Yes, most banks close on President's Day
President's Day is a federal holiday, and most banks observe it by closing their physical branches. The Federal Reserve, which sets the standard for the banking system, designates President's Day as a day when banks do not conduct regular business. This means you cannot visit a branch, speak to a teller, or use most in-person services.
However, "closed" does not mean you lose access to your money entirely. ATMs stay open, online banking continues to work, and mobile apps function normally. If you need cash or want to check your balance, you can do those things without stepping into a branch.
Some banks may offer limited services or extended hours on the day before or after President's Day, but this varies by institution. Call your bank directly or check their website to see what they offer in your area.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks close their branches on President's Day because it is a federal holiday recognized by the Federal Reserve.
- ATMs and online banking remain available on President's Day, so you can withdraw cash and check balances without visiting a branch.
- Deposits made at ATMs or through mobile apps on President's Day will typically post the next business day.
- Wire transfers and other time-sensitive transactions may be delayed if you initiate them on President's Day.
- Credit unions and smaller banks may have different holiday schedules, so confirm your institution's hours before you need them.
What stays open and what closes
Bank branches close, but the digital side of your bank stays operational. You can log into your online account, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and deposit checks using mobile deposit (if your bank offers it). ATMs work around the clock, and debit cards function normally at stores and other merchants.
What does not happen on President's Day: you cannot speak to a loan officer, open a new account in person, get a cashier's check from a teller, or resolve disputes that require a human conversation. If you need any of those things, you will have to wait until the next business day.
Wire transfers initiated on President's Day will not process until the following day. The same applies to ACH transfers (the system banks use to move money between accounts). If you are sending money to pay a bill or transfer funds to another person, plan ahead and send it the day before if the deadline is tight.
Which banks close and which stay open
Large national banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others—close all branches on President's Day. Credit unions vary. Some close, others stay open. Regional and community banks also differ, so you cannot assume based on size alone.
The safest approach is to check your specific bank's website or call the branch you plan to visit. Most banks post their holiday hours online, and a quick search for "[Your Bank Name] President's Day hours" will give you the answer. If you cannot find it online, call the branch directly the day before.
Online-only banks (like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Discover) do not have physical branches, so the concept of "closed" does not apply to them. You can conduct any transaction you normally would, though some services like customer support may have reduced staffing.
When deposits and payments post
If you deposit a check at an ATM on President's Day, it will not be processed until the next business day (Tuesday, if President's Day falls on a Monday). The same is true for mobile deposits. The bank receives the image or the physical check, but the funds do not clear until the following day.
Payments you make online on President's Day will post on the next business day if you schedule them to go out immediately. If you set them to go out on a specific future date, that date is honored regardless of whether it falls on a holiday. However, if you schedule a payment for President's Day itself, most banks will hold it and send it the next day.
If you are paying a bill with a tight deadline, do not wait until President's Day. Send the payment the day before to avoid any risk of a late fee.
Planning ahead for President's Day
President's Day falls on the third Monday in February each year. In 2024, it is February 19. In 2025, it is February 17. Mark it on your calendar if you know you will need to visit a branch that week.
Before President's Day, withdraw cash if you think you will need it. Pay bills a day early. If you need a cashier's check or other in-person service, handle it on Friday or the day before the holiday. This takes five minutes of planning and prevents frustration.
If you are expecting a direct deposit (paycheck, tax refund, benefit payment) on or around President's Day, remember that the Federal Reserve does not process ACH transfers on federal holidays. A deposit scheduled for President's Day will arrive on Tuesday instead.
What to do if you need banking services on President's Day
Use an ATM to withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your bank's ATM accepts deposits), or check your balance. ATMs are available 24/7 and do not close for holidays.
Use your bank's mobile app or website to transfer money, pay bills, or deposit checks by phone camera. These services work on holidays.
If you need to speak to someone, call your bank's customer service line. Most banks maintain a phone line on holidays, though wait times may be longer and some services may not be available. Check your bank's website for the holiday customer service number.
If your issue is urgent and cannot wait until Tuesday, consider visiting a different bank's ATM or a store that offers cash-back services (grocery stores, pharmacies, and retailers often let you withdraw cash when you make a purchase with a debit card).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on President's Day?
Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs, stores, and online merchants on President's Day. The holiday only affects bank branches and some back-office processing. You can spend money and withdraw cash normally.
Will my paycheck deposit on President's Day?
No. Direct deposits scheduled for President's Day will arrive on the next business day (Tuesday). If your employer normally pays on a Monday that falls on President's Day, the deposit will come Tuesday instead. Check with your employer or payroll department to confirm the exact date.
Can I get a cashier's check on President's Day?
No. Cashier's checks are issued by tellers at bank branches, which are closed on President's Day. If you need one urgently, get it the day before. Some banks may issue them on the Friday before if the holiday is on Monday.
Do credit unions close on President's Day?
Most do, but not all. Credit unions set their own holiday schedules. Call your credit union or check their website to confirm. Some stay open on federal holidays when banks close.
What if I need to dispute a charge on President's Day?
Call your bank's customer service line. They can start the dispute process over the phone, even on a holiday. The formal investigation will begin the next business day, but you can report the issue immediately to protect yourself.