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, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank — close their physical branches because it is a federal holiday. Your bank's main offices, loan departments, and customer service lines will not operate on the holiday itself.
However, the picture is more complicated than a simple yes or no. Some banks keep certain locations open, ATMs run 24/7 regardless of the holiday, and online banking continues without interruption. The specifics depend on which bank you use and what you need to do.
Key Takeaways
- All major U.S. banks close their physical branches on Veterans Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available.
- Some regional banks and credit unions may stay open on Veterans Day, so contact your specific institution to confirm.
- If you need cash, use your bank's ATM or visit a grocery store or pharmacy that has an ATM or cash-back service.
- Deposits made on Veterans Day through ATM or mobile app will typically post the next business day, not immediately.
Which banks close and which might stay open
The Big Four banks — Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank — all close every branch on Veterans Day. You cannot walk into a branch, speak to a teller, or reach a loan officer. Their websites will display holiday notices, and phone lines may route to automated systems only.
Smaller regional banks and credit unions vary. Some close entirely; others keep select branches open in certain cities. Call your bank's main number or check their website before Veterans Day to find out whether your specific branch will be staffed. Many credit unions, especially those run by employers or military organizations, may have different policies than national banks.
If you bank with a smaller institution or online-only bank, search "[Your Bank Name] Veterans Day hours" to get the exact answer for your location. Do not assume — a five-minute call saves a wasted trip.
ATMs and online banking work on Veterans Day
ATMs operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including Veterans Day. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, transfer money between accounts, and deposit checks using your bank's ATM network at any time. If your bank is part of a shared ATM network (like Allpoint or MoneyPass), you can often use ATMs from other banks without a fee.
Online banking, mobile apps, and bill pay all function normally on Veterans Day. You can log in, move money, pay bills, and set up transfers from your phone or computer. Transactions initiated on the holiday will process according to the bank's normal schedule — usually the next business day for transfers between accounts, and one to three business days for payments to outside accounts.
Where to get cash if you need it on Veterans Day
If you do not have access to your bank's ATM, several other options work on Veterans Day. Most grocery stores (Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway) offer cash-back at checkout when you use a debit card, even if you do not make a purchase. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens do the same. Gas stations also typically have ATMs and cash-back services.
Convenience stores and fast-food restaurants with debit card readers can provide cash-back as well. The amount varies by location — some allow up to $100, others cap it at $50. If you are traveling or in an unfamiliar area, use your bank's ATM locator app or website to find the nearest machine.
When deposits and payments post after Veterans Day
If you deposit a check using an ATM on Veterans Day, the deposit is recorded in your account but the funds will not be available until the next business day (November 12). The bank does not process deposits on the holiday itself.
Bill payments made through online banking on Veterans Day will be scheduled for the next business day. If you have a bill due on November 11, do not wait until that day to pay — submit it by November 10 to ensure it posts on time. Payments sent by mail or through a biller's website may take longer, so plan ahead for bills due around the holiday.
What to do if you need to reach your bank on Veterans Day
Most banks have automated phone lines that operate on holidays. You can call your bank's main number and navigate the menu to check your balance, report a lost card, or hear information about account services. However, you will not reach a live representative unless your bank staffs a holiday line — rare for most institutions.
If you have an urgent issue (lost card, fraudulent charge, account locked), call your bank's customer service number on the day before Veterans Day and explain the situation. Many banks can flag your account or issue a temporary card number to cover you through the holiday. For true emergencies, some banks maintain a 24-hour fraud line even on holidays — check your card's back or your account statements for that number.
Planning ahead for Veterans Day banking
The best approach is to handle banking needs before November 11. Withdraw cash on November 10 if you know you will need it. Pay bills a day or two early. Deposit checks before the holiday so funds are available when you need them. If you have a time-sensitive transaction, do it online or at an ATM before the branch closes.
If you are traveling on or around Veterans Day, locate your bank's ATM network in advance and know which grocery stores or pharmacies near your destination offer cash-back. A few minutes of planning prevents frustration when you discover a branch is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check at an ATM on Veterans Day?
Yes. ATM check deposits work on Veterans Day, but the bank will not process the deposit until the next business day. The funds will be available on November 12, not immediately.
Will my online bill payment go through on Veterans Day?
Your payment will be scheduled for the next business day. If a bill is due on November 11, pay it by November 10 to avoid a late fee. Payments sent by mail take longer and should be mailed even earlier.
What if my debit card is lost or stolen on Veterans Day?
Call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your card or your statement) immediately. Most banks have 24-hour fraud lines that operate on holidays. Report the card lost, and the bank can freeze it and issue a replacement or temporary number.
Can I use another bank's ATM on Veterans Day?
Yes. Most ATMs operate regardless of the holiday. You may pay an out-of-network fee (usually $2 to $3) unless your bank is part of a shared network like Allpoint or MoneyPass.
Do credit unions close on Veterans Day?
Most credit unions close on Veterans Day, but some stay open. Contact your credit union directly to confirm. Military-affiliated credit unions may have different policies than civilian ones.