Most banks are closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday in January. Most major banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — close their physical branches on this day. ATMs and online banking remain available 24/7, so you can still withdraw cash and check balances, but you cannot visit a teller or speak to a banker in person.
Some smaller regional banks and credit unions may have different schedules, so if you bank with a local institution, check their website or call ahead. A few banks in certain states may stay open if state law does not recognize the holiday, though this is rare.
If you need to deposit a check or handle a transaction that requires a teller, plan to do it the business day before or after the holiday. Deposits made through ATMs or mobile apps will process, but they may not clear until the next business day after the holiday.
Key Takeaways
- Major national banks close their branches on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which falls on the third Monday in January each year.
- ATMs and online banking work normally on the holiday, so you can withdraw cash and check your account anytime.
- Checks deposited through ATMs or mobile apps on the holiday will process, but may not clear until the following business day.
- Wire transfers and other services requiring a banker will not process until the bank reopens the next business day.
- Credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different hours, so contact your bank directly if you are unsure.
What you can and cannot do on the holiday
ATM withdrawals, balance checks, and fund transfers between your own accounts work normally on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Mobile banking apps function the same way they do on any other day. If you need cash, an ATM is your fastest option.
You cannot speak to a banker, deposit cash over the counter, or process wire transfers on the holiday. Cashier's checks and money orders also require a teller and will not be available. If you need any of these services, complete them before the holiday or wait until the next business day.
Check deposits made through ATMs or mobile apps will be received by the bank on the holiday, but the funds may not clear until the business day after the bank reopens. If you need the money urgently, deposit it before the holiday closes.
How to find your bank's exact hours
The easiest way to confirm your bank's schedule is to visit their website and search for "holiday hours" or look at your branch's location page. Most banks post their Martin Luther King Jr. Day closure information by early January. You can also call your branch directly or use the bank's mobile app to check hours.
If you bank with a credit union, check the credit union's website or call the branch. Some credit unions observe federal holidays on the actual day, while others may observe them on a different date or stay open. Do not assume your credit union follows the same schedule as a major bank.
For banks that operate in multiple states, hours may vary by location. A branch in one state might be open while another state's branches are closed, depending on state law. Check the specific branch location you plan to visit.
Planning ahead for holiday banking
If you know you will need banking services around Martin Luther King Jr. Day, handle it the business day before. Deposit checks, withdraw cash, and process any wire transfers or special requests before the holiday. This prevents delays and gives you access to funds when you need them.
If you are expecting a direct deposit or payment on or near the holiday, remember that the bank will not process it until the next business day. Payroll and government payments scheduled for the holiday typically land in your account on the following business day instead.
Set a reminder on your phone or calendar a few days before the holiday if you have banking tasks to complete. This is especially important if you need a cashier's check, money order, or wire transfer, since these services require a teller and cannot be done through an ATM or app.
What happens to checks and deposits during the holiday
Checks you deposit through an ATM or mobile app on Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be received and processed by the bank, but the funds will not clear until the next business day after the bank reopens. This is standard for all federal holidays. If you deposit a check on Monday (the holiday), it will typically clear on Wednesday.
Checks you receive from others will not clear any faster if you deposit them before the holiday. The clearing timeline depends on the check writer's bank and your bank's processing schedule, not on holidays. Most checks take one to three business days to clear regardless of when you deposit them.
If you mail a check to a business or creditor, do not assume it will arrive by a certain date just because you send it before the holiday. Mail delivery may be delayed on the holiday, and the receiving bank will not process deposits until they reopen.
Online and mobile banking during the holiday
Online banking and mobile apps work 24/7 on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, just like any other day. You can check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and deposit checks through your phone. These services do not depend on the bank's physical branches being open.
Bill payments you schedule through online banking will process on the date you select, even if that date is the holiday. However, if you schedule a payment for the holiday and the receiving business is also closed, the payment may not be received until the next business day. Check the receiving business's hours before scheduling.
If you have questions about a transaction or need to dispute a charge, you will have to wait until the bank reopens to speak with a representative. Online chat support may not be available on the holiday, depending on your bank. Check your bank's website for holiday customer service hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
Yes, debit cards work normally on the holiday. You can use them at any merchant, ATM, or online retailer. The bank's branch closure does not affect debit card transactions.
Will my direct deposit arrive on time if the holiday falls on payday?
If your payday is on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, your direct deposit will typically arrive the next business day instead. Contact your employer's payroll department if you are unsure when to expect the payment. Some employers deposit payroll the business day before the holiday to avoid delays.
Can I get a cashier's check on the holiday?
No, cashier's checks require a teller and are not available when the bank is closed. If you need one, get it the business day before the holiday or wait until the bank reopens.
What if I need to report a fraudulent transaction on the holiday?
Call your bank's fraud department. Most banks have a 24/7 fraud line that operates even on holidays. The number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Report the fraud as soon as you notice it, even if it is the holiday.
Do credit unions close on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
Most credit unions close on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but some stay open. Check your credit union's website or call ahead to confirm. Do not assume it follows the same schedule as a major bank.