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, Citibank, and US Bank — close their physical branches because it is a federal holiday. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to someone in person, plan to visit the day before or the day after.
Online banking, ATMs, and mobile apps work normally on Veterans Day. You can transfer money, pay bills, check your balance, and deposit checks through your phone or computer without interruption. ATMs dispense cash 24/7, so you can get money out even when branches are closed.
A small number of banks — usually credit unions or regional banks — may keep some branches open on Veterans Day. Call your specific branch the day before to confirm their hours, because policies vary by location and by institution.
Key Takeaways
- Major national banks close all branches on Veterans Day (November 11), though ATMs and online banking remain available.
- Credit unions and smaller regional banks sometimes stay open on Veterans Day, so contact your branch directly to confirm.
- You can deposit checks, transfer money, and pay bills through your bank's mobile app or website on Veterans Day without delay.
- If you need cash, use an ATM on Veterans Day — they work around the clock even when branches are closed.
- Plan any in-person banking for November 10 or November 12 to avoid a closed branch.
Which banks close and which might stay open
The Federal Reserve observes Veterans Day as a holiday, which means all banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System must close. This includes Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank, PNC, and TD Bank. Their branches will not be staffed on November 11.
Credit unions are not required to close on Veterans Day, though most do. Some credit unions choose to stay open or to keep limited hours. If you bank at a credit union, call ahead or check their website to see whether your branch will be open. Smaller regional banks sometimes make the same choice — a few stay open while others close.
Online-only banks (like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Discover) have no physical branches, so the holiday does not affect them at all. You can conduct any transaction you normally would.
What you can and cannot do on Veterans Day
You can do these things: Withdraw cash from an ATM, deposit checks through mobile deposit or ATM, transfer money between accounts, pay bills online, check your balance, set up automatic payments, and dispute a transaction. All of these work through your bank's website or app.
You cannot do these things in person: Speak to a teller, open a new account at a branch, get a cashier's check, rent a safe deposit box, or resolve a complex account issue that requires a banker's help. If you need any of these services, do them on November 10 or November 12.
Wire transfers initiated online may process on Veterans Day depending on your bank's system, but transfers to other banks sometimes queue until the next business day. If you need a wire to arrive on a specific date, send it before November 11.
How to plan ahead if you need banking services
If you know you will need cash on Veterans Day, withdraw it on November 10. ATMs have daily withdrawal limits — usually $500 to $1,000 depending on your account and bank — so plan accordingly.
If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit through your bank's app on Veterans Day itself. Most banks post mobile deposits within one business day, so a check deposited on November 11 will usually show up in your account by November 12. Some banks post them the same day if you deposit early enough.
If you have a time-sensitive issue — a fraud dispute, a missing deposit, or a problem with a payment — contact your bank's customer service line on November 10. Many banks have phone support available even when branches are closed, and they can often resolve issues without you visiting in person.
What happens to checks and payments on Veterans Day
Checks you mail on Veterans Day will not be processed until November 12 at the earliest, because the Federal Reserve does not process checks on federal holidays. If you are paying a bill by check and the due date is November 11, mail it by November 9 to be safe.
Automatic bill payments and recurring transfers scheduled for November 11 will usually process on that date, even though the bank is closed. The transaction happens in the bank's system overnight. However, if a payment is scheduled to come out of your account and you do not have enough money, the overdraft fee may still apply on Veterans Day.
Direct deposits scheduled for November 11 may arrive a day late if your employer processes payroll on a schedule that depends on the Federal Reserve. Ask your employer's payroll department whether Veterans Day affects your deposit date.
How to find your bank's Veterans Day hours
Call your branch directly — the phone number is on your debit card or on your bank's website. Ask whether they will be open on November 11 and what their hours are. This is the fastest way to confirm, especially if you bank at a credit union or regional bank.
Check your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks post holiday hours in a dedicated section, usually labeled "Holiday Hours" or "Branch Locator." Search for your specific branch by address or ZIP code.
If you cannot reach anyone by phone, send a message through your bank's online banking portal or mobile app. Most banks respond to messages within a few hours during business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and at any store on Veterans Day, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The bank's computer systems run 24/7, so transactions process normally.
Will my paycheck deposit late if my employer pays on Veterans Day?
It may. If your employer's payroll system sends deposits through the Federal Reserve, the deposit might arrive on November 12 instead of November 11. Contact your payroll department to ask whether they adjust the deposit date for federal holidays.
What if I need a cashier's check on Veterans Day?
You cannot get one on Veterans Day itself because branches are closed. Order it on November 10, or if you need it urgently, some banks allow you to request a cashier's check through their website and pick it up the next business day.
Do online banks close on Veterans Day?
No. Banks with no physical branches, like Ally or Charles Schwab, operate normally on Veterans Day. You can deposit checks, transfer money, and conduct any transaction as usual.
Can I still pay bills online on Veterans Day?
Yes. You can pay bills through your bank's website or app on Veterans Day. The payment may process the same day or queue until November 12, depending on when you submit it and your bank's system.