Most banks close on Election Day, but it depends on your bank and state
Banks observe Election Day as a federal holiday in most of the United States, which means many branches will be closed. However, the rule is not absolute — some banks stay open, and a few states do not treat it as a holiday at all. Your best move is to check your specific bank's website or call your branch directly, because policies vary by institution and sometimes by location within the same bank.
If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or handle a transaction on Election Day, plan ahead. ATMs and mobile banking apps work around the clock regardless of branch closures, so you have options even if your local branch is shut.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks close their physical branches on Election Day because it is a federal holiday, but ATMs remain available 24/7.
- Some banks, particularly smaller regional institutions and credit unions, may stay open on Election Day depending on state law and company policy.
- You can deposit checks, transfer money, and check balances through your bank's mobile app or website on Election Day without visiting a branch.
- If you need cash or must visit a branch, confirm your bank's Election Day hours by calling ahead or checking their website before you go.
Which banks close and which stay open
The major national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most others — close their branches on Election Day. This is standard practice because the federal government designates Election Day as a holiday, and banks follow federal holiday schedules for branch operations.
Credit unions and smaller regional banks vary. Some follow the federal holiday calendar exactly and close; others remain open. Your credit union's policy depends on its board and the state where it operates. Call your branch or check the institution's website to confirm before Election Day arrives.
A handful of states — including Hawaii, Alaska, and some others — do not observe Election Day as a state holiday, which can affect local banks. Even in those states, however, most national banks still close because they follow federal policy rather than state policy.
Using ATMs and mobile banking when branches are closed
ATMs operate independently of branch hours, so you can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has mobile deposit or a check slot), and check your balance on Election Day. This is true regardless of whether your branch is open or closed.
Mobile banking apps and online banking portals work 24/7. You can transfer money between accounts, pay bills, send money to other people, and deposit checks by photograph through your bank's app. These services do not depend on branch hours at all.
If you need to deposit a large amount of cash or handle a transaction that requires a teller, Election Day is not the day to do it. Plan those visits for the day before or the day after instead.
What transactions you can and cannot do on Election Day
| Transaction Type | Branch Closed | Branch Open |
|---|---|---|
| Withdraw cash from ATM | Yes | Yes |
| Deposit check by photo (mobile app) | Yes | Yes |
| Transfer money between your accounts | Yes | Yes |
| Pay bills online | Yes | Yes |
| Deposit cash at branch | No | Yes |
| Speak to a teller about an account issue | No | Yes |
| Open a new account | No | Yes |
How to find your bank's Election Day hours
Visit your bank's official website and look for a holiday hours section or branch locator tool. Most banks publish their Election Day schedule at least a week in advance. Search for "Election Day hours" plus your bank's name, or go directly to the branch locator and enter your zip code.
Call your specific branch directly if the website does not make the hours clear. The phone number is usually on your bank statement or card, or you can find it through the bank's main customer service line. A staff member can tell you whether that location will be open and what time it closes if it is.
If you bank with a credit union, contact your credit union's main office or check their website. Smaller institutions sometimes have different policies at different branches, so confirm the location you plan to visit.
Planning ahead to avoid Election Day banking problems
Deposit checks and withdraw cash the day before Election Day if you know you will need money. This eliminates the risk of finding your branch closed or running into delays. If you are expecting a check to arrive on or near Election Day, deposit it early through your mobile app using check deposit by photo.
If you need to pay a bill that is due on Election Day, pay it online or through your mobile app several days before. Banks process online payments with a delay, so do not wait until the last day.
For wire transfers or other time-sensitive transactions, handle them before Election Day. Banks do not process wires on federal holidays, so a wire sent on Election Day will not go through until the next business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Election Day if my bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and at any store that accepts cards, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. You can also use your card to pay bills online or send money through your bank's app.
Will checks I deposit on Election Day clear the same day?
No. Checks deposited on Election Day through an ATM or mobile app will be processed the next business day (November 6th if Election Day is November 5th). Banks do not process deposits on federal holidays.
What if I need cash and my bank is closed on Election Day?
Use an ATM to withdraw cash. ATMs are available 24/7 even when branches are closed. If your bank's ATM is not nearby, you can also get cash back at most grocery stores and retailers when you make a purchase with your debit card.
Do online banks close on Election Day?
Online banks do not have physical branches, so they do not "close" in the traditional sense. You can access your account, transfer money, and deposit checks through their app or website on Election Day just as you would any other day.
Will my direct deposit come through on Election Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Election Day may arrive late because banks do not process ACH transfers on federal holidays. If your payday falls on Election Day, the deposit typically arrives the next business day instead.