Yes, Veterans Day is a federal holiday, but most banks stay open
Veterans Day, observed on November 11, is a federal holiday. The federal government, post offices, and most federal offices close. However, most banks remain open on Veterans Day, even though it is a federal holiday. This is the key difference that catches people off guard: federal holiday status does not automatically mean banks close.
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 federal holidays to observe, and Veterans Day is not one of the holidays most banks have chosen to close for. You can expect your bank branch to operate on normal business hours on Veterans Day unless your specific bank has made a different choice.
Some credit unions and smaller regional banks may close on Veterans Day, so if you bank with a smaller institution, it is worth checking their website or calling ahead. But the major national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others — will be open.
Key Takeaways
- Veterans Day is a federal holiday, meaning federal offices and the post office close, but most banks stay open.
- The Federal Reserve does not require banks to close on Veterans Day, so individual banks decide whether to observe it.
- Major national banks typically remain open on Veterans Day during regular business hours.
- Credit unions and smaller regional banks may close, so check with your bank directly if you are unsure.
- If you need to deposit checks or withdraw cash on Veterans Day, plan to visit an ATM or use mobile banking if your branch is closed.
Which federal offices and services close on Veterans Day
All federal government offices close on Veterans Day. This includes Social Security offices, the IRS, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and all other federal agencies. If you need to reach a federal office, you will need to wait until the next business day.
The U.S. Postal Service also closes on Veterans Day, so mail will not be delivered and post offices will not be open. If you need to mail something time-sensitive, plan ahead and send it before November 11 or after.
Stock markets close on Veterans Day as well. The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ do not operate, so you cannot trade stocks or mutual funds on that day.
What stays open: banks, stores, and other services
Most retail banks stay open on Veterans Day. ATMs work 24/7 regardless of the holiday, so you can withdraw cash or check your balance anytime. Mobile banking apps and online banking platforms also run normally.
Retail stores, grocery stores, restaurants, and most businesses operate on their regular schedules on Veterans Day. Some businesses may close out of respect for the holiday or to give employees the day off, but this is a business choice, not a legal requirement.
Schools are typically closed on Veterans Day in most districts, though some schools observe it on a different day if November 11 falls on a weekend. Check your local school district's calendar to confirm.
How to learn about your specific bank closes on Veterans Day
The easiest way to know is to visit your bank's website and search for their holiday schedule. Most banks publish this information in a dedicated section, often labeled "Holiday Hours" or "Branch Closures." You can also call your branch directly and ask.
If your bank does close on Veterans Day, the closure is usually just for that one day. Online banking, ATMs, and mobile apps will still work. Any transactions you make online or through an ATM will process normally, though they may not show in your account until the next business day.
If you use a credit union, check their website or call their member services line. Credit unions vary widely in which holidays they observe, so do not assume they follow the same schedule as banks.
Planning ahead if you need banking services on Veterans Day
If you need to deposit a check or withdraw a large amount of cash, do it before November 11. Most ATMs have daily withdrawal limits, usually between $300 and $1,000, depending on your bank and account type.
If you need to speak to someone at your bank about a problem or question, call before Veterans Day or wait until the next business day. Customer service lines may have reduced hours or be closed entirely on the holiday.
Online bill payments and transfers between your own accounts work on Veterans Day, even if your branch is closed. If you pay bills online, you can schedule them to process on Veterans Day without any issue.
What happens to direct deposits and automatic payments on Veterans Day
Direct deposits scheduled for Veterans Day may arrive a day late, depending on your employer and bank. The Federal Reserve processes ACH transfers (the system used for direct deposits) on federal holidays, but some employers do not send payroll on federal holidays. Check with your employer's payroll department if you are unsure when your next paycheck will arrive.
Automatic bill payments and recurring transfers from your account will process normally on Veterans Day. The money will leave your account as scheduled, even if your bank branch is closed.
If a bill payment is due on Veterans Day and you are worried about it being late, pay it a day or two early using online banking. This removes any uncertainty about processing delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs and stores on Veterans Day regardless of whether your bank branch is open. ATMs operate 24/7, and point-of-sale transactions process normally. The only thing you cannot do is visit a teller inside a closed branch.
Will my paycheck arrive late if it is scheduled for Veterans Day?
It depends on your employer. The Federal Reserve processes direct deposits on Veterans Day, but some employers do not send payroll on federal holidays. Contact your payroll department to find out when your next check will arrive if it is scheduled for November 11.
Do I need to do anything special to access my money on Veterans Day?
No. Use your ATM card, mobile banking app, or online banking as usual. If you need cash and your branch is closed, find an ATM. If you need to speak to a banker, wait until the next business day or call customer service.
What if my bank is open on Veterans Day but I am not sure about their hours?
Call the branch directly or check their website for holiday hours. Many banks post special hours for Veterans Day, which may be shorter than usual. Do not assume they are open at normal times.