Most banks close on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Most major U.S. banks close on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed on the third Monday in January. This includes Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and U.S. Bank. The day is a federal holiday, so banks treat it the same way they treat Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Independence Day — branches shut down and staff do not work.
However, not every bank closes. Some credit unions and smaller regional banks stay open, and online banking continues to work regardless of the holiday. If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash on MLK Day itself, you will need to know whether your specific bank is open before you go.
ATMs and mobile apps work on the holiday. You can transfer money between your own accounts, check your balance, and move funds to other banks using your phone or computer. Deposits made through ATMs or mobile deposit will process, but they typically will not clear until the next business day.
Key Takeaways
- Major national banks including Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo close all branches on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
- ATMs and mobile banking apps continue to work on the holiday, so you can check balances and transfer money between your own accounts.
- Checks deposited through ATMs or mobile deposit on the holiday will not clear until the next business day.
- Some credit unions and smaller regional banks stay open on MLK Day, so contact your bank directly if you are unsure.
- Wire transfers and ACH payments sent on the holiday will not process until the next business day.
How to check if your bank is open on MLK Day
The fastest way is to call your bank's main customer service line or text their support number. Most banks have a holiday schedule posted on their website under "Hours" or "Locations." You can also search "[Your Bank Name] MLK Day hours" to find the official page.
If you use a credit union, check their website or call the branch directly. Credit unions vary widely — some close for all federal holidays, others stay open. Your credit union's app or website will usually show holiday hours under the branch locator tool.
For online-only banks like Ally, Discover, or Charles Schwab, branches do not exist, so the holiday does not affect you. You can deposit checks through their mobile app and transfer money anytime.
What transactions will be delayed on MLK Day
Anything that requires a bank employee or the Federal Reserve to process will wait until Tuesday. This includes wire transfers, ACH transfers to other banks, check deposits made at a teller window, and cash withdrawals at a branch.
Checks deposited through an ATM or mobile app on Monday will be received by your bank on Monday, but they will not clear until Tuesday or Wednesday depending on the check's origin bank. The funds will not be available to spend until then.
Payments you schedule to go out on Monday (like bill payments or transfers) may process on Monday if they were set up in advance, but many banks hold scheduled transactions until the next business day when the holiday falls on the processing date.
ATM and online banking access on the holiday
ATMs run 24/7 and do not close for holidays. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, transfer money between your accounts, and check your balance on MLK Day. The transaction will show in your account immediately, though any check deposit will not clear until the next business day.
Mobile banking apps and online banking portals work the same way. Log in, transfer money to another account at your bank, pay bills from your account, or set up future transactions. These actions happen instantly on your end, but if they involve another bank or require processing, they will not complete until Tuesday.
Some banks limit the number of transfers you can make from savings accounts on any given day (a federal rule that applies even on holidays). Check your account terms if you plan to move money multiple times on Monday.
What to do if you need cash or a deposit on MLK Day
Use an ATM. You can withdraw cash and deposit checks 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If your bank's ATM is not nearby, most banks let you use ATMs from other banks, though you may pay a fee ($2 to $3 is typical).
If you need to speak to someone at your bank on Monday, you will have to wait until Tuesday. Customer service phone lines are closed on federal holidays at most banks. If it is an emergency — a fraudulent charge, a locked account, or a lost card — some banks have a 24-hour fraud line that operates even on holidays. Check the back of your card for that number.
If you use a bank that has branches in multiple states or regions, a branch in a different state might be open if that state does not observe MLK Day as a holiday. However, this is rare — nearly all banks nationwide close on federal holidays regardless of state law.
Planning ahead for MLK Day banking
If you know you will need cash or need to deposit a check on MLK Day, do it on Friday or Saturday before the holiday. This avoids any risk of an ATM being out of order or running out of cash, and it ensures your deposit clears by Wednesday instead of Thursday.
If you are expecting a direct deposit or a payment to arrive on MLK Day, it will not process until Tuesday. Payroll deposits, government payments, and ACH transfers all wait for the next business day. Plan your budget accordingly if you are counting on that money on Monday.
Set up bill payments or transfers a day or two early if they are due around the holiday. If a bill is due on Tuesday and you wait until Monday to pay it, the payment may not reach the creditor until Wednesday, which could result in a late fee depending on the creditor's policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Martin Luther King Jr. Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online store on the holiday. The bank being closed does not affect your card. Transactions will post to your account, though some may not settle until the next business day.
Will my direct deposit come through on MLK Day?
No. Payroll and government direct deposits do not process on federal holidays. If your employer or the government normally deposits on Monday and MLK Day falls on that Monday, the deposit will arrive on Tuesday instead.
What if I need to report fraud on MLK Day?
Call the fraud line on the back of your card. Most banks operate a 24-hour fraud hotline even on holidays. Report the fraudulent charge immediately so the bank can freeze your account and issue a new card.
Do credit unions close on MLK Day?
Most do, but not all. Contact your credit union directly or check their website for holiday hours. Some credit unions stay open on federal holidays while others close. Do not assume — call ahead if you need to visit on Monday.
Can I deposit a check through my bank's app on MLK Day?
Yes. Mobile check deposit works 24/7. The check will be received by your bank on Monday, but it will not clear and become available to spend until Tuesday or Wednesday depending on the check's origin.