Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your bank's ATM has a deposit slot), transfer money between your own accounts, and check your balance. Deposits made at an ATM are treated as if you made them on Tuesday morning — they post the next business day.
Mobile banking apps and online banking portals work normally on Labor Day. You can pay bills, set up transfers, send money to other people through Zelle or similar services, and review your transaction history. Payments you schedule for Labor Day itself will usually process on Tuesday, though some banks have cut-off times in the evening of the previous day.
If you use mobile deposit (taking a photo of a check through your bank's app), that deposit will also post on Tuesday. The photo is timestamped, so the bank knows when you sent it, but the processing happens the next business day.
When deposits and transfers actually post
Timing depends on what you are depositing and when you do it. A check deposited at an ATM on Labor Day posts Tuesday morning. A check deposited through mobile deposit on Labor Day posts Tuesday morning. A wire transfer you request on Labor Day will not begin processing until Tuesday, because wire processing requires bank staff.
ACH transfers (the standard way to move money between banks) requested on Labor Day will process on Tuesday if you submit before your bank's cut-off time, which is usually 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. on business days. If you submit after cut-off, the transfer queues for Wednesday.
Bill payments made through your bank's bill pay system on Labor Day will process on Tuesday if submitted before cut-off. If your bank's cut-off has already passed (which it will have, since the branch is closed), the payment queues for Tuesday or Wednesday depending on when the bank processes the queue.
Saturday and Sunday hours before and after Labor Day
Many banks open on Saturday mornings, typically from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you need to deposit cash, withdraw a large amount, or speak to someone about your account, the Saturday before Labor Day is your best option. Call your branch or check your bank's website to confirm Saturday hours at your location.
Sunday hours are less common. Some larger banks and credit unions open on Sunday afternoons, but most do not. If your bank does offer Sunday service, it is usually limited to a few locations in major cities.
The Tuesday after Labor Day, all branches return to normal business hours. If you have time-sensitive business, Tuesday morning is when you can reach a banker by phone or in person.
What to do if you need cash before Labor Day
Withdraw what you need on Friday or Saturday. ATMs have daily withdrawal limits, which vary by bank and account type but often range from $300 to $1,000 per day. If you need more than your limit, visit the branch on Friday or Saturday and ask the teller to increase your daily ATM limit temporarily, or withdraw the full amount in person.
If you use a debit card, you can also make purchases at stores on Labor Day itself — the card works normally for point-of-sale transactions. The charge posts to your account on Tuesday, but you can spend the money on Monday.
Credit unions and smaller banks
Credit unions also close on Labor Day, and most follow the same rules as banks: ATMs stay open, online banking works, and deposits post the next business day. However, some credit unions have different Saturday and Sunday hours than large banks, so check your credit union's website or call ahead.
If you bank at a smaller regional bank or an online-only bank, the same rules apply. Online-only banks have no branches at all, so Labor Day makes no difference to your access — you can do everything through the app or website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw money from an ATM on Labor Day?
Yes. ATMs operate 24/7 on Labor Day, including holidays. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot) at any time. Withdrawals are immediate; deposits post the next business day.
Will my check deposit process on Labor Day if I use mobile deposit?
No. Mobile deposits made on Labor Day will not process until Tuesday morning. The bank's processing system does not run on federal holidays, so the check sits in a queue until the next business day.
Can I pay a bill through my bank's website on Labor Day?
Yes, you can schedule a bill payment through your online banking portal on Labor Day. However, the payment will not process until Tuesday at the earliest, depending on your bank's cut-off times and the payee's processing schedule.
What if I need to speak to a banker on Labor Day?
You cannot reach a banker at a branch on Labor Day. Visit on Saturday morning if your branch is open, or call on Tuesday. Some banks offer phone support on holidays, but this is rare — check your bank's website for holiday customer service hours.
Do online banks close on Labor Day?
Online-only banks do not have branches, so Labor Day does not affect your access to your account. You can log in, transfer money, and manage your account normally. Transfers and bill payments still process on the next business day, following standard timelines.