Yes, most banks close on Veterans Day, and so do federal offices
Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. On that day, all federally chartered banks close, and the federal government offices that handle tax refunds, Social Security, and other payments shut down. State-chartered banks and credit unions vary — some close, some stay open. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or reach a government agency about a refund or payment, plan ahead.
The closure affects not just the day itself but also mail delivery and processing. The U.S. Postal Service does not deliver mail on Veterans Day, which means checks and payment notices sent to arrive that day will arrive the next business day instead. Direct deposit and online banking work normally — you can transfer money and check balances anytime — but in-person services and phone lines to government agencies will not be staffed.
Key Takeaways
- All federally chartered banks close on Veterans Day; state-chartered banks and credit unions may stay open, so call yours to confirm.
- The IRS, Social Security Administration, and other federal offices close, so you cannot reach them by phone or in person on November 11.
- Mail does not move on Veterans Day, so checks and notices scheduled to arrive that day will arrive November 12 instead.
- Direct deposit, online banking, and ATM withdrawals work normally on the holiday.
- If you are waiting for a tax refund or government payment, the closure delays processing by one day but does not change the total time.
Which banks close and which stay open
All banks chartered by the federal government must close on Veterans Day. This includes most large national banks: Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and similar institutions. If your bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System, it closes.
State-chartered banks — smaller regional or local banks — are not required to close. Some do anyway, but others stay open. Credit unions also make their own decision. Call your bank or credit union directly to ask whether they will be open on November 11. Do not assume based on the bank's size; a small local bank might close while a state-chartered regional bank stays open.
If you need cash or need to deposit a check on Veterans Day, visit an ATM or use mobile deposit (most banks let you photograph a check and deposit it through their app). Both work on the holiday.
Federal offices and government payment processing
The IRS, Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and all other federal agencies close on Veterans Day. You cannot call them, visit an office, or reach anyone by email. Phone lines do not answer, and offices do not process paperwork.
If you are waiting for a tax refund, stimulus payment, Social Security check, or VA benefit, the closure adds one day to the timeline. A refund scheduled to post on November 11 will post on November 12. A check mailed to arrive November 11 will arrive November 12. The total time from application to receipt does not change — the holiday just shifts the calendar forward by one day.
If you need to contact a federal agency about a refund or payment, wait until November 12. Calling on November 11 wastes time; the lines will not be staffed.
Mail delivery and check processing
The U.S. Postal Service does not deliver mail on Veterans Day. If a check or payment notice is scheduled to arrive on November 11, it will arrive on November 12 instead. This affects both incoming mail (checks sent to you) and outgoing mail (documents you mail to the IRS or other agencies).
If you are mailing a tax return, refund request, or other time-sensitive document, mail it before November 10 or after November 11 to avoid the holiday delay. If you mail it on November 10, it will not be processed until November 12.
For refunds and payments you are waiting to receive, the one-day delay is built into the timeline already. The IRS and other agencies account for mail delays when they estimate when your refund will arrive.
What still works on Veterans Day
Direct deposit works normally on Veterans Day. If your employer, the IRS, or Social Security is scheduled to deposit money into your account on November 11, the deposit will go through. You will see the money in your account on the morning of November 11 or shortly after, depending on your bank's processing schedule.
Online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs work 24 hours on the holiday. You can check your balance, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and withdraw cash from an ATM anytime on November 11. These services do not close.
If you need to move money or check a balance on Veterans Day, use your bank's website or app instead of visiting a branch or calling customer service.
Planning ahead if you need banking or government services
If you need to deposit a check in person, do it on November 10 or November 12. If you need to withdraw a large amount of cash, visit the ATM on November 10 or use mobile deposit to deposit a check and then withdraw the funds after the holiday.
If you are waiting for a refund or government payment and the expected arrival date is November 11, expect it on November 12 instead. Do not contact the agency on November 11 to ask where it is; they will not be available. If the payment does not arrive by November 13, then contact them.
If you need to mail a document to the IRS, Social Security, or another federal agency, mail it before November 10. If you mail it on or after November 11, it will not be processed until after the holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card or credit card on Veterans Day?
Yes. Debit and credit cards work normally on Veterans Day. You can make purchases, withdraw cash from ATMs, and pay bills online. The closure only affects banks' physical branches and phone lines, not the card networks themselves.
Will my direct deposit be delayed if it is scheduled for November 11?
No. Direct deposits from employers, the IRS, and government agencies process normally on Veterans Day. The money will appear in your account on the scheduled date, though the exact time depends on your bank's processing schedule.
What if I need to reach the IRS or Social Security on Veterans Day?
You cannot. All federal offices close on November 11. Call back on November 12. If you have an urgent question, check the agency's website — many post answers to common questions and have online tools you can use without speaking to someone.
Does the Veterans Day closure affect my tax refund timeline?
Only by one day. If your refund was scheduled to post on November 11, it will post on November 12 instead. The total time from when you filed to when you receive the money does not change — the holiday just shifts the calendar.
Can I deposit a check on Veterans Day using my phone?
Yes. Mobile deposit works on Veterans Day. Take a photo of the front and back of the check using your bank's app and submit it. The check will be processed after the holiday, but you can deposit it anytime on November 11.