Bank of America branches close on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Bank of America observes MLK Day as a federal holiday and closes all U.S. branches on the third Monday in January. This means no in-person banking, no teller service, and no access to the branch lobby. The holiday falls on a different date each year—in 2025 it is January 20, in 2026 it is January 19.

If you need to bank on MLK Day, you have options that do not require a branch visit. ATMs stay open 24/7, online banking works the same as any other day, and mobile app transfers happen instantly. If you need to speak to someone, Bank of America's phone line runs on the holiday, though wait times are often longer than usual.

The closure affects only physical branches. Your account does not freeze, your debit card still works, and automatic payments and direct deposits process normally. The only thing you cannot do is walk into a branch and conduct business with a teller.

Key Takeaways

  • All Bank of America branches close on MLK Day, which falls on the third Monday of January each year.
  • ATMs remain available 24/7, and you can transfer money, pay bills, and check balances through the mobile app or online banking.
  • Automatic payments, direct deposits, and debit card transactions process normally on the holiday.
  • If you need to speak with a representative, Bank of America's customer service phone line is staffed on MLK Day, though hold times may be longer.

What you can do without visiting a branch

ATM withdrawals and deposits work on MLK Day just as they do any other day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks using the mobile app's mobile check deposit feature, and check your balance at any Bank of America ATM or another bank's ATM in the Allpoint network (though out-of-network ATM fees may apply).

Online banking and the mobile app let you transfer money between your own accounts, send money to other people through Zelle, pay bills, and review transactions. These services do not depend on branch staff and run continuously. If you set up a bill payment before the holiday, it processes on schedule even if the branch is closed.

Debit card transactions—purchases, gas station fills, online shopping—go through normally. The holiday does not affect card processing or merchant transactions.

When you actually need a branch on or near MLK Day

If you need a teller—to deposit cash, order a cashier's check, open a new account, or discuss a loan—plan ahead. Visit your branch the business day before MLK Day, or wait until the day after. Most branches reopen at their normal time the Tuesday after the holiday.

Some Bank of America locations inside grocery stores or other retail spaces may have different hours. Check the hours for your specific branch on the Bank of America website or by calling ahead, because holiday hours vary by location.

If you have an urgent banking need and cannot wait until the branch reopens, call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. Representatives can handle account questions, dispute transactions, report a lost or stolen card, and sometimes process requests that would normally require a branch visit. Wait times are typically 15 to 30 minutes longer on holidays.

Automatic payments and direct deposits on MLK Day

Scheduled automatic payments leave your account on their normal date, even if that date falls on MLK Day. If you have a bill set to pay on January 20, 2025 (MLK Day), the payment processes that day. The receiving company may not deposit it until the next business day, but your account is debited on time.

Direct deposits also process on the holiday. If your employer deposits your paycheck on MLK Day, it lands in your account that day. Some employers hold payroll until the next business day, but that is their choice, not Bank of America's.

If a payment is scheduled for MLK Day and you need to cancel or change it, use online banking or the mobile app before the holiday. Once the payment processes, you cannot stop it through the app—you would need to call customer service.

Wire transfers and other services on MLK Day

Outgoing wire transfers initiated through online banking or the mobile app may process on MLK Day, but they typically settle the next business day. If you initiate a wire on the holiday, it enters the queue but does not move to the receiving bank until Tuesday. Incoming wires from other banks may also be delayed if they arrive on the holiday.

If you need a wire to arrive urgently, initiate it the business day before the holiday. Call customer service on MLK Day if you need to check the status of a wire you already sent.

Cashier's checks, money orders, and notary services require a branch visit and are not available on MLK Day. If you need one of these, visit before the holiday or after it reopens.

Planning around MLK Day closures

If you know you will need branch services around MLK Day, visit on Friday or the Monday before the holiday. Branches are typically busier the day before a holiday closure, so go early in the day if you can.

Set up bill payments and transfers a day or two in advance so they process on time even if you forget the branch is closed. Use the mobile app to deposit checks remotely instead of waiting for a branch visit.

If you travel and need cash, withdraw it before the holiday or use an ATM in your destination city. Bank of America has ATMs nationwide and in many countries, and the Allpoint network includes over 55,000 ATMs globally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check at a Bank of America ATM on MLK Day?

Yes, if your ATM has an envelope deposit slot. However, the check does not post to your account until the next business day. For faster processing, use the mobile app's mobile check deposit feature, which typically posts within one business day.

Will my direct deposit arrive on MLK Day?

It depends on your employer's payroll schedule. Most employers process payroll on MLK Day and deposits land in your account that day. Some hold payroll until the next business day. Check with your employer's payroll department if you are unsure.

What if I need to report fraud on MLK Day?

Call Bank of America's fraud line at 1-800-432-1000. Representatives are available on the holiday. Report unauthorized transactions as soon as you notice them—the sooner you report, the faster the bank can investigate and reverse charges if fraud is confirmed.

Can I open a new account on MLK Day?

No, new account openings require a branch visit or a call to customer service. You can call 1-800-432-1000 on MLK Day to ask about opening an account, but the actual account setup happens the next business day.

Do Bank of America credit card payments process on MLK Day?

Yes. If your payment is scheduled for MLK Day, it processes that day. If you pay through online banking or the mobile app, the payment is submitted immediately, though it may take one business day to post to your credit card account.