Most major banks close their physical branches on Veterans Day, but ATMs and online banking work normally
Yes, most banks in the United States close on Veterans Day (November 11), treating it as a federal holiday. The big national banks—Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, U.S. Bank, and PNC—shut their physical branches. However, the picture is more complicated than a simple yes or no. Some credit unions stay open, some regional banks keep certain branches running, and online banking never stops. If you need to move money or deposit a check on Veterans Day, you have options depending on which bank you use and what you're trying to do.
The key distinction is between branch services and everything else. Tellers, safe deposit boxes, and in-person transactions are unavailable. ATMs, debit cards, direct deposits, and online banking continue without interruption. Your money is accessible; you just cannot walk into a building and talk to someone.
Key Takeaways
- All major national banks close their physical branches on Veterans Day, but ATMs and online banking work 24/7 regardless of the holiday.
- Credit unions vary by location—some close entirely, others stay open, so you need to check with your specific credit union before Veterans Day.
- Regional and community banks have different policies; call ahead or check their website to confirm whether your branch will be open.
- Wire transfers, bill payments, and account transfers can all be done online on Veterans Day even when branches are closed.
- Checks deposited through mobile apps or ATMs on Veterans Day typically post the next business day, not immediately.
What the major national banks do on Veterans Day
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, U.S. Bank, and PNC all close their branch locations on Veterans Day. This is a federal holiday, and these institutions treat it the same way they treat Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Independence Day. No teller service, no in-person transactions, no safe deposit box access.
However, their ATMs work normally. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks through the ATM on Veterans Day. Online banking portals and mobile apps also run without interruption. If you need to pay a bill, transfer money between accounts, or check your balance, you can do all of that from your phone or computer.
Wire transfers initiated online on Veterans Day may not process until the next business day, depending on the time you submit them and your bank's internal procedures. Call your bank's customer service line before Veterans Day if you have a time-sensitive wire—the number is usually on the back of your card, and it's staffed even on holidays.
Credit unions and regional banks often have different schedules
Credit unions are not required to follow the same federal holiday schedule as national banks. Some credit unions close on Veterans Day, others stay open with full service, and some open for limited hours. This varies dramatically by location and by credit union. A credit union in one state might close while an identical-sized credit union in another state stays open.
The only way to know is to contact your credit union directly or check their website. Call the branch number or look for their holiday schedule online. Many credit unions post their Veterans Day hours in early November. If your credit union is closed, their ATM will still work, and online banking will still be available.
Regional and community banks follow a similar pattern. Some close entirely, some close branches but keep a main office open, and some stay open with normal hours. Again, you need to check with your specific bank. A quick phone call to your branch a few days before Veterans Day will tell you exactly what to expect.
How to handle deposits and checks on Veterans Day
If you need to deposit a check on Veterans Day, use your bank's mobile app or an ATM. Most banks let you photograph a check through their app and deposit it instantly. The funds typically appear in your account within one business day, sometimes the same day depending on the amount and your bank's policy. This works even though the branch is closed.
ATM check deposits also work on Veterans Day. The check goes into the machine, and your bank processes it when the branch reopens on November 12. The timing is the same as a mobile deposit—usually one business day.
If you absolutely need to deposit a large check or handle a transaction that requires a teller, plan ahead. Make the deposit on November 10 or wait until November 12. There is no way around the branch closure on Veterans Day itself.
Wire transfers and bill payments on the holiday
You can initiate a wire transfer through online banking on Veterans Day, but it may not actually send until November 12. The exact timing depends on when you submit it and your bank's processing schedule. Most banks process wires submitted before a certain time (often 2 or 3 p.m.) the same day, but Veterans Day is a federal holiday, so the receiving bank may not process it until the next business day anyway.
Bill payments through your bank's bill pay system work the same way. You can schedule a payment on Veterans Day, but it will not leave your account until the next business day at the earliest. If you have a bill due on November 11, pay it before Veterans Day to avoid a late fee.
Transfers between your own accounts at the same bank usually post immediately, even on Veterans Day, because they do not require the receiving bank to process anything. Check your bank's specific rules, but most allow this.
Planning ahead to avoid problems
If you know you will need cash, make a withdrawal on November 10. If you need to pay a bill, do it before Veterans Day. If you have a check to deposit, use mobile deposit or an ATM. These simple steps eliminate most Veterans Day banking problems.
If you have a question about your specific bank's Veterans Day hours or policies, do not wait until November 11. Call your branch or check their website in early November. Most banks publish their holiday schedule online, and customer service can answer questions about wire transfers, large deposits, or anything else that might affect you.
For time-sensitive transactions—anything involving a wire, a large deposit, or a payment with a deadline—handle it before the holiday. The branch closure is predictable, and planning around it takes five minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card to buy things on Veterans Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at stores, gas stations, and online retailers regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The bank's systems run 24/7. The branch closure only affects in-person services like talking to a teller or accessing a safe deposit box.
Will my paycheck deposit on time if my bank is closed on Veterans Day?
Yes. Direct deposits are processed automatically by the bank's computer systems, not by tellers. If your paycheck is scheduled to deposit on November 11, it will arrive on November 11 even though the branch is closed. The holiday does not affect automatic deposits.
What if I need to dispute a transaction on Veterans Day?
Call your bank's customer service number, which is staffed on holidays. They can start a dispute investigation over the phone. You do not need to visit a branch to report fraud or an error. The investigation will proceed normally even though the branch is closed.
Do online banks close on Veterans Day?
No. Banks that operate only online, like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, or Marcus, do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. Their services run 24/7. If you bank exclusively online, Veterans Day has no effect on your access to your money.
Can I get a cashier's check on Veterans Day?
No. Cashier's checks require a teller, and branches are closed. If you need a cashier's check, get it on November 10 or November 12. Some banks can mail one to you, but that takes several days, so plan ahead if you know you will need one.