Most banks are closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on the third Monday in January each year. In 2025, that is January 20. Most major banks treat it as a federal holiday and close their physical branches that day, the same way they close on Thanksgiving or Christmas.

However, you can still move money without visiting a branch. ATMs work 24 hours, online banking stays open, and mobile apps let you transfer funds, pay bills, and check balances from your phone. If you need to speak to someone, most banks offer phone support on the holiday, though wait times are often longer than usual.

The banks that close on MLK Day include Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank, PNC, and most regional and community banks. Credit unions typically close as well. If you use a smaller or online-only bank, check their website or call ahead—some do not observe all federal holidays.

Key Takeaways

  • Physical bank branches close on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which falls on the third Monday in January.
  • ATMs and online banking remain available 24 hours, so you can withdraw cash and transfer money without visiting a branch.
  • Most major banks offer phone customer service on the holiday, though hold times may be longer than on regular business days.
  • Checks deposited on MLK Day will not be processed until the next business day, so plan ahead if you need funds quickly.
  • Credit unions and smaller banks may have different holiday schedules, so confirm your bank's hours before the day arrives.

What you can and cannot do on MLK Day

ATMs let you withdraw cash, deposit checks (though they will not clear until the next business day), and transfer money between your own accounts. Online banking portals and mobile apps work the same way—you can pay bills, move money to other people, and check your balance without any delay.

What you cannot do is speak to a teller in person or visit a loan officer. If you need a cashier's check, a notary, or help opening a new account, you will have to wait until the next business day. Wire transfers initiated online may process the same day depending on your bank, but transfers to other banks often wait until the next business day regardless of when you submit them.

How to find your bank's specific holiday hours

The safest way is to visit your bank's website and search for "holiday hours" or "MLK Day hours." Most banks post this information in the fall for the entire year. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your debit card—representatives work on most holidays and can tell you whether your specific branch is open.

If you use an online-only bank like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Discover, check their website for holiday schedules. Some online banks do not close at all because they have no physical branches. Others close their customer service lines but keep ATM and app access open.

Planning ahead for checks and transfers

If you deposit a check on MLK Day using an ATM or mobile app, it will not be processed until Tuesday (the next business day). The bank receives it on Tuesday but may not credit your account until Wednesday, depending on the check amount and your bank's policies. If you need the money by a specific date, deposit it on Friday or the Saturday before the holiday instead.

Transfers between accounts at the same bank usually post the same day or the next business day, regardless of the holiday. Transfers to other banks (ACH transfers) typically take one to three business days and will not be faster because you sent them on a holiday. Wire transfers can move faster, but most banks do not process wires on federal holidays unless you use their online system, and even then the receiving bank may not process it until the next day.

What happens if you need cash before the holiday

Withdraw what you need on Friday or Saturday. ATMs work on MLK Day, but if your card is lost, stolen, or frozen, you will not be able to get cash until the branch reopens. If you know you will need cash over the holiday weekend, get it before Monday arrives.

If you run out of cash on MLK Day itself, you can still use your debit card at stores, restaurants, and gas stations. Most merchants accept cards even when banks are closed. Only withdraw from an ATM if you specifically need physical cash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check on MLK Day and have it clear by Tuesday?

No. Checks deposited on MLK Day will not be processed until Tuesday at the earliest, and most banks do not credit the funds until Wednesday. If you need the money by Tuesday, deposit the check on Friday or Saturday instead.

Will my automatic bill payments go through on MLK Day?

Yes. Automatic payments scheduled for MLK Day will process normally. The payment leaves your account on the holiday, though the receiving company may not see it until the next business day. If you need to cancel or change a payment, do it before the holiday.

Can I get a wire transfer on MLK Day?

You can initiate a wire through online banking on MLK Day, but the receiving bank may not process it until Tuesday. Call your bank before the holiday if you need a wire to arrive by a specific time—some banks offer limited wire services on holidays for urgent situations.

What if my bank is open on MLK Day?

Some banks, particularly smaller regional banks and credit unions, may stay open or have limited hours. Check your bank's website or call ahead. Do not assume your bank follows the federal holiday schedule.

Can I use my debit card on MLK Day if the branch is closed?

Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs, stores, and online merchants on MLK Day. The branch closure does not affect your card or your ability to spend money.