Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches stay open

Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. On that date, most major banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — close their physical branches because it is a federal holiday. Their ATMs and online banking remain available 24/7, so you can still transfer money, check balances, and move funds between accounts.

Credit unions often follow the same schedule as banks, though some smaller or regional credit unions may stay open. Call your specific branch the day before to confirm. If you need cash or services that require a teller, plan ahead: withdraw money on the business day before Veterans Day, or use an ATM.

When Veterans Day falls on a weekend, most banks observe the holiday on the nearest weekday — usually the Friday before if November 11 is a Saturday, or the Monday after if it is a Sunday. Check your bank's website or call ahead to confirm the exact closure date for that year.

Key Takeaways

  • Major banks close their branches on Veterans Day (November 11), but ATMs and online banking work normally.
  • If November 11 falls on a weekend, banks typically close on the nearest weekday instead.
  • Credit unions may have different hours, so contact your branch directly to confirm.
  • Withdraw cash and handle teller services the business day before if you know you will need them.
  • Wire transfers, bill payments, and account access through mobile apps and websites continue during the holiday.

Which banks close and which stay open

All federally chartered banks must close on Veterans Day. This includes Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank, PNC, Capital One, and most other national chains. State-chartered banks that are members of the Federal Reserve also close. If your bank is one of these, assume the branch is closed unless you see an announcement otherwise.

Some smaller regional banks or community banks may stay open, especially if they do not observe all federal holidays. Your best move is to call or check the bank's website the day before. Most banks post holiday hours online under "Locations" or "Hours," and you can search by your specific branch.

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover do not have physical branches, so there is no closure to worry about. You can still deposit checks by phone camera, transfer money, and access your account at any time.

What you can and cannot do on Veterans Day

You can: Use ATMs to withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM accepts mobile deposits), transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills online, check your balance, and use mobile banking apps. Wire transfers initiated through online banking may process, though some banks delay them until the next business day.

You cannot: Speak to a teller, open a new account in person, get a cashier's check, report a lost card to someone at the branch, or conduct any service that requires a bank employee. If you need a cashier's check or have a problem that requires a teller, handle it the business day before or after.

If you need to report fraud or a lost card, call the customer service number on the back of your card — most banks staff phone lines on holidays. Online fraud reporting tools are also available 24/7 on most bank websites.

Planning ahead for Veterans Day banking needs

If you know you will need cash, withdraw it on the business day before Veterans Day. ATMs have daily withdrawal limits (usually $500 to $1,000, depending on your bank and account type), so if you need more than that, plan to visit the branch earlier in the week.

If you need a cashier's check, wire transfer, or any service requiring a teller, request it before the holiday. Some banks can prepare cashier's checks in advance if you call ahead. Wire transfers requested online may not process until the next business day, so do not wait until the last minute if the money is time-sensitive.

Bill payments made through online banking or automatic transfers will process normally, even if the bank is closed. The payment goes out on the scheduled date regardless of whether it is a holiday.

Credit unions and Veterans Day hours

Most credit unions close on Veterans Day because they are part of the federal banking system. However, some credit unions — especially smaller ones or those in rural areas — may have different holiday schedules. A few stay open on federal holidays or have limited hours.

Contact your credit union directly to confirm. Call the main number or check their website for "holiday hours." If your credit union is closed, their ATM and online banking will still work, just like with banks.

When Veterans Day falls on a weekend

If November 11 falls on a Saturday, most banks observe the holiday on Friday, November 10. If November 11 falls on a Sunday, they observe it on Monday, November 12. This is the federal standard, though a small number of banks may handle it differently.

Check your bank's website or call the branch to confirm which day they are closed that year. Do not assume based on the calendar — verify with your specific bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day if the bank is closed?

Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs and stores on Veterans Day, even though the branch is closed. You can withdraw cash from any ATM in your bank's network or use your card to make purchases anywhere that accepts it.

Will my direct deposit go through on Veterans Day?

Direct deposits scheduled for Veterans Day may arrive a day late, depending on your employer and bank. Most employers process payroll the business day before the holiday, so your deposit typically hits your account on the last business day before Veterans Day. Check with your employer's payroll department if you are unsure.

What if I need to report a stolen card on Veterans Day?

Call the customer service number on the back of your card immediately — most banks staff phone lines 24/7, including holidays. You can also report it through your mobile app or the bank's website. Do not wait until the branch reopens.

Can I open a new bank account on Veterans Day?

Not in person at a closed branch. However, you can open an account online with most banks at any time, including Veterans Day. The account may not be fully active until the next business day, but you can start the process during the holiday.

Do wire transfers process on Veterans Day?

Wire transfers initiated online may not process until the next business day. If the transfer is time-sensitive, send it the business day before Veterans Day. Call your bank's wire department if you need to know the exact timing for your specific transfer.