Most banks close on Veterans Day, but the exact date shifts each year
Banks observe Veterans Day as a federal holiday, which means most branches will be closed. The holiday falls on November 11 each year, but when November 11 lands on a weekend, banks observe it on the nearest weekday instead. In 2024, Veterans Day is November 11 (a Monday), so banks will be closed that day. In 2025, it falls on November 11 (a Tuesday), so banks close then. If November 11 falls on a Saturday, banks typically close on Friday, November 10. If it falls on a Sunday, they close on Monday, November 12.
Not every financial institution follows the same schedule. Credit unions, online banks, and smaller regional banks may have different holiday calendars. Some banks stay open on Veterans Day or open for limited hours. The safest approach is to check your specific bank's website or call your branch directly before the holiday to confirm whether it will be open.
Key Takeaways
- Most traditional banks close on Veterans Day (November 11), but the observed date shifts to the nearest weekday when November 11 falls on a weekend.
- Credit unions and online banks may have different holiday schedules, so you should verify with your institution rather than assume closure.
- ATMs and mobile banking apps remain available even when branches are closed, so you can still withdraw cash and check balances.
- If you need to deposit checks or conduct business that requires a teller, plan ahead and visit your branch before the holiday.
Which banks close and which stay open
The major national banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank—all close on Veterans Day. Regional banks typically close as well. However, some smaller community banks and credit unions set their own holiday schedules and may remain open. Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Discover Bank do not have physical branches, so the holiday does not affect their services, though their customer service phone lines may have reduced hours.
If you bank with a credit union, check with your specific branch. Many credit unions observe the same federal holidays as banks, but some do not. Your credit union's website or a quick phone call will tell you whether your branch will be open on Veterans Day.
What you can and cannot do when banks are closed
ATMs work 24/7, even when your bank is closed for the holiday. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts using the ATM. Mobile banking apps also remain available, so you can check balances, pay bills, and send money to other people through your bank's app or through services like Zelle or Venmo.
What you cannot do is visit a teller, deposit cash or checks, apply for a loan, or resolve account issues that require speaking to a person. If you need to deposit a check, you can use mobile deposit (available through most banks' apps) if you have it set up, or you can wait until the branch reopens. Checks deposited on Veterans Day will typically be processed the next business day.
Planning ahead for Veterans Day banking needs
If you know you will need to deposit cash or checks before Veterans Day, visit your branch the day before the holiday. Most banks are open on November 10 (or the Friday before if the holiday falls on a weekend). If you need to pay a bill that is due on or shortly after Veterans Day, pay it a few days early through your bank's bill pay service or through the payee's website.
For time-sensitive transactions—such as wiring money, applying for a loan, or resolving a disputed charge—contact your bank on the business day before Veterans Day. Many issues can be started before the holiday and completed after it reopens. If you have a question that cannot wait, try your bank's customer service phone line; some banks maintain limited phone support on holidays even when branches are closed.
Online and mobile banking during the holiday
Your bank's website and mobile app will function normally on Veterans Day. You can log in, view your accounts, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and send money to other people. You can also set up automatic payments or transfers that will process after the holiday ends. The only limitation is that you cannot speak to a person or conduct transactions that require a teller or loan officer.
If you use online bill pay, remember that payments take one to three business days to reach the payee. If a bill is due on Veterans Day or the day after, submit the payment by the business day before the holiday to ensure it arrives on time.
What happens to checks and deposits on Veterans Day
If you deposit a check using mobile deposit on Veterans Day, it will be processed the next business day (November 12 in 2024). The funds may not be available immediately; most banks hold mobile deposits for one business day before making the money available. If you need the funds urgently, deposit the check before the holiday.
Checks you write on Veterans Day will not clear until the next business day. If you mail a check to someone, it will arrive several days later regardless of the holiday. Electronic payments (ACH transfers, wire transfers, bill pay) submitted on Veterans Day will process the next business day.
International and specialty banking services
If you need to wire money internationally or conduct foreign exchange transactions, do this before Veterans Day. Wire services and currency exchanges typically do not process on federal holidays, and delays can add several days to your transaction. The same applies to cashier's checks, money orders, and notary services—all require a teller and will not be available on the holiday.
If you have a safe deposit box and need to access it on or around Veterans Day, plan your visit for the business day before the holiday. Safe deposit boxes are not accessible when the bank is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs and merchants 24/7, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. You can withdraw cash from any ATM, make purchases, and check your balance. The only thing you cannot do is visit a teller or conduct business inside the branch.
Will my automatic bill payments process on Veterans Day?
Automatic payments scheduled for Veterans Day will process, but they may be delayed by one business day. If a payment is critical and due on the holiday, contact your payee directly to confirm they received it, or submit the payment a day early to be safe.
What if I need to report fraud or a lost card on Veterans Day?
Call your bank's customer service number on the back of your card. Most banks maintain 24/7 fraud and lost card support even on holidays. If you cannot reach anyone, use your mobile app to temporarily freeze your card until you can speak to someone the next business day.
Do online banks close for Veterans Day?
Online banks do not have physical branches, so they do not close. However, their customer service phone lines may have reduced hours or be closed entirely on Veterans Day. You can still access your account through the website or app and conduct most transactions without speaking to a person.
When should I plan to visit my bank if I need a teller?
Visit on the business day before Veterans Day (November 10 in 2024, or the Friday before if the holiday falls on a weekend). Branches are typically busier the day before a holiday, so arrive early if possible. If you can handle your transaction through mobile deposit or ATM, do that instead to avoid the wait.