Most banks close on Presidents Day, but not all of them
Presidents Day is a federal holiday, and most banks that are members of the Federal Reserve system close their doors on the third Monday in February. That means no teller service, no in-person transactions, and no access to the vault. However, some banks stay open—particularly online banks, credit unions, and a few regional institutions that do not observe all federal holidays.
If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or handle something in person on Presidents Day, you should contact your specific bank before that Monday to find out whether they will be open. The name of the holiday and the federal status do not automatically mean every financial institution closes.
Key Takeaways
- Most national banks and large regional banks close on Presidents Day because it is a federal holiday, but online banks and some credit unions remain open for digital transactions.
- ATMs and mobile banking apps work on Presidents Day even when physical branches are closed, so you can still withdraw cash and check balances.
- Checks and transfers deposited on Presidents Day are usually processed the next business day, not the same day.
- Your specific bank's holiday schedule depends on whether it is federally chartered, state-chartered, or operates primarily online—calling ahead is the only way to be certain.
How to learn about your bank is open on Presidents Day
The fastest way is to call your bank's customer service line or visit their website and search for "holiday hours" or "Presidents Day hours." Most banks post their holiday schedule online by early February. If you use a large national bank like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, they almost certainly close on Presidents Day.
If you bank with a credit union, call the branch directly. Credit unions are not required to follow federal holidays the way banks are, so some stay open while others close. Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Marcus typically remain open because they have no physical branches, though their customer service phone lines may have reduced hours.
Do not assume your bank's status based on what you heard about another bank. Even banks in the same chain sometimes have different holiday policies depending on state law and their charter type.
What you can still do on Presidents Day even if your bank is closed
ATMs work 24/7 on Presidents Day, so you can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts using the machine. Your debit card works at stores and other ATMs just as it normally does.
Mobile banking apps and online banking portals remain open. You can check balances, pay bills, transfer money between accounts, and set up payments. The transactions you initiate on Presidents Day are usually processed the next business day (Tuesday) rather than the same day.
If you need to deposit a check, you can use mobile deposit through your bank's app on Presidents Day. The check is scanned and submitted, but the funds typically do not post until Tuesday.
When deposits and transfers actually process after Presidents Day
Any check you deposit on Presidents Day—whether in person before the holiday or through mobile deposit on the holiday itself—is processed on Tuesday, the next business day. The bank does not process transactions on the holiday itself, even if you submit them through an app.
Wire transfers initiated on Presidents Day may also be delayed until Tuesday, depending on your bank. ACH transfers (the standard electronic transfer between banks) typically process on the next business day as well. If you need money to arrive by a specific date, plan ahead and submit transfers on Friday or earlier.
Some banks allow you to schedule a transfer in advance so it processes automatically on a specific date. If you know you will need funds on Tuesday, you can set up the transfer to go through on Monday night or Tuesday morning before you need it.
Banks that typically stay open on Presidents Day
Online banks with no physical branches stay open on Presidents Day because they operate 24/7. Examples include Ally Bank, Charles Schwab Bank, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, and Discover Bank. You can log in, transfer money, and manage your account, though customer service phone lines may have limited hours.
Some credit unions stay open on Presidents Day even though it is a federal holiday. This varies by credit union and by state. Call your credit union directly to confirm their schedule.
A small number of regional banks and community banks remain open on Presidents Day. This is rare and depends on the bank's charter and state regulations. Again, calling ahead is the only reliable way to know.
Planning ahead to avoid problems on Presidents Day
If you need to handle banking business on or around Presidents Day, do it on Friday before the holiday. Deposit checks, withdraw cash, and submit any transfers you need to process by Tuesday. This gives you a buffer and avoids the rush that sometimes happens on the Friday before a holiday.
If you are expecting a deposit on Presidents Day—such as a paycheck or government payment—it may arrive on Tuesday instead. Payroll and government payments are usually processed on the scheduled date even if that date falls on a holiday, but the funds may not appear in your account until the next business day.
Set phone reminders if you have time-sensitive transactions. Banks close without warning sometimes due to staffing or system maintenance, so confirming the day before is worth the five minutes it takes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my paycheck deposit on Presidents Day?
Payroll is usually processed on the scheduled date even if it falls on a holiday, but the funds may not show up in your account until Tuesday. Contact your employer's payroll department if you need to know the exact timing. If your paycheck normally deposits on Monday and Presidents Day falls on that Monday, ask whether it will be delayed to Tuesday.
Can I use my debit card on Presidents Day?
Yes. Your debit card works at stores, ATMs, and online merchants on Presidents Day regardless of whether your bank branch is open. The transaction processes normally, and the money is deducted from your account.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on Presidents Day?
Most bank customer service lines are closed on Presidents Day, but some online banks and credit unions keep phone support open with reduced hours. Call your bank's main number to hear their holiday message, or check their website for holiday hours before the day arrives.
Do I need to do anything special to use my bank on Presidents Day?
No. Use your debit card, ATM, mobile app, and online banking as you normally would. The only thing you cannot do is visit a physical branch if it is closed. Plan any in-person banking for Friday or Tuesday instead.