Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches stay open
Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. On that date, most major banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank — close their physical branches because it is a federal holiday. ATMs and online banking remain open, so you can still transfer money, check balances, and move funds between accounts from your phone or computer.
Some credit unions and smaller regional banks may keep branches open on Veterans Day, though this varies by location and institution. If you need to visit a branch on November 11, call ahead to confirm whether your specific branch will be staffed that day.
If Veterans Day falls on a weekend, most banks observe the holiday on the nearest weekday — usually the Friday before if November 11 is a Saturday, or the Monday after if it is a Sunday.
Key Takeaways
- Major national banks close all branches on Veterans Day (November 11), though ATMs and online banking stay available.
- ATM withdrawals, transfers, and online transactions process normally on Veterans Day, but deposits at a teller window will not be processed until the next business day.
- Credit unions and regional banks may have different hours, so contact your bank directly if you need branch services on November 11.
- If you need cash or to deposit a check on Veterans Day, plan ahead by visiting an ATM or using mobile deposit the day before.
What you can and cannot do on Veterans Day
ATMs work around the clock on Veterans Day, so you can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts at any time. Mobile banking apps and online banking portals also remain open, letting you pay bills, send money to other people, and move funds between accounts without visiting a branch.
What you cannot do is deposit a check at a teller window or conduct business that requires a staff member. If you deposit a check using your bank's mobile app (mobile deposit), the image is captured on Veterans Day, but the check will not clear and the funds will not post to your account until the next business day. Checks deposited at an ATM envelope slot follow the same timeline — they are collected after the holiday ends.
Wire transfers initiated before the bank closes on November 10 may still process on Veterans Day depending on the receiving bank, but transfers you initiate on Veterans Day itself will not begin processing until November 12.
Planning ahead if you need banking services
If you know you will need to deposit a check or handle something that requires a teller on or around Veterans Day, deposit it on November 10 instead. This gives the check time to clear before the holiday. If November 11 falls on a Friday, deposit on Thursday to avoid the weekend delay.
For cash withdrawals, use an ATM on November 10 if you know you will need money on Veterans Day. Most ATMs dispense up to $500 or $1,000 per transaction, though your bank may have daily withdrawal limits — check your account settings or call customer service to confirm your limit.
If you need to speak with someone at your bank on Veterans Day, call the customer service number on the back of your card. Most major banks staff their phone lines even when branches are closed, though wait times are often longer on holidays.
When Veterans Day falls on a weekend
When November 11 lands on a Saturday, most banks observe the holiday on Friday, November 10. When it lands on a Sunday, they observe it on Monday, November 12. This means branches will be closed on the observed date, not on November 11 itself.
Federal Reserve operations and check-clearing schedules follow the observed holiday date, so checks deposited on the observed holiday will not clear until the next business day. Online and ATM services remain available regardless of which day the holiday is observed.
Credit unions and smaller banks
Credit unions are not required to close on federal holidays, though most do. Some credit unions stay open on Veterans Day with reduced hours or limited staff. Call your credit union's main number to ask whether your branch will be open on November 11.
Regional and community banks vary widely. Some close entirely, while others open for a few hours in the morning. If you bank at a smaller institution, check their website or call the branch directly — do not assume they follow the same schedule as major national banks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card to buy things on Veterans Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at stores, gas stations, and online retailers on Veterans Day regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The transaction will process normally, though it may take an extra day to appear in your account if the merchant's bank is also closed.
Will my direct deposit hit my account on Veterans Day?
If your employer pays you on November 11, the deposit will not post to your account until November 12 because the Federal Reserve does not process ACH transfers on federal holidays. If payday falls on a weekend and your employer pays on Friday, November 10, the deposit will post that day.
What if I need to pay a bill that is due on Veterans Day?
Pay it online through your bank's bill pay service or the biller's website before November 10. If you mail a check, send it several days early. For automatic payments set up in advance, they will process on schedule even if the bank is closed.
Can I deposit a check at an ATM on Veterans Day?
Yes, you can deposit a check at an ATM envelope slot on Veterans Day, but it will not be processed until November 12. The ATM captures the image and credits your account the next business day after the holiday ends.
Do online banks close on Veterans Day?
Online-only banks do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can transfer money, pay bills, and manage your account on Veterans Day the same way you would any other day. Customer service phone lines may have longer wait times.