Most banks are closed on Sundays, but you can still access your money
Nearly all brick-and-mortar banks in the United States close on Sundays. This includes the major chains—Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank—and most regional and local banks. The only exceptions are a handful of banks in specific states or cities that have chosen to stay open, and even those are rare.
If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to someone in person on a Sunday, your bank branch will not be available. However, you have several other ways to move money or handle banking tasks without waiting until Monday.
Key Takeaways
- Standard bank branches close on Sundays nationwide, with very few exceptions in certain regions.
- ATMs and mobile banking apps work 24/7, so you can withdraw cash, check balances, and transfer money any time on Sunday.
- Mobile check deposit through your bank's app lets you photograph and submit checks from home without visiting a branch.
- Credit unions sometimes have different Sunday hours than banks, so check your specific institution before assuming it is closed.
- Online banks and fintech services have no physical branches but offer full banking access around the clock.
Why banks close on Sundays
Banks close on Sundays because of federal banking law and tradition. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act does not require banks to stay open on Sundays, and most banks have chosen not to. Operating a branch costs money—staff wages, utilities, security—and Sunday traffic at most branches is low enough that the cost outweighs the benefit.
Some banks have experimented with Sunday hours in the past, particularly in high-traffic urban areas, but most discontinued the practice. The shift to mobile banking and ATMs has reduced the need for Sunday branch access even further. Banks now assume most customers can handle routine transactions without a teller.
What you can do on Sunday instead of visiting a branch
If you need cash, use an ATM. Your bank's ATM network is open 24/7, and most banks let you withdraw from their machines for free. If you use an out-of-network ATM, you will usually pay a fee ($1 to $3), but the transaction still goes through immediately.
If you need to deposit a check, use your bank's mobile app to photograph the front and back of the check and submit it electronically. Most banks process mobile deposits within one business day, though some take up to two. You do not need to visit a branch at all—the check is deposited from your phone.
If you need to transfer money between your own accounts or send money to someone else, log into your bank's website or app and initiate the transfer. Transfers between accounts at the same bank usually post immediately or within hours. Transfers to other banks typically take one to three business days, depending on whether it is a weekend.
If you need to pay a bill, use your bank's bill pay feature through the app or website. You can schedule payments for any date, including future dates, so you do not have to wait until Monday.
When credit unions and online banks have different Sunday hours
Credit unions sometimes operate on different schedules than traditional banks. Some credit unions stay open on Sundays, particularly larger ones in urban areas. If you bank with a credit union, check your institution's website or call the branch directly to confirm Sunday hours—do not assume it is closed.
Online banks and fintech services like Chime, Ally, and Marcus have no physical branches, so the concept of Sunday closure does not apply. You can deposit checks, transfer money, and manage your account at any time, day or night. The trade-off is that you cannot walk into a location to speak with someone in person, but customer service is usually available by phone or chat.
What happens if you need cash and the ATM is empty
ATM outages are rare, but they do happen. If your bank's ATM is out of service or out of cash on a Sunday, you have a few options. You can use an ATM from a different bank (and pay the out-of-network fee), visit a grocery store or convenience store that has an ATM, or wait until Monday to visit your branch.
Some grocery stores and pharmacies offer cash back when you use a debit card to make a purchase, even if you are not buying much. This is not a bank service, but it can get you cash on a Sunday without paying an ATM fee.
Planning ahead for Sunday banking needs
The simplest approach is to handle banking tasks before Sunday. If you know you will need cash, withdraw it on Friday or Saturday. If you have checks to deposit, use mobile deposit on Sunday itself—you do not need to wait for Monday. If you need to pay a bill, schedule it through your bank's bill pay system rather than waiting to do it in person.
Set up automatic transfers and bill payments for recurring expenses so you do not have to think about them at all. Most banks let you automate payments to the same payee every month, which removes the need to visit a branch or log in repeatedly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check on Sunday using my bank's app?
Yes. Mobile check deposit works 24/7 through your bank's app. Photograph the front and back of the check and submit it. The bank processes it within one to two business days. You do not need to visit a branch.
Do any banks stay open on Sunday?
A very small number of banks in certain cities stay open on Sunday, but this is not standard. Check your specific bank's website or call your local branch to confirm. Most major chains and regional banks are closed on Sundays.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on Sunday?
Most banks offer phone or chat support on Sundays, though wait times may be longer than on weekdays. Check your bank's website for customer service hours. Online banks and credit unions may have different availability, so verify with your institution directly.
Can I transfer money to another person's account on Sunday?
Yes, you can initiate the transfer through your bank's app or website on Sunday. The transfer will process, but it may not reach the other person's account until Monday or later, depending on whether both banks are part of the same network and current processing times.
Will I be charged a fee if I use an out-of-network ATM on Sunday?
Yes, out-of-network ATM fees typically range from $1 to $3 and apply whether you use it on Sunday or any other day. The fee is charged by either your bank, the ATM operator, or both. Using your bank's own ATM avoids this fee.