Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches stay open
Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. Most major banks — including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank — close their physical branches on this federal holiday. ATMs and online banking remain available 24/7, so you can withdraw cash and check balances without visiting a branch.
Some smaller regional banks and credit unions may keep branches open, though this is less common. If you need to visit a specific branch on November 11, call ahead to confirm their hours rather than making a trip and finding the doors locked.
The Federal Reserve also closes on Veterans Day, which means wire transfers and ACH payments initiated on that day may not process until the next business day. If you need money to move by a specific date, send it the day before.
Key Takeaways
- Major national banks close their branches on Veterans Day, though ATMs and online banking stay open around the clock.
- Wire transfers and ACH payments sent on Veterans Day will not process until the next business day because the Federal Reserve is closed.
- Regional banks and credit unions may have different hours, so call your branch directly if you need to visit on November 11.
- You can still deposit checks and pay bills online, transfer money between your own accounts, and withdraw cash from ATMs on Veterans Day.
What you can and cannot do on Veterans Day
Online banking works normally on Veterans Day. You can log into your account, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and check your balance at any time. Mobile apps function the same way.
ATMs are available 24/7, including on Veterans Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (at machines that accept deposits), and check your balance without stepping into a branch.
What does not work: visiting a teller, opening a new account, getting a cashier's check, or speaking to a loan officer. These require a staffed branch. Wire transfers and ACH payments you send on Veterans Day will sit in queue until November 12, when the Federal Reserve reopens.
When to send money if you need it by a specific date
If you need money to reach someone by November 11, send it on November 10 or earlier. Wire transfers sent on November 10 typically arrive the same day or by November 11 morning, depending on the receiving bank's processing time.
ACH transfers (the slower, free method) take one to three business days under normal circumstances. Sending an ACH on November 10 means it will not arrive until November 12 at the earliest, because November 11 does not count as a business day.
If November 11 falls on a weekend, banks are already closed, so the holiday closure extends into the following Monday. Check your bank's holiday schedule to see how they handle this overlap.
Credit unions and smaller banks
Credit unions are not required to close on Veterans Day, though most do. Some remain open with reduced hours or skeleton staffing. Call your credit union directly — their number is on your card or statement — to ask about November 11 hours.
Regional and community banks vary widely. A bank in your area might close all day, close early, or stay open with normal hours. The only way to know is to call the specific branch you plan to visit.
What happens if you need cash and the branch is closed
Use an ATM. Every major bank operates ATMs on Veterans Day, and most allow you to withdraw from your account without fees. If you use an ATM from a different bank, you may pay a surcharge (usually $2 to $3), but the transaction will go through.
If you need a large amount of cash and your ATM has a daily withdrawal limit, plan ahead. Withdraw what you need on November 10, or split the withdrawal across multiple ATMs if necessary.
If you need a cashier's check or other service that requires a teller, you will have to wait until November 12. Plan accordingly if this is time-sensitive.
International transfers and weekend timing
If November 11 falls on a Friday, the bank closure extends through the weekend. Money you send on Friday will not move until Monday, November 13. If you are sending money internationally, add extra days to your timeline.
International wire transfers can take three to five business days even under normal circumstances. If you send one on a day before a holiday, add at least one extra day to the expected arrival time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs and for purchases at stores and online, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. You can only not visit a teller or use services that require a staffed location.
Will my direct deposit still hit my account on Veterans Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Veterans Day may arrive a day late if your employer processes payroll on that day. Most employers process payroll the day before a federal holiday to avoid this delay. Check with your HR department if you are unsure when your paycheck will arrive.
What if I need to deposit a check on Veterans Day?
Use your bank's mobile app to deposit the check by taking a photo of the front and back. Most banks process mobile deposits within one business day. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, use an ATM that accepts check deposits, or wait until November 12 to visit a branch.
Do online banks close on Veterans Day?
Online-only banks (like Ally or Charles Schwab) do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can transfer money, pay bills, and access your account normally on Veterans Day. Customer service phone lines may have reduced hours, but your account itself remains accessible.
Can I still pay bills online if my bank is closed?
Yes. Bill pay through your bank's website or app works on Veterans Day. The payment will be scheduled for the date you choose, and if you set it for November 11, it will process on November 12 when the bank reopens.