Most banks are closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday, and most banks observe it by closing their branches. This includes all major national banks—Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others. If you need to visit a branch, deposit a check, or speak to someone in person, plan to do it the day before or the day after.

Some credit unions also close on MLK Day, though a smaller number stay open. Call your specific branch or check their website to confirm, since policies vary by institution and location.

ATMs and online banking remain available on the holiday. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills through your bank's app or website without interruption.

Key Takeaways

  • Major national banks close their physical branches on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, though the exact date shifts each year (it is observed on the third Monday in January).
  • ATMs work normally on MLK Day, and you can use online banking and mobile apps to handle most transactions.
  • If you need to deposit a check or speak to a banker in person, plan your visit for the business day before or after the holiday.
  • Credit unions have varying policies—some close and some stay open—so contact your branch directly if you are unsure.
  • Wire transfers and other services that depend on bank staff may process the next business day instead.

What you can and cannot do on MLK Day

Online transactions move forward normally. You can log into your account, transfer money, pay bills, set up automatic payments, and check your balance at any hour. Mobile deposits (photographing a check through your app) also work on the holiday.

ATM withdrawals, balance inquiries, and card transactions at stores and restaurants continue without delay. Your debit card and credit card function the same way they do on any other day.

What stops: depositing a check in person, speaking to a loan officer, opening a new account, ordering a replacement card from a teller, or handling disputes that require staff involvement. Wire transfers initiated on MLK Day typically process the next business day instead of same-day.

When banks reopen after MLK Day

Banks reopen on Tuesday if MLK Day falls on a Monday (which it does every year, since it is observed on the third Monday in January). Your next opportunity to visit a branch in person is that Tuesday morning.

If you initiated a wire transfer or other transaction on the holiday, it will process once the bank reopens. Check your account the next business day to confirm it went through. If you are waiting for a deposit from your employer or another source, it may arrive a day later than usual if the sender's bank was also closed.

Planning ahead for time-sensitive tasks

If you need to deposit a check, deposit cash, or handle anything requiring a teller, do it on the Friday before MLK Day or wait until Tuesday. Do not wait until Monday morning if your bank is closed.

If you are expecting a paycheck or government payment (tax refund, Social Security, unemployment), and it normally arrives on Monday, it may arrive on Tuesday instead. Check your account Tuesday morning rather than assuming it is late.

For loan applications, mortgage questions, or account disputes, call your bank on Friday to ask whether they can handle it remotely or whether you need to visit in person on Tuesday. Some banks can email you forms to sign or answer questions by phone.

Credit unions and smaller banks

Not all credit unions close on MLK Day. Some stay open with normal hours, while others close entirely. A few operate on a reduced schedule. The only way to know is to contact your branch directly or check their website.

Smaller regional banks and community banks also vary. If you bank somewhere other than a major national chain, call ahead or check online before you plan a visit on Monday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on MLK Day?

Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs, stores, restaurants, and online merchants on MLK Day just like any other day. The bank being closed does not affect card transactions.

Will my paycheck deposit be delayed if my employer's bank is closed on MLK Day?

Possibly. If your employer's payroll department processes payments on Monday and their bank is closed, the deposit may arrive Tuesday instead of Monday. Direct deposits scheduled for Monday sometimes land Tuesday when the holiday falls on a Monday.

Can I deposit a check using my phone on MLK Day?

Yes. Mobile deposit (taking a photo of the check through your bank's app) works on MLK Day. The funds typically appear in your account within one to two business days, so a deposit made Monday may not clear until Wednesday.

What if I need to wire money on MLK Day?

You can initiate a wire transfer through online banking on MLK Day, but it will not process until Tuesday when the bank reopens. If you need the money to arrive the same day, you will need to wait until after the holiday.

Are bank customer service phone lines open on MLK Day?

Most major banks have limited or no phone support on federal holidays. If you reach an automated system, you can usually handle basic account questions, but speaking to a representative may not be possible until Tuesday.