Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches stay open
Yes, the vast majority of banks close on Veterans Day (November 11). All federal banks shut down because it is a federal holiday, and most major national and regional banks follow the same schedule. However, some credit unions, online banks, and a small number of branch locations may operate on a limited schedule or remain open.
The safest assumption is that your bank will be closed on Veterans Day itself. If you need to handle banking on that day, check your bank's website or call ahead — most banks post their holiday hours online by early November, and you can also find the information by logging into your mobile app.
Key Takeaways
- Federal banks and most national banks close entirely on Veterans Day, including all ATM access at some locations.
- Online banks and some credit unions may process transactions, but customer service phone lines are typically closed.
- ATMs at bank branches usually work even when the branch is closed, but ATMs at standalone locations or inside retail stores may not.
- Check your specific bank's website or app before Veterans Day to confirm hours, because policies vary by institution and sometimes by branch.
- If you need cash or to deposit a check on Veterans Day, plan ahead by visiting your bank the day before.
Which banks close and which stay open
Federal banks — including the Federal Reserve and all banks chartered by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency — close on Veterans Day. This covers most of the largest banks in the country: Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, and similar institutions.
Credit unions vary. Many credit unions follow the federal holiday schedule and close, but some remain open with reduced staffing. Your credit union's website will show whether it is open on Veterans Day.
Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover do not have physical branches, so they do not "close" in the traditional sense. You can log in and view your account anytime. However, customer service phone lines and chat support are usually closed on Veterans Day, so if you need to speak to someone, you will have to wait until the next business day.
Local and regional banks follow federal holiday rules in most cases, but a small number may keep one or two branches open. Call your branch directly or check their website to be certain.
ATM access on Veterans Day
ATMs at bank branches often work even when the branch itself is closed, because they operate on a separate system. However, this is not may provide — some banks disable ATMs on holidays for security reasons or maintenance. ATMs inside retail stores (grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations) are usually run by independent networks and typically remain available.
If you know you will need cash on Veterans Day, withdraw it on November 10 or earlier. Do not count on ATM access unless you have confirmed with your bank that their machines stay active on the holiday.
What you can and cannot do on Veterans Day
Online transactions — transfers between your own accounts, bill payments scheduled in advance, and deposits through mobile check deposit — usually process normally on Veterans Day, even though the bank is closed. The transaction may show as pending until the next business day, but it will go through.
What you cannot do: speak to a customer service representative, deposit a check in person, withdraw cash from a teller, open a new account, or resolve a problem that requires human intervention. If something goes wrong with a transaction on Veterans Day, you will have to wait until November 12 to call and fix it.
Planning ahead for Veterans Day banking
If you have a check to deposit, a withdrawal to make, or any transaction that requires a teller, do it on November 10. This is especially important if you are counting on the money for something on November 11 or 12.
If you use mobile check deposit, you can photograph and submit checks anytime, including on Veterans Day. The funds will typically show as pending by the next business day, though some banks hold deposited checks for one or two business days before making the money available.
Set up automatic bill payments and transfers in advance so you do not have to handle them manually on a holiday. Most banks let you schedule these through their website or app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs, stores, and online merchants regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The bank processes the transaction even though the physical location is closed.
Will my direct deposit go through on Veterans Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Veterans Day may arrive on that day or may be delayed until November 12, depending on your employer's payroll system and your bank's processing schedule. Check with your employer or your bank if you are unsure.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on Veterans Day?
You cannot reach customer service on Veterans Day itself. If it is urgent, some banks have 24-hour phone lines for fraud or account security issues. Check your bank's website for an emergency number. Otherwise, plan to call on November 12.
Do credit unions close on Veterans Day?
Most credit unions close on Veterans Day, but policies vary by institution. Check your credit union's website or call their main number to confirm. Some may offer limited hours or online-only access.
Can I deposit a check using my phone on Veterans Day?
Yes. Mobile check deposit works on Veterans Day. Photograph the front and back of the check and submit it through your bank's app. The deposit will show as pending and typically clear by the next business day.