Most banks close on Patriots Day in Massachusetts
Patriots Day falls on the third Monday in May each year. In Massachusetts, it is a state holiday, and most banks observe it by closing their branches for the day. Federal banks and major national chains like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank typically close on Patriots Day because it is a state holiday in Massachusetts, even though it is not a federal holiday elsewhere.
However, some banks do stay open on Patriots Day. Smaller regional banks, credit unions, and online-only banks may have different policies. Your best move is to call your specific bank branch directly or check their website for their Patriots Day hours before you need to visit.
If you need to do banking on Patriots Day, ATMs and mobile apps work regardless of branch closures. You can withdraw cash, transfer money, check balances, and deposit checks through your phone or at an ATM on the holiday.
Key Takeaways
- Most bank branches in Massachusetts close on Patriots Day, which falls on the third Monday in May.
- Federal banks and major national chains close because Massachusetts recognizes Patriots Day as a state holiday.
- Some credit unions and regional banks may stay open, so contact your bank directly to confirm.
- ATMs and mobile banking apps work on Patriots Day even when branches are closed.
- If you need cash or to make a deposit, plan ahead or use your bank's ATM network.
Which banks definitely close on Patriots Day
Banks that are members of the Federal Reserve system and operate under federal banking rules typically close on Patriots Day in Massachusetts because the state observes it as a holiday. This includes most of the major banks you encounter: Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, TD Bank, and Santander all close their Massachusetts branches on Patriots Day.
Smaller regional banks that operate only in Massachusetts or New England often close as well, since they follow state holiday schedules. If your bank has branches across multiple states, check whether they close only in Massachusetts or nationwide on Patriots Day.
Banks and credit unions that may stay open
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Marcus by Goldman Sachs do not have physical branches, so the concept of "closed" does not apply to them. You can access your account and move money anytime on Patriots Day through their apps or websites.
Some credit unions stay open on Patriots Day even though banks close. Credit union policies vary by institution and by state. Call your credit union ahead of time to ask whether they observe Patriots Day as a holiday. A few larger credit unions in Massachusetts do stay open with limited hours.
How to find your bank's Patriots Day hours
The fastest way is to search "[Your Bank Name] Patriots Day hours" or "[Your Bank Name] Massachusetts holidays." Most banks post their holiday schedule on their website under a section called "Hours" or "Branch Locator." You can also call your local branch directly and ask whether they will be open on the third Monday in May.
If you use mobile banking, open the app and look for a "Locations" or "Find a Branch" tool. Many apps show holiday hours right there. If you do not see it, the bank's main website will have a branch locator that displays holiday schedules when you enter your zip code.
What you can do on Patriots Day without visiting a branch
ATMs work 24/7, including on Patriots Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), transfer money between accounts, and check your balance. Most banks do not charge extra fees for ATM use on holidays.
Mobile banking apps let you pay bills, transfer money, deposit checks by photograph, and send money to other people. You can also set up automatic payments or recurring transfers so you do not have to do anything on the holiday itself. If you need to speak to someone, most banks offer phone support on holidays, though wait times may be longer.
Planning ahead for Patriots Day banking needs
If you know you will need cash or need to deposit a check on or around Patriots Day, do it the day before. Most branches close at 5 or 6 p.m. on Friday before the Monday holiday, so plan to visit Friday afternoon if you need in-person service.
If you have a time-sensitive payment due on Patriots Day, use your bank's bill pay feature through the app or website. Set it up to process on the day you need it paid, and it will go through even though the branch is closed. For checks you need to deposit, use mobile deposit through the app if your bank offers it—you can photograph the check and submit it anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Patriots Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs, stores, and online merchants on Patriots Day regardless of whether your bank branch is open. The only thing you cannot do is visit a teller inside a closed branch.
Will my direct deposit go through on Patriots Day?
Direct deposits typically post on schedule even on holidays. If your employer deposits on the third Monday in May, the money should appear in your account that day or the next business day, depending on your bank's processing schedule.
What if I need to cash a check on Patriots Day?
Use your bank's ATM if it has a check deposit slot, or use mobile deposit through the app to photograph the check. If you need cash immediately and the check is large, you may need to wait until Tuesday when branches reopen.
Do online banks close on Patriots Day?
No. Online banks like Ally and Marcus do not have physical branches, so they never "close." You can access your account, transfer money, and manage your finances anytime on Patriots Day through their website or app.
Is Patriots Day a federal holiday?
No. Patriots Day is a state holiday in Massachusetts and Maine only. Federal banks close on federal holidays, and since Patriots Day is not federal, banks technically do not have to close. However, most banks in Massachusetts choose to close anyway out of respect for the state holiday.