Most banks are closed on Memorial Day, but some branches and ATMs stay open
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed on the last Monday of May. Most traditional bank branches close on this day, just as they do on other federal holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, the picture is more complicated than a simple yes or no — some banks operate limited services, ATMs run 24/7 regardless of the holiday, and online banking never stops.
If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to someone at a teller window on Memorial Day itself, your local branch will almost certainly be closed. But if you need to transfer money, pay a bill online, or use an ATM, you can do those things without interruption.
Key Takeaways
- Bank branches close on Memorial Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available around the clock.
- Transactions you make on Memorial Day through online banking or ATM will typically post the next business day (Tuesday), not immediately.
- Some credit unions and smaller banks may have different holiday schedules, so check your specific bank's website or call ahead.
- If you need cash or to deposit a check, plan ahead and visit your bank on Friday or Saturday before the holiday.
Which banks close and which stay partially open
The major national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional and local banks — close all their physical branches on Memorial Day. This means no teller service, no in-person transactions, and no access to safe deposit boxes. The closure typically runs from Sunday evening (when the branch closes for the weekend) through Tuesday morning (when it reopens after the holiday).
Credit unions often follow the same schedule as banks, but not always. Some credit unions observe different holidays or have skeleton crews available. If you bank with a credit union, check their website or call the main line to confirm whether your branch will be open on Memorial Day.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Discover Bank have no physical branches to close. You can log in and conduct any transaction at any time, though posted times for transfers and bill payments may shift by a day depending on the bank's processing schedule.
ATMs work on Memorial Day, but deposits may not post until Tuesday
Every ATM connected to a bank network operates on Memorial Day. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks or cash into an ATM envelope at any time. The machine itself does not close for holidays.
However, the deposit does not process immediately. If you deposit a check into an ATM on Monday, Memorial Day, the bank will not process it until Tuesday morning at the earliest. The check will not clear or become available for withdrawal until Wednesday or later, depending on the check's origin and your bank's standard processing time. Cash deposits may be available slightly faster, but do not count on same-day access.
Online banking and bill payments continue through the holiday
You can log into your bank account online on Memorial Day and perform most transactions: transfer money between your own accounts, send money to another person via Zelle or similar services, pay bills, or check your balance. These actions are available 24/7 and do not depend on branch hours.
The catch is timing. If you initiate a bill payment on Monday, Memorial Day, the bank may not process it until Tuesday. Most banks process bill payments in batches overnight, so a payment submitted on a holiday typically posts the next business day. If a bill is due on Tuesday and you pay it on Monday, you risk being late. Plan accordingly and pay bills before the holiday if the due date is tight.
Wire transfers and ACH transfers (the electronic transfers between bank accounts) also continue, but again, processing may be delayed by a day. Check your bank's website for its specific holiday processing schedule.
Plan ahead if you need cash or to deposit a check
If you know you will need cash on Memorial Day or the day after, withdraw it on Friday or Saturday before the holiday. The same applies if you have a check to deposit — get it into an ATM or branch before Monday so it processes on Monday rather than Tuesday.
If you forget and find yourself without cash on Memorial Day, an ATM is your only option for withdrawals. If you need to deposit a check urgently, use an ATM envelope, but understand that processing will not begin until the next business day.
For time-sensitive transactions like paying a bill with a Tuesday due date, do not wait until Monday. Conduct the transaction on Friday or earlier to ensure it posts on time.
What to do if your bank's holiday schedule is unclear
Call your bank's customer service line or check the bank's website for its holiday hours. Most banks publish their holiday schedule in advance, and the information is usually easy to find on the homepage or in the "Contact Us" section. You can also visit your local branch in person before the holiday and ask a teller directly.
If you bank with a smaller or regional bank, the holiday schedule may differ from the national banks. Some banks close on different holidays or have limited hours on certain days. A quick phone call removes the guesswork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card to buy things on Memorial Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at stores, restaurants, and online retailers regardless of whether your bank branch is open. The bank's branch closure does not affect card transactions. Purchases will post to your account, though the exact timing depends on the merchant and your bank's processing.
Will a check I deposit on Memorial Day clear by Wednesday?
Probably not. A check deposited on Memorial Day will not begin processing until Tuesday. Most checks take one to three business days to clear after they are processed, so a Monday deposit will likely clear by Thursday or Friday at the earliest, depending on the check's origin.
Can I transfer money between my accounts on Memorial Day?
Yes, if you use online banking or your bank's app. The transfer request goes through immediately, but the actual movement of money may not complete until Tuesday if the transfer is between accounts at different banks. Transfers within the same bank often post faster.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on Memorial Day?
Most banks do not staff branches on Memorial Day, so you cannot visit in person. However, you can call the customer service line — many banks maintain phone support on holidays, though wait times may be longer. Check your bank's website for holiday phone hours before calling.
Do credit card companies close on Memorial Day?
Credit card companies do not close, but their offices may operate on a reduced schedule. You can make payments online or by phone on Memorial Day. If you call, you may experience longer wait times. Online payment processing continues normally.