Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches stay open depending on where you bank and what you need
Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. On that day, most national banks — including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank — close their physical branches. The Federal Reserve also closes, which means no wire transfers or ACH payments process that day. However, ATMs stay open, online banking works normally, and some credit unions and smaller regional banks keep branches staffed.
If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to someone in person on Veterans Day, you should plan ahead. The day before or the day after is usually your best option. If you bank at a credit union, call ahead — many observe the holiday but some stay open, especially those in military communities.
Key Takeaways
- All major national banks close their branches on Veterans Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available.
- Wire transfers and ACH payments do not process on Veterans Day because the Federal Reserve is closed.
- Credit unions vary — some close and some stay open, so contact yours directly to confirm.
- Checks deposited through mobile apps or ATMs on Veterans Day will process the next business day.
- If you need cash or in-person service, plan to visit your bank on November 10 or November 12.
What stays open on Veterans Day
ATMs work 24/7 on Veterans Day, so you can withdraw cash or deposit checks through your bank's ATM network anytime. Mobile banking apps also function normally — you can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and check your balance without any interruption.
Online banking portals stay live, though some transactions won't complete until the next business day. If you use your bank's website or app to send money to another person or business, the transfer request goes through, but the actual movement of funds waits until November 12. The same applies to bill payments scheduled through your bank's bill pay system.
What closes and when payments process
Physical bank branches close on Veterans Day. Tellers, loan officers, and customer service representatives are not working. If you need a cashier's check, a notary, or help opening a new account, you cannot get it on November 11.
Wire transfers initiated on Veterans Day do not send until the next business day. The Federal Reserve, which clears all wires, is closed. The same holds for ACH transfers — direct deposits, bill payments, and person-to-person transfers all queue up and process on November 12. If you are expecting a paycheck or a bill payment on November 11, it will arrive on November 12 instead.
Checks you deposit through an ATM or mobile app on Veterans Day are treated as deposited on November 12 for processing purposes. The funds typically appear in your account one to two business days after that, depending on the check amount and your bank's policy.
Credit unions and regional banks
Credit unions do not all follow the same holiday schedule as national banks. Some close on Veterans Day, and some stay open. The best way to know is to call your credit union directly or check their website. Many military-focused credit unions, particularly those serving active-duty personnel and veterans, stay open on November 11 or have extended hours.
Smaller regional banks vary as well. Some honor the federal holiday and close; others remain open with normal or reduced staffing. If you bank at a regional or community bank, a quick phone call to your branch will tell you whether they are open on Veterans Day.
Planning ahead for Veterans Day banking
If you need to handle banking business on or around Veterans Day, do it on November 10. Deposit checks, withdraw cash, and handle any transactions that require a teller or loan officer before the holiday. This avoids any delays or the need to wait until November 12.
If you are expecting a paycheck or payment on November 11, assume it will arrive on November 12 instead. Do not plan to use that money on the 11th. If you have bills due on November 11, pay them a day or two early through your bank's bill pay system or through the biller's website directly.
For wire transfers or urgent payments that must go out on November 11, you may be able to use a third-party payment service like PayPal, Venmo, or your biller's own payment portal. These services sometimes process on federal holidays even when banks do not, though the receiving bank may not credit the funds until November 12.
What to do if you need cash or a service on Veterans Day
Use an ATM. Your bank's ATM network is open, and you can withdraw cash or deposit checks anytime. If your bank charges fees for out-of-network ATM use, find one in your bank's network to avoid the charge.
If you need a service that only a teller or loan officer can provide — a cashier's check, a notary, account changes, or a loan decision — you will have to wait until November 12. Plan accordingly and do not wait until the last minute on November 11 to realize you need something.
If you bank online only or primarily use mobile banking, Veterans Day should not affect you at all. Transfers and payments you schedule will process on the next business day, just as they would on any other day the Federal Reserve is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my direct deposit arrive on Veterans Day?
No. Direct deposits scheduled for November 11 will arrive on November 12 because the Federal Reserve is closed and ACH transfers do not process on federal holidays. If your payday falls on Veterans Day, your employer's payroll system will have submitted the deposit earlier, but the funds will not hit your account until the next business day.
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day?
Yes. Debit cards work normally on Veterans Day at stores, restaurants, and online retailers. The transaction processes through the card network, not through your bank's branch. Your bank's systems are closed, but the payment still goes through and posts to your account, usually within one business day.
What if I need to dispute a charge on Veterans Day?
Call your bank's customer service line. Most banks have phone support available even on holidays, though wait times may be longer. You can also report fraud or disputes through your mobile app or online banking portal, and your bank will investigate after the holiday ends.
Do online banks close on Veterans Day?
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Marcus do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. Their websites and apps work normally. However, wire transfers and ACH payments still do not process because the Federal Reserve is closed, so timing works the same way as with traditional banks.
Can I get a cashier's check on Veterans Day?
No. Cashier's checks require a teller, and all bank branches are closed on Veterans Day. If you need a cashier's check, get it on November 10 or November 12. Some banks allow you to order a cashier's check online for pickup the next business day, so check your bank's website.