Yes, most banks close on President's Day
President's Day is a federal holiday, and most banks observe it by closing their physical branches. This means you cannot visit a teller, use the safe deposit box, or conduct in-person business on that day. The holiday falls on the third Monday in February each year.
However, "closed" does not mean you lose access to your money entirely. ATMs stay open, online banking works normally, and mobile apps function as usual. You can transfer money, check balances, and pay bills from your phone or computer. The closure only affects the branch itself and the people who work there.
If you need cash or have a banking question that requires talking to someone, you will need to wait until the branch reopens the next business day. Some banks open on Tuesday morning; others may have different hours depending on the location.
Key Takeaways
- Physical bank branches close on President's Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available 24/7.
- You can withdraw cash from any ATM, transfer funds between accounts, and pay bills online without visiting a branch.
- If you need to speak with a banker or handle a transaction that requires a person, you will have to wait until the next business day.
- Some banks may have different holiday schedules, so check your bank's website or call ahead if you are unsure about your specific branch.
- Checks and deposits made on President's Day through ATMs or mobile apps will typically process the next business day.
What you can still do on President's Day
ATMs work around the clock on federal holidays. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks using a mobile app or ATM deposit slot, transfer money between your own accounts, and check your balance. These transactions happen instantly or process overnight, depending on the type.
Online and mobile banking are fully operational. You can pay bills, send money to other people through your bank's transfer service, set up automatic payments, and review your transaction history. Credit card payments made online on President's Day will post the next business day.
If your bank offers a 24-hour customer service line, you can call to ask questions or report a lost card, even though branches are closed. Some banks also offer chat support through their website or app during holiday hours.
What requires a branch visit
Certain transactions cannot happen without a person. Opening a new account, applying for a loan or credit card, ordering a cashier's check, accessing a safe deposit box, and resolving disputes over transactions all require a banker or branch staff member. If you need any of these services, you must visit on a business day.
Notarization services are also unavailable on President's Day at most banks. If you need a document notarized, plan ahead and visit your branch before the holiday or after it reopens.
When branches reopen after President's Day
Most banks reopen on Tuesday morning after President's Day, with standard business hours resuming. However, some branches may open later than usual or have reduced hours on the day after a holiday. Check your bank's website or call ahead to confirm the exact time your branch opens.
If you made a deposit through an ATM or mobile app on President's Day, it will process on Tuesday. Checks deposited on the holiday will not clear until Wednesday or later, depending on the check's origin bank.
How to plan ahead for President's Day
If you know you will need cash or banking services around President's Day, withdraw money a day or two before the holiday. This prevents you from being caught without cash if you need it over the weekend or on the holiday itself.
If you need a cashier's check, notarization, or another service that requires a branch, schedule it for the Friday before or the Tuesday after. Do not wait until the last minute, because many people plan ahead and branches can get busy on the day after a holiday.
Set up automatic bill payments or online transfers for any payments due around the holiday. This way, your bills get paid on time even if you cannot visit a branch.
Banks that may have different holiday schedules
Most national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank close on President's Day. However, some credit unions, smaller regional banks, and online-only banks may have different policies. A few credit unions stay open on federal holidays, though this is uncommon.
If you bank with a smaller institution or credit union, check their website or call the branch directly to confirm whether they are open on President's Day. Do not assume — some banks post holiday schedules weeks in advance on their website.
What happens to direct deposits and automatic payments
Direct deposits scheduled for President's Day will process on the next business day, which is Tuesday. Your employer's payroll system may show the deposit as pending on Monday, but the money will not appear in your account until Tuesday morning.
Automatic bill payments set to go out on President's Day will also process on Tuesday. If you have a payment due on Monday, make sure it is scheduled for the Friday before or set it up manually through online banking before the holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on President's Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and any merchant, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. You can swipe or insert your card at stores, restaurants, and gas stations without any problem. The branch closure does not affect card transactions.
Will my check deposit process faster if I deposit it before President's Day?
Depositing on Friday instead of Monday will get your check to the clearing process one day sooner. However, how long a check takes to clear depends on the other bank involved, not your bank's holiday schedule. A check deposited Friday may clear by Monday or Tuesday; one deposited Monday will clear by Tuesday or Wednesday.
What if I need to report fraud on President's Day?
Call your bank's fraud hotline, which operates 24/7 on holidays. The number is usually on the back of your card or on your bank's website. Report the fraudulent transaction immediately, and your bank will begin an investigation even though branches are closed.
Can I open a new account on President's Day?
No. Opening an account requires a banker to verify your identity and set up the account in the system. You must visit a branch or call during business hours on a day the branch is open. Some banks allow online account opening, but this still requires verification and may take a business day to complete.
Do online banks close on President's Day?
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can transfer money, deposit checks via mobile app, and manage your account 24/7, including on President's Day. Customer service may have reduced staffing, but your account remains fully accessible.