Most banks in Massachusetts close on Patriots Day, but some branches may stay open
Patriots Day falls on the third Monday in May each year. On this day, most banks in Massachusetts observe the holiday and close their branches. However, some banks operate limited hours or keep certain locations open, particularly in urban areas or at airports. Your best move is to call your specific branch the week before to confirm whether it will be open.
The closure applies to most major banks operating in the state, including Bank of America, Citizens Bank, Eastern Bank, and Santander. Credit unions typically close as well. If you need to conduct banking business on Patriots Day, plan ahead by visiting an ATM, using mobile banking, or handling transactions the day before.
Key Takeaways
- Most Massachusetts bank branches close on Patriots Day, the third Monday in May, though ATMs remain available 24/7.
- Some banks keep select branches open in major cities or at transportation hubs, so calling ahead is the only way to know for certain.
- Mobile banking, online transfers, and ATM withdrawals work on Patriots Day even when branches are closed.
- If you need cash or in-person service, withdraw money and handle banking needs the business day before the holiday.
How to learn about your bank is open on Patriots Day
Call your branch directly during business hours the week before Patriots Day. The staff can tell you whether that specific location will be open and what hours it will keep. Do not rely on the bank's main website or customer service line, as they often give general holiday information that may not apply to your branch.
Check your bank's mobile app or website for a branch locator tool. Some banks list holiday hours in the branch details. If the information is not there, a phone call to the branch manager is faster than waiting on hold with customer service.
ATMs and online banking work on Patriots Day
Even if your bank branch is closed, you can withdraw cash from any ATM owned by your bank or in your bank's network. ATMs operate 24 hours a day, every day, including Patriots Day. You can also transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills online, and deposit checks using mobile deposit through your bank's app.
If you need to deposit a physical check on Patriots Day, use mobile deposit if your bank offers it. Take a photo of the front and back of the check through the app, and the deposit posts to your account. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, deposit the check at an ATM if your bank supports it, or wait until the next business day.
What to do if you need cash or in-person service
Withdraw cash the business day before Patriots Day. Take out enough to cover any expenses you expect over the holiday weekend. This is the simplest way to avoid being caught without cash when branches are closed.
If you need to speak with a banker about a loan, account issue, or other service that requires a person, schedule an appointment for the day before or the day after Patriots Day. Many banks allow you to book appointments online or by phone. If your issue is urgent and cannot wait, some banks operate customer service phone lines on holidays, though they cannot process certain transactions.
Banks that may stay open on Patriots Day
A small number of banks keep branches open on Patriots Day, usually in downtown Boston, at Logan Airport, or in other high-traffic areas. These are exceptions, not the rule. Call ahead to confirm. Some banks also operate limited hours—for example, opening at 10 a.m. instead of 9 a.m., or closing at 3 p.m. instead of 5 p.m.
Online-only banks and credit unions that operate primarily through digital channels do not have physical branches, so the holiday does not affect them. You can transfer money, pay bills, and manage your account as usual through their apps and websites.
Planning ahead for Patriots Day weekend banking
If you are expecting a deposit or payment to arrive around Patriots Day, remember that the holiday may delay processing. Checks deposited on Friday before Patriots Day may not clear until Wednesday. Transfers initiated on Friday may not post until Wednesday or Thursday. Plan accordingly if you need that money for a bill or expense.
If you have automatic bill payments scheduled for Patriots Day, most will process normally because they happen through the banking system, not at a physical branch. However, if a payment fails or you need to dispute it, you may not reach a person until the next business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Patriots Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online retailer on Patriots Day regardless of whether your bank branch is open. The transaction processes through the banking network, not through a physical location.
Will my direct deposit arrive on Patriots Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Patriots Day may arrive a day late because the Federal Reserve does not process payments on federal holidays. If your paycheck is supposed to hit on Patriots Day, it typically arrives on Tuesday instead. Check with your employer or payroll department if you are unsure.
What if I need to report a lost or stolen card on Patriots Day?
Call your bank's customer service line. Most banks operate 24-hour fraud and security lines even on holidays. You can report the card lost or stolen and request a replacement without waiting for a branch to open.
Do credit unions close on Patriots Day in Massachusetts?
Most credit unions in Massachusetts close on Patriots Day, just like banks. Call your credit union ahead of time to confirm. Some larger credit unions may keep one or two branches open with limited hours.
Can I get a cashier's check on Patriots Day?
No. Cashier's checks require a teller and can only be issued when the branch is open. If you need a cashier's check, request it the business day before Patriots Day. Most banks can issue one within a few minutes if you have an account with them.