Most banks close on Memorial Day, but some branches and services stay open
Yes, most banks close on Memorial Day (the last Monday in May). All federal banks shut down because it is a federal holiday, and nearly every major bank — Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, and others — follows the same schedule. If you need cash or have to deposit a check, you will not be able to walk into a branch that day.
However, you can still move money in other ways. ATMs work 24/7 even when branches are closed, so you can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts. Online banking and mobile apps run normally. If you need to send money to someone else or pay a bill, you can do that from your phone or computer without waiting for the bank to reopen.
Some banks offer limited services through call centers or chat on the holiday itself, though response times are usually longer. Check your bank's website or app before Memorial Day to see what is available.
Key Takeaways
- Bank branches close on Memorial Day, but ATMs and online banking work normally.
- You can withdraw cash, transfer money between your own accounts, and pay bills through your ATM or mobile app without waiting for a branch to reopen.
- If you need to deposit a physical check, you will have to wait until Tuesday or use mobile deposit through your bank's app if it offers that feature.
- Wire transfers and payments to other people can usually be sent online or through your app on Memorial Day, though they may not process until the next business day.
What you can and cannot do on Memorial Day
ATMs let you withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your bank has mobile deposit), transfer money between your own accounts, and check your balance. These machines do not close for holidays. If your bank offers mobile deposit through its app, you can photograph a check and send it in without visiting a branch.
You cannot walk into a branch to speak with a teller, deposit cash over the counter, or get a cashier's check or money order in person. If you need those services, you will have to wait until Tuesday. Some banks do offer cashier's checks or money orders through their website or app, so check yours before the holiday.
Online bill pay, transfers to other people, and payments to credit cards all work on Memorial Day through your bank's website or app. The transaction will be recorded immediately, though the money may not leave your account or arrive at the destination until the next business day.
Which banks are closed and which might have limited hours
All major national banks close on Memorial Day: Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, U.S. Bank, PNC, Capital One, TD Bank, Ally Bank, and Charles Schwab. Credit unions also close, though some credit union networks share ATMs with other institutions, so you may still be able to withdraw cash from a partner ATM.
Small local or regional banks follow the same federal holiday schedule, so they close too. If you bank with a smaller institution, call ahead or check their website to confirm, because a few community banks have different policies.
Some banks operate limited phone or chat support on the holiday, but do not count on it. If you have an urgent problem, try your bank's app or website first — most issues can be resolved there without speaking to anyone.
How to plan ahead if you need cash or have to deposit something
Withdraw cash before Memorial Day if you know you will need it over the weekend. ATMs have daily withdrawal limits (usually $500 to $1,000, depending on your bank), so plan accordingly. If you need more than your limit allows, withdraw on Friday or Saturday.
If you have a check to deposit, use mobile deposit through your bank's app if it is available. Take a photo of the front and back of the check and submit it through the app — most banks process these by the next business day. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, you will have to wait until Tuesday to deposit it in person or at an ATM (if your bank's ATMs accept deposits).
If you need to pay a bill or send money to someone, do it online or through your app before the holiday. Payments usually process the next business day anyway, so sending them on Monday will not slow you down.
What happens if you try to use a branch on Memorial Day
The branch will be locked and no one will be there. You will not be able to get inside, and no teller will answer the phone at that location. If you call the main customer service line, you may reach someone, but wait times are usually much longer on holidays.
If you have an urgent problem — a fraudulent charge, a card that was declined, a missing deposit — call your bank's fraud or customer service line. Most banks have a number on the back of your card that operates 24/7. Explain the problem and they will either resolve it immediately or tell you what to do until the branch reopens on Tuesday.
Memorial Day closures for wire transfers and payments to other people
You can initiate a wire transfer or payment to another person through your bank's website or app on Memorial Day, and it will be recorded in your account immediately. However, the money will not actually leave your account or arrive at the destination until Tuesday, because the banking system itself does not process transfers on federal holidays.
If you are sending money to someone who needs it urgently, send it on Friday instead. If you send it on Monday, it will sit in the system and process the next business day anyway, so there is no advantage to waiting.
Some third-party payment services like PayPal, Venmo, or Square Cash process transfers on holidays, so if you need to send money to a friend or family member, those apps may be faster than your bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Memorial Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM or store on Memorial Day, even though the branch is closed. You can withdraw cash from any ATM in your bank's network, and you can swipe your card to pay for things anywhere that accepts it. The only thing you cannot do is go inside a branch.
Will a check I deposit on Memorial Day clear by Wednesday?
If you use mobile deposit on Monday, the check will likely clear by Wednesday or Thursday, depending on your bank. If you wait until Tuesday to deposit it in person, it will clear by Thursday or Friday. Checks usually take one to two business days to clear after they are deposited.
What if I need a cashier's check on Memorial Day?
You cannot get one in person because the branch is closed. Some banks offer cashier's checks through their website or app — check yours. If your bank does not, you will have to wait until Tuesday. If you need it urgently, ask the person or business you are paying whether they will take a regular check or a bank transfer instead.
Do online banks close on Memorial Day?
No. Banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and other online-only institutions do not have branches, so there is nothing to close. You can transfer money, pay bills, and manage your account normally on Memorial Day through their website or app.
Can I still use my credit card on Memorial Day?
Yes. Credit cards work at stores and online on Memorial Day. You can also make payments to your credit card through your bank's app or the card issuer's website. The payment will be recorded immediately, though it may not post to your account until the next business day.