Yes, most banks close on Labor Day
Federal banks close on Labor Day, which falls on the first Monday in September. This includes all branches of national banks, credit unions that observe federal holidays, and most regional and local banks. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or handle business at a physical branch, you will not be able to do it on that day.
The closure applies to in-person banking only. ATMs and online banking stay open 24/7, so you can transfer money, check balances, and pay bills from your phone or computer. Mobile check deposit also works on the holiday if your bank offers it.
Some banks that do not observe federal holidays — mainly smaller community banks or credit unions — may stay open. Call your specific branch the day before to confirm their schedule, because policies vary by institution.
Key Takeaways
- Most national banks, regional banks, and credit unions close their physical branches on Labor Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available.
- You can deposit checks using mobile deposit, transfer money online, and withdraw cash from ATMs without visiting a branch.
- A small number of community banks and credit unions stay open on Labor Day, so contact your bank directly if you need in-person service.
- If you need cash or a cashier's check before the holiday, plan ahead and visit your branch on the Friday or Saturday before Labor Day.
What you can and cannot do on Labor Day
You cannot walk into a bank branch on Labor Day to speak with a teller, open a new account, or get a cashier's check. You also cannot use the bank's safe deposit box or meet with a loan officer. Wire transfers initiated through a teller also have to wait until the bank reopens.
What works: ATM withdrawals and deposits (if your ATM accepts deposits), online transfers between your own accounts, bill payments through online banking, mobile check deposit, and peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo or Zelle. If you need to send money to someone else's account at the same bank, you can do that online.
Wire transfers initiated online before the holiday may process on Labor Day depending on the receiving bank, but most banks do not process wires on federal holidays. If you need a wire to arrive by a specific date, send it on Friday or earlier.
Planning ahead for Labor Day banking needs
If you know you will need cash, a cashier's check, or in-person service around Labor Day, visit your branch on Friday or Saturday before the holiday. Cashier's checks take a few minutes to issue and are useful if you need to pay a contractor, landlord, or someone who will not accept a personal check.
For deposits, use mobile check deposit on Labor Day itself if you have it. Most banks let you photograph the front and back of a check through their app and deposit it instantly. The funds may not clear until the next business day, but the deposit is recorded on the holiday.
If you need to pay a bill on Labor Day, set up the payment online before the holiday or use your bank's bill pay feature, which schedules payments for future dates. Many bills have a grace period, so paying on Tuesday (the day after Labor Day) usually does not trigger a late fee if the due date is Labor Day itself.
Credit unions and smaller banks
Credit unions vary widely. Federal credit unions must close on Labor Day, but some state-chartered credit unions and smaller institutions stay open. Call your credit union on the Friday before to ask about their Labor Day schedule — do not assume they follow the federal holiday.
Community banks sometimes remain open on federal holidays to compete for customers. Again, a phone call to your specific branch is the fastest way to know. Their website may list holiday hours, but calling is more reliable.
Online banks and no-branch banks
Banks that operate only online — such as Ally, Charles Schwab, or Marcus — do not have physical branches, so the Labor Day closure does not affect you. You can deposit checks, transfer money, and withdraw cash from ATMs on the holiday. Some online banks partner with ATM networks that stay open 24/7.
If you bank with an online-only institution and need cash on Labor Day, locate a partner ATM in advance. Most online banks show you which ATMs are available in their app or website.
What happens to deposits made on Labor Day
A check you deposit through mobile deposit on Labor Day is recorded in your account on that day, but the funds do not clear until the next business day (Tuesday). Your bank will show the deposit as pending, and you will see the cleared balance on Wednesday morning.
ATM deposits work the same way: the deposit is logged on Labor Day, but the funds clear on the next business day. If you need the money to be available immediately, deposit it on Friday instead.
Transfers between accounts at the same bank usually post instantly, even on holidays, if you do them through online banking. Transfers to other banks may take one to three business days depending on the receiving bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Labor Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs and stores on Labor Day regardless of whether your bank branch is open. You can withdraw cash, make purchases, and check your balance at any ATM in your bank's network or a partner network.
What if I need a cashier's check on Labor Day?
You cannot get one on Labor Day itself because tellers are not working. Plan ahead and get it on Friday or Saturday. If the check is urgent and you cannot wait, some banks offer cashier's check services through their online banking platform, though this is rare — call your bank to ask.
Do wire transfers go through on Labor Day?
Wire transfers initiated online before Labor Day may process, but most banks do not send wires on federal holidays. If you need a wire to arrive by a specific date, send it on Friday. Check with your bank about their specific policy.
Can I deposit a check at an ATM on Labor Day?
Only if your bank's ATMs accept check deposits. Not all do. If yours does, the deposit is recorded on Labor Day but the funds clear on Tuesday. Check your bank's app or website to see which ATMs near you accept deposits.
Will my bill payment go through if I schedule it for Labor Day?
If you schedule a bill payment through your bank's bill pay system for Labor Day, it usually processes on that day and arrives at the payee on the next business day. However, if you are cutting it close to a due date, schedule it for Friday to be safe.