Most banks are closed on Labor Day, but some branches and services stay open
Yes, the vast majority of banks close on Labor Day (the first Monday in September in the United States). All federal banks shut down because Labor Day is a federal holiday, and most private banks follow the same schedule. However, the picture is more complicated than a simple yes or no — some banks keep certain services running, and a few regional or online banks operate differently.
If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to someone in person on Labor Day, you will almost certainly find your branch closed. But ATMs stay open at most banks, and many banks now offer mobile deposit through their apps. Some banks also staff phone lines or online chat on the holiday, though response times are usually slower.
Key Takeaways
- Physical bank branches close on Labor Day at all major banks and most regional banks, because it is a federal holiday.
- ATMs and mobile deposit through your bank's app work on Labor Day, so you can move money without visiting a branch.
- A small number of banks — mostly online-only or credit unions in certain states — may keep limited services open; check your bank's website before the holiday.
- If you need to speak to someone, call your bank's customer service line the day before to ask whether they staff phones on Labor Day.
Which banks close on Labor Day
All banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System close on Labor Day. This includes every major bank: Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank, and PNC. It also includes most regional and community banks, because federal law requires them to close when the Federal Reserve is closed.
Credit unions follow the same rule. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) treats Labor Day as a federal holiday, so credit union branches close nationwide. However, some credit unions belong to shared branching networks, and a few of those branches may stay open on the holiday — this varies by location and by credit union, so contact yours directly if you need to know.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Discover Bank do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can use their apps and websites on Labor Day exactly as you would on any other day. However, their customer service phone lines may have reduced staffing or delayed response times.
What services work on Labor Day
ATMs operate 24/7 at nearly all banks, including on Labor Day. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts using an ATM on the holiday. If your bank is part of a network like Allpoint or MoneyPass, you can also use ATMs from other banks in that network.
Mobile deposit works on Labor Day through your bank's app. You photograph the front and back of a check and submit it through the app, and the bank processes it when it reopens. Deposits submitted on Labor Day typically post to your account by the next business day (Tuesday), though some banks take longer.
Online banking — checking balances, paying bills, transferring money between accounts — works on Labor Day. These transactions process normally through your bank's website or app. Bill payments scheduled for Labor Day may not reach the recipient until Tuesday, depending on the bank and the payee.
Phone customer service is staffed at some banks on Labor Day, but not all. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically have skeleton crews answering phones on federal holidays. Call times are often much longer than usual. If you need help, try calling the day before or the day after.
How to learn about your specific bank is open
The fastest way is to search "[Your Bank Name] Labor Day hours" or visit your bank's website and look for a holiday hours notice. Most banks post their Labor Day schedule a week or two in advance. You can also call your branch directly — even if it is closed, the voicemail message usually states the holiday hours and when the branch reopens.
If you use a smaller regional bank or credit union, check their website or call their main number. Some credit unions do stay open on certain federal holidays, and a few banks in specific states operate on different schedules. Do not assume — verify with your bank directly.
For online banks, check their website or app for any notice about holiday service changes. Most online banks do not change their digital services on Labor Day, but customer service response times may be slower.
What to do if you need money on Labor Day
If you need cash, use an ATM. This is the most reliable option on Labor Day. Most ATMs dispense cash 24 hours a day, and you do not need to wait for a branch to open.
If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit through your bank's app. Take photos of the front and back of the check and submit them. The deposit will not post until the bank reopens, but you will have submitted it on time. Some banks credit mobile deposits by the next business day; others take longer.
If you need to speak to someone, try calling your bank's customer service line on Labor Day morning. You may reach someone, though wait times are often 30 minutes or longer. If you cannot reach anyone, call the day before or the day after.
If you need to make a payment and cannot wait until Tuesday, pay online through your bank's website or app. Most banks process online payments on the day you submit them, even on holidays, though the recipient may not receive the money until the next business day.
Wire transfers and ACH payments on Labor Day
Wire transfers do not process on Labor Day. The Federal Reserve does not operate on federal holidays, so wire transfers submitted on Labor Day will not go through until Tuesday. If you need to send money urgently, submit the wire on Friday or Saturday before the holiday.
ACH transfers (the system used for direct deposits, bill payments, and transfers between banks) also do not process on Labor Day. ACH operates on a batch schedule, and Labor Day is not a processing day. Transfers scheduled for Labor Day will process on Tuesday instead.
If you are expecting a direct deposit on Labor Day, it will arrive on Tuesday. If you are paying a bill via ACH and the due date is Labor Day, contact the biller to confirm they will accept a Tuesday payment without a late fee.
Planning ahead for Labor Day
If you know you will need cash or need to make a payment on or around Labor Day, plan ahead. Withdraw cash on Friday or Saturday. Submit checks for mobile deposit by Sunday. Schedule bill payments for Friday or Tuesday, not Monday. If you need to wire money, do it before the holiday.
If you have a time-sensitive transaction, do not wait until Monday. Most banking services that require a branch or the Federal Reserve do not operate on Labor Day, so anything you can do on Friday or Saturday should be done then.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Labor Day?
Yes. Debit cards work at merchants, ATMs, and online retailers on Labor Day. The only thing that does not work is visiting a physical bank branch. Your bank's payment systems operate normally on the holiday.
Will my direct deposit arrive on Labor Day?
No. Direct deposits are processed by the Federal Reserve's ACH system, which does not operate on federal holidays. If your deposit is scheduled for Labor Day, it will arrive on Tuesday instead. Contact your employer or the payer if you need to confirm the new date.
What if I need to report fraud on Labor Day?
Call your bank's fraud line. Most major banks staff fraud departments 24/7, even on holidays, because fraud is time-sensitive. The number is usually on the back of your debit card or in your online banking portal.
Can I open a new bank account on Labor Day?
Not at a physical branch. However, many banks allow you to open an account online through their website or app on any day, including Labor Day. The account may not be fully active until the next business day, but you can start the process on Monday.
Do credit unions have different Labor Day hours than banks?
Most credit unions close on Labor Day just like banks do. However, some credit unions participate in shared branching networks where you can conduct business at another credit union's branch. Check with your credit union to see if this option is available to you on the holiday.