Most U.S. banks close on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on the third Monday of January each year. On this federal holiday, most major banks — including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, and U.S. Bank — close their physical branches. ATMs and online banking remain available, but you cannot visit a teller or speak to someone in person.

The closure applies to the main federal banking holiday observed across the country. Some smaller regional banks or credit unions may stay open, so if you need in-person banking services, call your specific branch the day before to confirm their hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Major national banks close their branches on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but ATMs and online banking stay open.
  • The holiday falls on the third Monday of January, and the exact date changes each year.
  • Credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different hours, so call ahead if you need to visit in person.
  • Checks deposited on the holiday will not clear until the next business day, even if you use an ATM or mobile app.
  • Wire transfers and time-sensitive transactions should be completed before the holiday if you need them processed the same day.

What stays open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

ATMs work 24/7, including on the holiday. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks using your bank's ATM network at any time.

Online and mobile banking platforms remain active. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and view transactions from your phone or computer without interruption.

Some banks offer limited services through their call centers or chat support, though response times may be slower than on regular business days. Check your bank's website or app for holiday hours before you need help.

What does not work on the holiday

Teller services close. You cannot deposit cash or checks with a person, open new accounts, or discuss loans and credit products in person.

Checks deposited on Martin Luther King Jr. Day — whether at an ATM or through mobile deposit — will not clear until the next business day. The Federal Reserve does not process check clearing on federal holidays, so the deposit sits in a queue until Tuesday morning.

Wire transfers initiated on the holiday may not go through until the next business day. If you need money to move the same day, complete the transfer before the holiday closes.

When the holiday falls and how to plan

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday of January. In 2024, it falls on January 15. In 2025, it falls on January 20. In 2026, it falls on January 19. Check your bank's website or calendar for the exact date if you are unsure.

If you need to deposit a check or handle time-sensitive banking, do it on Friday before the holiday weekend. This ensures your transaction clears by the following Tuesday and avoids any delays caused by the three-day break.

Credit unions and regional banks may have different hours

Not all financial institutions follow the same holiday schedule as major national banks. Some credit unions stay open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, while others close. Regional and community banks vary as well.

Call your branch directly on the Friday before the holiday to ask about Monday hours. Many banks post holiday schedules on their websites or apps, so check there first. If you bank with a smaller institution, do not assume it is closed — confirm before you need a service.

What to do if you need banking services on the holiday

Use an ATM to withdraw cash or deposit checks. Most ATM networks are shared across banks, so you may be able to use another bank's ATM if your own branch is closed.

Handle routine transactions online or through your mobile app. Transfers between your own accounts, bill payments, and balance checks all work on the holiday.

If you need to speak to someone, try calling your bank's customer service line. Some banks staff their phone lines even when branches are closed, though wait times are often longer on holidays.

For urgent matters that require in-person help — such as a lost card or fraud — look for a branch in a nearby town that may be open, or wait until Tuesday morning to visit your regular branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check on Martin Luther King Jr. Day using my phone?

Yes, mobile check deposit works on the holiday. However, the check will not clear until the next business day. The bank receives your image on the holiday, but the Federal Reserve does not process the actual clearing until Tuesday.

Will my direct deposit go through on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

Direct deposits scheduled for the holiday are typically processed the next business day instead. If your paycheck is set to arrive on Monday, it usually lands in your account on Tuesday. Check with your employer's payroll department if you are unsure about the exact timing.

What if I need cash and the ATM is out of money?

ATMs can run low during long holiday weekends. Withdraw cash on Friday if you think you will need it over the weekend. If an ATM is empty, try another location in your bank's network or a different bank's ATM in your area.

Do online banks close on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

Online-only banks do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can transfer money, pay bills, and manage your account normally. However, if you need to speak to customer service, wait times may be longer because fewer staff are working.

Can I use my debit card to make purchases on the holiday?

Yes, debit cards work normally at stores and online. The bank holiday only affects the bank's physical branches and some back-office services like check clearing and wire processing.