Most banks are closed on Memorial Day, but ATMs and online banking stay open
Memorial Day is a federal holiday, and most banks observe it by closing their physical branches. That means you cannot walk in to a teller, deposit a check at the counter, or speak to a loan officer on Memorial Day itself. However, your ATM card works the same as any other day, and you can transfer money, pay bills, and check your balance online or through your bank's mobile app without interruption.
The closure affects only the branch locations and their staff. Your account does not close, and transactions you make online or at an ATM will process normally. If you need cash, you can withdraw it from any ATM in your bank's network or from partner networks, depending on your account type.
Key Takeaways
- Physical bank branches close on Memorial Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available 24 hours.
- Deposits made at an ATM on Memorial Day will post to your account, though the timing may vary by bank.
- Wire transfers and bill payments you initiate online will process, but may not settle until the next business day.
- If you need to speak to a banker, you will have to wait until Tuesday or call a customer service line that may have limited holiday hours.
What you can and cannot do on Memorial Day
You can withdraw cash from any ATM, check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, and pay bills online. You can also deposit checks using mobile check deposit if your bank offers it — you photograph the check through the app, and it enters the processing queue. Peer-to-peer payments through services like Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle work as usual.
You cannot visit a branch to deposit cash, get a cashier's check, apply for a loan, dispute a transaction in person, or speak to a banker. If you need a notary, safe deposit box access, or a new debit card issued on the spot, you will have to return on Tuesday. Some banks offer limited phone support on holidays, but wait times are often longer and fewer staff are available.
When deposits and transfers actually post
A check you deposit through a mobile app on Memorial Day enters the queue, but it will not clear until Tuesday at the earliest. The same is true for ATM deposits — the bank processes them the next business day. If you need the money to be available immediately, an ATM deposit on Monday will not help you.
Transfers between your own accounts at the same bank usually post instantly, even on a holiday. Transfers to another bank (external transfers) may take one to three business days depending on the receiving bank, and the clock starts on Tuesday. Wire transfers initiated online on Memorial Day will not send until Tuesday morning, so if you need money to arrive the same day, you have missed the window.
How to learn about your specific bank is open
Call your bank's main customer service number or check their website — most banks publish holiday hours in advance. Some branches may have different hours than others, so do not assume all locations are closed the same way. A few banks, particularly online-only banks with no physical branches, do not have a closure at all because they have no staff to close.
If you bank with a large national chain like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, assume the branch is closed. If you bank with a smaller regional bank or credit union, call ahead — some credit unions do stay open on federal holidays, and a few branches may have limited hours.
Planning ahead if you need cash or a service
Withdraw cash on Friday or Saturday if you know you will need it over the long weekend. If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit on Monday evening so it enters the processing queue before the holiday. If you need a service that requires a banker — a new account, a loan application, a dispute resolution — schedule it for Tuesday or later.
If you have a time-sensitive payment due on or around Memorial Day, initiate it online before Monday so it clears before the holiday. If the due date falls on Tuesday, you have until Tuesday morning to send it, but do not wait until Monday night — the bank's processing schedule may delay it.
What happens to automatic payments and direct deposits
Automatic bill payments you have already set up will process on their scheduled date, even if that date is Memorial Day. Your employer's direct deposit will also post on the usual day. You do not have to do anything — these transactions are already queued in the system and will go through regardless of the holiday.
If a payment is scheduled to post on Memorial Day and the receiving company is also closed, there may be a one-day delay on their end, but your bank will have sent it. Check your account on Tuesday to confirm the payment left your account as expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check at an ATM on Memorial Day?
Yes, if your bank's ATM accepts check deposits. The check will be scanned and added to the processing queue, but it will not clear until Tuesday at the earliest. If you need the funds immediately, this will not help, but it is a way to get the check into the system before you forget.
Will my direct deposit arrive on Memorial Day?
Direct deposits usually post on the same day they are scheduled, even on federal holidays. However, if your employer processes payroll on Memorial Day itself, there may be a one-day delay. Check with your employer's payroll department if you are unsure when they process.
Can I use my debit card to buy things on Memorial Day?
Yes. Your debit card works at stores, gas stations, and online retailers on Memorial Day just like any other day. The only thing that closes is the bank branch itself, not the payment network.
What if I need to dispute a charge on Memorial Day?
You can call your bank's customer service line — most have a number available 24/7 for fraud and disputes. You can also start a dispute through your online account or mobile app, and the bank will investigate it after the holiday. Do not wait until Tuesday if you think your account was compromised.
Do online banks close on Memorial Day?
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Marcus do not have physical branches, so they do not "close" in the traditional sense. You can still access your account and make transactions 24/7. However, customer service phone lines may have reduced hours or longer wait times.