Most banks close on Patriots Day, but the date and observance vary by state
Patriots Day is observed on the third Monday in May in Massachusetts and Maine, and on May 23 in Rhode Island. Most national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others — close on Patriots Day in those states. If you bank with a regional or local institution, check your bank's website or call the branch directly, because smaller banks sometimes stay open even when federal holidays are observed.
The federal government recognizes Patriots Day only in Massachusetts and Maine, which means banks in other states are not required to close. Even within those states, some credit unions and online-only banks may operate normally. Your best move is to confirm with your specific bank rather than assume based on the holiday name.
Key Takeaways
- Patriots Day falls on the third Monday in May in Massachusetts and Maine, and most major banks close on that date in those states.
- Rhode Island observes Patriots Day on May 23, and banks there typically close on that date regardless of what day of the week it falls on.
- Credit unions, online banks, and regional institutions may have different hours, so contact your bank directly rather than relying on the federal holiday schedule.
- ATMs and mobile banking remain available even when physical branches are closed, so you can still withdraw cash and transfer money.
Which banks close and which stay open
The major national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, TD Bank, and PNC — close their physical branches on Patriots Day in Massachusetts and Maine. However, they remain open in all other states. If you live outside those two states, your bank branch will operate on its normal schedule.
Credit unions vary. Many credit unions in Massachusetts and Maine close on Patriots Day, but some stay open. Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Marcus do not close for Patriots Day because they have no physical branches. If you need to visit a branch in person, call ahead or check your bank's website for the specific location's hours.
What you can still do when branches are closed
ATMs work 24/7 regardless of whether the branch is open, so you can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks at any ATM your bank operates. Mobile banking apps let you transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and send money to other people. You can also deposit checks by photographing them through your bank's mobile app.
Wire transfers, ACH transfers, and other electronic transactions process normally even on holidays, though they may not clear until the next business day. If you need to speak to a representative, most banks offer phone support on holidays, though wait times are often longer.
When deposits and transfers actually post
If you deposit a check at an ATM on Patriots Day, it enters the system that day, but it will not clear until the next business day — Tuesday if Patriots Day falls on Monday. The same applies to mobile check deposits. Wire transfers sent on a holiday typically process the next business day.
ACH transfers (like payments to other banks) sent on Patriots Day will not process until the next business day. If you need money to clear by a specific date, send it the business day before the holiday. This matters most if you are paying a bill with a deadline.
How to find your bank's specific hours
The fastest way to confirm is to search "[Your Bank Name] Patriots Day hours" or visit your bank's website and look for a holiday hours page. Most banks publish their holiday schedule in advance. You can also call your local branch directly — the phone line will tell you if it is closed, or a representative can confirm the hours.
If you bank with a smaller regional bank or credit union, their website may not list Patriots Day specifically. In that case, call the branch or email customer service. Do not assume they follow the federal holiday schedule just because they are a bank.
Planning ahead for Patriots Day banking needs
If you know you will need to visit a branch on or around Patriots Day, plan to go the day before. Withdraw extra cash if you think you will need it. Pay bills online or through your mobile app rather than waiting to visit the branch. If you need a cashier's check or notary service, those require a branch visit, so schedule it for the Friday before or the Tuesday after.
If you are expecting a deposit or payment around Patriots Day, remember that it will not clear until the next business day. If you are paying a bill with a deadline, send the payment at least one business day before the holiday to avoid a late fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Patriots Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online store regardless of whether your bank branch is open. The transaction processes normally, though it may not show in your account until the next business day if it is a pending transaction.
Will my direct deposit arrive on Patriots Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Patriots Day will not arrive until the next business day. If your paycheck is due on Patriots Day and the bank is closed, it will post on Tuesday. Check with your employer if you are unsure when your deposit is scheduled.
What if I need to deposit a large check on Patriots Day?
You can deposit it at an ATM if your bank offers mobile check deposit through the app, or you can wait until the next business day to visit the branch. Large checks sometimes require a teller to verify, so calling ahead to confirm the branch can accept it is a good idea.
Do online banks close on Patriots Day?
Online banks like Ally and Marcus do not close because they have no physical branches. You can transfer money, pay bills, and manage your account normally. However, ACH transfers and wire transfers sent on the holiday will not process until the next business day.
Is Patriots Day a federal holiday everywhere?
No. The federal government recognizes Patriots Day only in Massachusetts and Maine. Rhode Island observes it on May 23. Other states do not observe it as a holiday, so banks in those states remain open. Check your state's holiday calendar if you are unsure.