Most banks are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays

Standard bank branches operate Monday through Friday, typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location and institution. On Saturdays, some branches open for a few hours in the morning—usually 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m.—but this is not may provide. Sundays are almost always closed. Federal holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, and Independence Day shut down all branches nationwide.

The reason is simple: banks are not required to stay open seven days a week, and most do not because staffing costs and customer demand do not justify it. Some credit unions and online banks operate differently, but traditional brick-and-mortar branches follow this pattern.

If you need to move money or check your balance on a day when branches are closed, you have options that do not require walking into a building.

Key Takeaways

  • Most bank branches close at 5 p.m. on weekdays and do not open on Sundays or federal holidays.
  • ATMs work 24/7 and let you withdraw cash, deposit checks, and transfer money between your own accounts without visiting a branch.
  • Online banking and mobile apps let you pay bills, send money, and check balances any time, including weekends and holidays.
  • If you need to speak to a person on a weekend or holiday, call your bank's customer service line—many operate around the clock.
  • Some credit unions and online-only banks have different hours or no physical branches at all.

How to access your money when branches are closed

ATMs work around the clock. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks using mobile deposit or an ATM envelope, transfer money between your accounts, and check your balance. Most ATMs charge no fee if you use your own bank's machine, though out-of-network ATMs typically cost $2 to $3 per transaction.

Online banking and mobile apps let you do almost everything a teller does: pay bills, send money to other people, move funds between accounts, and review transactions. Log in from your phone or computer any time, day or night. If you forget your password, most banks let you reset it through the app or website without calling anyone.

Phone banking is available at most banks 24/7. Call the number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. You can check balances, report a lost card, stop a payment, or ask questions. You will need your account number and PIN or answers to security questions.

Wire transfers and ACH transfers can be set up online or by phone, though they process on the next business day. If you send money on a Saturday, it will not leave your account until Monday.

Federal holidays when banks close

Banks close on these days every year: New Year's Day (January 1), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January), Presidents' Day (third Monday in February), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Juneteenth (June 19), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (first Monday in September), Columbus Day (second Monday in October), Veterans Day (November 11), Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November), and Christmas (December 25).

When a holiday falls on a Saturday, most banks close on Friday instead. When it falls on a Sunday, they close on Monday. Check your bank's website or call ahead if you are unsure about a specific date.

Saturday hours and limited-service branches

Some banks open on Saturday mornings, usually from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m., but this varies widely by location and bank. Larger banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase may have Saturday hours at some branches but not others. Credit unions are more likely to stay closed on Saturdays entirely.

Call your specific branch or check your bank's website to confirm Saturday hours before you go. Many banks also operate "limited-service" branches in grocery stores or pharmacies that have shorter hours than full branches but may be open when your main branch is not.

Credit unions and online banks have different schedules

Credit unions typically follow the same Monday-to-Friday schedule as traditional banks, though some open on Saturday mornings. A few credit unions operate 24-hour branches or shared branching networks where you can conduct business at another credit union's location.

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no physical branches at all. They operate entirely through apps, websites, and phone lines. Customer service is often available 24/7, and you can do everything online or by phone. The trade-off is that you cannot deposit cash at a branch—you must use mobile deposit, mail a check, or transfer from another account.

What to do if you need cash on a holiday

Plan ahead. Withdraw cash before the holiday if you know you will need it. ATMs work on holidays, so if you have already taken out money, you can access it. If you did not plan ahead and need cash on a holiday, find an ATM that belongs to your bank or a network your bank participates in (like Allpoint or MoneyPass).

If you need to deposit a check on a holiday, use mobile deposit through your bank's app if you have it. Most banks process mobile deposits within one business day. If mobile deposit is not available, hold the check until the next business day and deposit it then—or mail it to your bank if you are in a hurry.

How to find your bank's exact hours

Go to your bank's website and use the branch locator tool. Enter your zip code or address, and it will show you the hours for every branch near you. Hours vary by location, so do not assume all branches of the same bank have the same schedule.

You can also call your branch directly or call the customer service number on the back of your debit card. If you are planning a trip or know you will need to visit a branch on an unusual day, confirm the hours ahead of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check on Sunday?

You cannot deposit a check at a branch on Sunday, but you can use mobile deposit through your bank's app if you have it. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, and the bank will process it by the next business day. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, wait until Monday to deposit it in person or at an ATM.

Do banks open on Christmas or Thanksgiving?

No. All banks close on Christmas (December 25) and Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November). If either holiday falls on a weekend, the bank closes on the nearest weekday instead. Plan ahead and withdraw cash or handle banking needs before the holiday.

What if I need to wire money on a Saturday?

You can request a wire transfer through online banking or by calling your bank's customer service line, but it will not process until the next business day. If you need the money to arrive urgently, send it on a Friday instead. Some banks allow you to schedule a wire in advance.

Can I use another bank's ATM on a holiday?

Yes. ATMs work 24/7, including holidays. Using an out-of-network ATM (one that does not belong to your bank) usually costs $2 to $3 per transaction, so try to use your own bank's ATM if possible. Many banks participate in ATM networks like Allpoint or MoneyPass, which let you use thousands of ATMs fee-free.

Are online banks open on weekends?

Online banks have no physical branches, so "open" and "closed" do not apply the same way. You can log into your account and move money any time, day or night. Customer service lines are often available 24/7, though response times may be slower on weekends. Check your bank's website for specific customer service hours.