Most banks are closed on Presidents Day, but some branches and ATMs stay open
Presidents Day falls on the third Monday in February each year. On that day, most major banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — close their physical branches. Federal holidays trigger closures at banks that are members of the Federal Reserve system.
However, ATMs and online banking remain available even when branches are shut. You can withdraw cash, check balances, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills through your bank's website or app. Mobile deposits also work on the holiday.
Some credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different holiday schedules, so calling ahead or checking your bank's website is the fastest way to confirm whether your specific branch will be open.
Key Takeaways
- Most major bank branches close on Presidents Day because it is a federal holiday, but ATMs and online services stay active.
- You can still withdraw cash, transfer funds, and deposit checks through ATMs and mobile banking on Presidents Day.
- Credit unions and regional banks sometimes keep branches open on federal holidays, so check your bank's website or call before visiting.
- Wire transfers and ACH payments initiated on Presidents Day typically process the next business day, not immediately.
- If you need cash or services before the holiday, plan ahead because the branch will be closed for the full day.
Which banks close and which might stay open
The major national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, TD Bank, US Bank, and PNC — all close on Presidents Day. These are the banks most people use, and their closures are consistent year to year because federal law requires it.
Credit unions vary. Some credit unions observe federal holidays the same way banks do. Others stay open or keep limited hours. Navy Federal Credit Union, for example, closes on Presidents Day, but smaller local credit unions sometimes remain open. Your best move is to log into your credit union's website or call the branch directly — they post holiday hours in advance, usually by early February.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Discover Bank have no physical branches, so the holiday does not affect them at all. You can conduct any transaction through their apps or websites on Presidents Day.
What you can and cannot do on Presidents Day
You can: withdraw cash from any ATM, check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, deposit checks through mobile deposit, pay bills online, and send money through your bank's app. These services run 24/7 regardless of branch hours.
You cannot: speak to a teller, open a new account in person, get a cashier's check, rent a safe deposit box, or resolve account disputes that require a staff member. If you need a cashier's check for a closing or large purchase, you must visit the branch before Presidents Day or wait until the day after.
Wire transfers and ACH payments you send on Presidents Day will not process until the next business day (Tuesday). The same applies to checks you deposit — they will be timestamped as received on Tuesday, not Monday. If timing matters for a payment or deposit, send it before the holiday closes.
How to find your bank's specific holiday hours
The fastest way is to search "[Your Bank Name] Presidents Day hours" or visit your bank's website directly. Most banks post holiday schedules on their homepage or in a dedicated section. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all have holiday hour pages updated before each federal holiday.
You can also call your local branch — the phone line usually has a recorded message about holiday closures. If you use mobile banking, some apps show branch hours and holiday notices in the branch locator tool.
If you are unsure whether your credit union closes, call the branch or check their website. Do not assume they follow the same schedule as national banks.
Planning ahead to avoid problems
If you need cash, withdraw it on Friday or Saturday before Presidents Day. ATMs have daily withdrawal limits (usually $500 to $1,000 depending on your bank), so plan for the amount you will need over the weekend and holiday.
If you need a cashier's check, certified check, or any service requiring a teller, visit the branch before Monday. These documents cannot be obtained through ATMs or online banking.
If you are expecting a deposit or need to send a payment that must arrive by a specific date, account for the extra day. Deposits received on Presidents Day will not clear until Tuesday. Payments sent on Monday will not post until Tuesday, which might matter if you are paying a bill with a Tuesday deadline.
What happens if you need emergency banking on Presidents Day
If you have a genuine emergency — a fraudulent charge, a locked account, or a critical issue — call your bank's customer service line. Most major banks operate a 24/7 phone line for cardholders, even on holidays. They cannot process all requests over the phone, but they can freeze a card, dispute a charge, or unlock an account temporarily.
For life-threatening emergencies unrelated to banking, call 911. For other urgent matters that cannot wait until Tuesday, some banks can arrange emergency access to a branch or connect you with a manager who can help remotely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Presidents Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and at any store or business open on Presidents Day. The bank branch being closed does not affect your card. Transactions will process normally, though deposits and transfers you make through an ATM may not clear until the next business day.
Will my direct deposit hit my account on Presidents Day?
No. Employers typically process payroll on Friday for Monday deposit, but when Monday is a federal holiday, the deposit is delayed to Tuesday. Check with your employer's payroll department if you are unsure, because some companies pay on Friday instead when a holiday falls on payday.
What if I need to deposit a check on Presidents Day?
Use mobile deposit through your bank's app if you have it. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, and it will be deposited into your account. The funds will be timestamped as received on Presidents Day but will not clear until Tuesday. If mobile deposit is not available, you will have to wait until Tuesday to deposit it at an ATM or branch.
Do online banks close on Presidents Day?
No. Banks with no physical branches, like Ally, Discover, and Charles Schwab, operate normally on Presidents Day. You can transfer money, withdraw from partner ATMs, and conduct any transaction through their website or app without interruption.
Can I get a loan or open an account on Presidents Day?
Not at a physical branch. You can open an account online with most banks on Presidents Day, and some banks allow you to start a loan application online. However, if you need to sign documents in person or speak to a loan officer, you will have to wait until Tuesday when branches reopen.