Most banks close on MLK Day, but some branches and services stay open
Most U.S. banks close on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (the third Monday in January) because it is a federal holiday. This includes major chains like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank. However, some banks operate limited hours or keep certain locations open, and online banking, ATMs, and mobile apps work normally on the holiday.
The closure affects in-person services: you cannot visit a teller, open an account, or speak to a loan officer. But you can still transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills online, deposit checks through a mobile app, and withdraw cash from ATMs. If you need cash before the holiday, plan ahead.
Credit unions follow the same pattern as banks—most close on MLK Day, though some keep a single branch open or offer limited hours. Call your credit union directly to confirm, because policies vary by institution.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks and credit unions close completely on MLK Day, with no teller or loan services available.
- ATMs, online banking, mobile deposits, and bill pay all work normally on the holiday.
- If you need cash or in-person service, handle it the business day before MLK Day.
- Some banks operate a single branch or limited hours on the holiday—call ahead to confirm your branch's schedule.
What stays open on MLK Day
ATMs operate 24/7 on MLK Day, regardless of whether the bank building is open. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between accounts using any ATM in your bank's network or a partner network.
Online banking portals and mobile apps work normally. You can log in, transfer funds, pay bills, deposit checks by phone camera, and review transactions. Payments you schedule to post on MLK Day will process as normal.
Some banks—particularly larger ones with many branches—may keep one or two locations open with reduced hours, often 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is not standard, so call your specific branch to ask. Do not assume a branch is open just because the bank operates elsewhere.
What closes on MLK Day
Teller windows close, so you cannot deposit cash, withdraw large amounts, or order cashier's checks in person. If you need to deposit physical checks, use your mobile app or an ATM deposit slot (if your bank has one) before the holiday.
Loan officers, mortgage specialists, and business banking services are unavailable. If you need to discuss a loan, refinance, or handle business accounts, you will need to wait until Tuesday.
Wire transfers initiated through a teller do not process on MLK Day, though some banks allow you to schedule them online for processing the next business day. Check your bank's website or call before the holiday if you need a wire to go out immediately after.
When banks reopen after MLK Day
Banks reopen on Tuesday, the day after MLK Day. All teller services, loan departments, and in-person transactions resume normal hours. Transactions you scheduled online during the holiday will process starting Tuesday morning.
If you deposited a check through your mobile app on MLK Day, it typically posts to your account by Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on when you submitted it and your bank's processing schedule.
Planning ahead for MLK Day
Withdraw cash before the holiday if you know you will need it. ATMs work on MLK Day, but if your bank's ATM is out of service or you need a large amount, you will not have access to a teller.
If you need to make a deposit, use mobile check deposit or an ATM deposit slot before Monday. These transactions process when the bank reopens Tuesday.
Schedule bill payments and transfers online before MLK Day if they need to post on or immediately after the holiday. Most banks allow you to schedule transactions in advance through their website or app.
If you have a time-sensitive banking need—opening an account, applying for a loan, or handling a dispute—contact your bank on Friday to see if they can process it before the holiday or schedule an appointment for Tuesday.
Credit unions and smaller banks
Credit unions typically close on MLK Day, but policies vary. Some keep one branch open with limited hours, and some offer phone or online support. Call your credit union's main number before the holiday to confirm what services are available.
Smaller regional banks may have different schedules than national chains. Check your bank's website or call the branch directly—do not assume all locations have the same hours.
Online-only banks (like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Discover) do not have physical branches, so there is no closure. You can handle all banking online or by phone on MLK Day, though customer service phone lines may have reduced staffing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on MLK Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at stores, restaurants, and ATMs on MLK Day. The bank closure only affects in-person teller services at the bank building itself.
Will checks I deposit on MLK Day clear by the next day?
No. Checks deposited through mobile app or ATM on MLK Day will not begin processing until Tuesday. They typically clear by Wednesday or Thursday, depending on the check's origin bank.
What if I need to dispute a transaction on MLK Day?
Call your bank's customer service line. Most banks staff a phone line on holidays for fraud and dispute reporting, even if branches are closed. Online-only banks may have limited phone support.
Do wire transfers process on MLK Day?
Wires initiated through a teller do not process on MLK Day. You can schedule a wire online for processing Tuesday morning, but it will not go out until the bank reopens.
Is the stock market open on MLK Day?
No. The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ close on MLK Day. If you hold investments through your bank, you cannot buy or sell on the holiday, though you can place orders online to execute Tuesday morning.