Most banks are closed on St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day (March 17) is not a federal holiday, so banks are not required to close. However, most major banks do close on this day anyway because many of their employees observe it, and customer traffic is typically low. If you need to do banking on March 17, plan to visit the day before or the day after instead.

The banks that stay open on St. Patrick's Day are usually smaller regional banks, credit unions, and online-only banks. Even if a branch is technically open, hours may be shortened or limited to drive-through service only. Call your specific branch before you go — the main bank's website may say "open" while your local location is actually closed.

Online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs work on St. Patrick's Day regardless of whether physical branches are open. You can transfer money, check balances, pay bills, and deposit checks remotely without interruption.

Key Takeaways

  • St. Patrick's Day is not a federal holiday, but most major bank branches close anyway because of low customer demand and staff observance.
  • Call your specific branch before visiting on March 17 — national bank websites may show "open" while your local location is closed.
  • Online banking, ATMs, and mobile apps operate normally on St. Patrick's Day even when physical branches are closed.
  • Credit unions and smaller regional banks are more likely to stay open than large national chains, but hours may still be reduced.
  • Plan time-sensitive banking for March 16 or March 18 to avoid delays or closed doors.

How to check if your bank is open on March 17

The fastest way is to call your branch directly. Look up the phone number on your bank's website or your debit card, and ask whether they will be open on St. Patrick's Day and what their hours will be. This takes two minutes and beats driving there only to find the door locked.

You can also check your bank's website. Most banks post holiday hours in advance — look for a "Holiday Hours" or "Locations" page. Some banks show a calendar with closed dates. If the website does not list St. Patrick's Day specifically, it is usually because they are open, but call to be sure.

Your bank's mobile app may also display branch hours and whether a location is open today. Open the app, search for your branch, and tap on it to see current hours.

What you can do on St. Patrick's Day without a branch

ATMs work 24/7, including on St. Patrick's Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), and check your balance. ATM transactions process normally and appear in your account the same way they would on any other day.

Online banking and mobile apps let you transfer money between accounts, pay bills, send money to other people, and deposit checks by photo. These services run around the clock. If you need to move money or pay a bill on March 17, you can do it from your phone or computer without visiting a branch.

Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated through online banking on St. Patrick's Day will process, though they may not clear until March 18 or later depending on the receiving bank's schedule. If you need money to arrive the same day, an ATM withdrawal or peer-to-peer payment app (like Venmo or Zelle) is faster.

Banks that are more likely to be open

Credit unions often stay open on days when major banks close because they operate on different schedules and have smaller staff. Call your credit union to confirm, but they are a better bet than Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo if you need in-person service on March 17.

Online-only banks (like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Discover) have no physical branches, so the question does not apply. All their services are digital and run on their normal schedule.

Small regional or community banks vary widely. Some close, some stay open with reduced hours. Again, a phone call to your specific branch is the only reliable way to know.

Planning ahead for time-sensitive transactions

If you need to deposit a check, transfer money, or handle anything that requires a teller, do it on March 16. Waiting until March 17 risks finding your branch closed and delays your transaction by a full day.

If you are expecting a deposit or payment on March 17, it may not post to your account until March 18 because the receiving bank is closed. Plan your cash flow accordingly — do not count on money arriving on St. Patrick's Day itself.

For wire transfers or urgent payments, use online banking or a peer-to-peer app on March 16 instead. These methods are faster and do not depend on branch hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my ATM on St. Patrick's Day?

Yes. ATMs operate 24/7 on St. Patrick's Day, including holidays. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, and check your balance without any interruption. ATM transactions process the same way they do on any other day.

Will my direct deposit post on St. Patrick's Day?

Direct deposits scheduled for March 17 will post if your bank processes payroll that day. However, if your employer's bank is closed, the deposit may be delayed until March 18. Contact your employer's payroll department if you are unsure whether they process on St. Patrick's Day.

Can I deposit a check on St. Patrick's Day through my phone?

Yes, if your bank offers mobile check deposit. Open your banking app, select deposit, take photos of the front and back of the check, and submit it. The check will be processed when the bank reopens, usually the next business day.

What if I need cash and my bank is closed?

Use an ATM. Your bank's ATM or an ATM in your bank's network will dispense cash on St. Patrick's Day. If you do not have an ATM nearby, some grocery stores and convenience stores have ATMs you can use, though they may charge a fee.

Do credit unions close on St. Patrick's Day?

Most credit unions stay open on St. Patrick's Day because it is not a federal holiday and they operate independently. However, some may have reduced hours or close specific branches. Call your credit union to confirm their St. Patrick's Day schedule.