Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches and ATMs stay open
Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. On that day, most banks observe the federal holiday and close their physical branches. This means you cannot walk in, speak to a teller, or use services that require staff. However, ATMs and online banking stay available 24/7, so you can withdraw cash, check balances, and move money between accounts from home or an ATM.
The exact closure depends on which bank you use and whether your branch is in a location that recognizes the holiday. Some banks in states or cities that do not observe Veterans Day as a paid holiday may stay open, though this is rare. If you need to know for certain, call your branch directly or check your bank's website — most post holiday hours in advance.
Key Takeaways
- Federal banks and most major banks close on Veterans Day, but ATMs and online banking remain open around the clock.
- Some credit unions and smaller regional banks may stay open, so contact your institution directly to confirm.
- If you need cash, use an ATM on Veterans Day or withdraw money the day before.
- Deposits made at an ATM or through mobile banking on Veterans Day will process the next business day.
- Wire transfers and other time-sensitive transactions should be completed before the holiday if they need to clear the same day.
What stays open on Veterans Day
ATMs operate normally on Veterans Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks through a mobile app or ATM envelope, and check your balance at any time. If you deposit a check at an ATM on Veterans Day, it will be processed the next business day — the holiday does not speed up or slow down the processing time, but the bank simply will not touch it until November 12.
Online banking and mobile apps work without interruption. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, send money to other people, and view your statements. These transactions happen in real time or within the bank's normal processing window, regardless of the holiday.
Some banks operate limited-service branches or kiosks in grocery stores, pharmacies, or other retail locations. These may have different hours than the main branch. Call ahead or check the bank's website to see if a location near you is open.
Which banks typically close on Veterans Day
All federally chartered banks close on Veterans Day because it is a federal holiday. This includes most of the largest banks: Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, and US Bank. State-chartered banks that are members of the Federal Reserve also close, as do most credit unions.
Regional and community banks follow the same pattern in most cases, though a small number may stay open if they are located in a state or municipality that does not recognize Veterans Day as a paid holiday. This is uncommon. If you bank with a smaller institution, contact them directly to confirm.
How to access money on Veterans Day
Plan ahead if you need cash on Veterans Day. Withdraw money from an ATM the day before, or use an ATM on the holiday itself. Most ATMs are available 24/7 and do not close for holidays. If your bank's ATM network is limited, look for ATMs at other banks or at grocery stores and pharmacies — many of these are open on holidays and allow out-of-network withdrawals, though you may pay a fee.
If you need to make a deposit, use an ATM envelope or your bank's mobile app to deposit a check. The funds will not be available until the next business day, but the deposit will be recorded. Do not rely on a deposit made on Veterans Day to clear in time for a payment due on November 11 — it will not.
If you need to send money to someone urgently, use your bank's online transfer service or a third-party money transfer app like Venmo, PayPal, or Square Cash. These services often process transfers within minutes or hours, even on holidays, though some may have their own holiday delays.
Wire transfers and time-sensitive transactions
Wire transfers do not process on Veterans Day. If you send a wire on November 11, it will sit in the queue until November 12 and then be processed. This matters if you are paying a bill, sending a down payment, or transferring money for a time-sensitive reason. Complete wire transfers on November 10 or later on November 12.
ACH transfers (the slower, free method most banks use for bill pay) also do not process on Veterans Day. If you set up a bill payment to go out on November 11, it will actually go out on November 12. Plan accordingly if the payment has a deadline.
Cashier's checks and other services that require a teller cannot be obtained on Veterans Day. If you need one, get it on November 10 or wait until November 12.
What to do if you need banking services on Veterans Day
If your branch is closed and you need help, call your bank's customer service line. Most banks maintain a phone line on holidays for urgent issues like fraud, lost cards, or account lockouts. The number is usually on the back of your debit card or on the bank's website.
For non-urgent questions, use your bank's website or mobile app to find answers or send a message. Many banks respond to messages within a few hours, even on holidays.
If you have a time-sensitive problem that cannot wait until November 12, consider visiting a branch in a different city or state that may be open, or use a competing bank's ATM to access cash. Some banks also partner with other banks' ATM networks, so you may be able to use a different bank's ATM without a fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day?
Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs and at stores on Veterans Day. The bank's branch may be closed, but the card itself is active. You can make purchases and withdraw cash normally.
Will my direct deposit go through on Veterans Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Veterans Day may arrive on November 11 or may be delayed until November 12, depending on your employer and your bank. Contact your employer's payroll department if you need to know the exact timing for your paycheck.
What if I need to dispute a charge on Veterans Day?
Call your bank's customer service line, which is usually staffed on holidays for urgent issues. Explain the charge and ask to start a dispute. You can also file a dispute through your online banking portal or mobile app, and the bank will investigate after the holiday.
Are credit unions open on Veterans Day?
Most credit unions close on Veterans Day, but some smaller or community-based credit unions may stay open. Contact your credit union directly to confirm. ATMs and online banking remain available regardless.
Can I cash a check at a store on Veterans Day if my bank is closed?
Some grocery stores and pharmacies offer check-cashing services and may be open on Veterans Day. Call ahead to confirm. You may pay a fee for this service, and the amount you can cash may be limited.