Most banks close on Presidents Day, but some branches and online services stay available
Presidents Day falls on the third Monday in February. On this day, most traditional brick-and-mortar bank branches close because it is a federal holiday. However, the answer depends on which bank you use and what you need to do.
Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank close their physical locations on Presidents Day. Credit unions typically close as well. But you can still access your money through ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking — those services run 24/7 regardless of the holiday.
Some smaller regional banks and online-only banks may operate differently. A few keep select branches open or have different holiday schedules. The safest approach is to check your specific bank's website or call ahead if you need an in-person service on that day.
Key Takeaways
- Most major bank branches close on Presidents Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available all day.
- Check your bank's website or call the branch directly to confirm whether it will be open, since some regional banks have different schedules.
- If you need cash or services before the holiday, plan ahead — Presidents Day falls on the third Monday in February each year.
- Wire transfers, bill payments, and account transfers can usually be done through your bank's app or website even when branches are closed.
What you can and cannot do on Presidents Day
You can withdraw cash from any ATM belonging to your bank or a partner network. You can also log into your online banking portal, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, deposit checks using mobile deposit, and check your balance. These functions do not require a person to be working at a branch.
You cannot visit a teller, open a new account in person, get a cashier's check from the branch, speak to a loan officer, or resolve issues that require a staff member's direct help. If you need one of these services, you will have to wait until the branch reopens on Tuesday.
Some banks have customer service phone lines open on holidays, though wait times are often longer. Check your bank's website for holiday hours before calling.
How to learn about your bank is open
The fastest way is to visit your bank's website and search for "holiday hours" or "Presidents Day hours." Most banks publish this information in November or December for the entire year. You can also use your bank's mobile app — many show branch hours right on the location page.
If you cannot find the information online, call your specific branch directly. The phone number is usually on your debit card or bank statements. Call a day or two before Presidents Day to confirm, since some banks adjust schedules year to year.
For credit unions, check the credit union's website the same way. If you bank with a smaller regional institution, their holiday schedule may differ from the major national banks, so do not assume they follow the same pattern.
Planning ahead for Presidents Day
If you know you will need cash or in-person services around Presidents Day, withdraw money and handle those tasks on Friday or the week before. This is especially important if you need a cashier's check, want to open an account, or have questions that require talking to someone at the branch.
If you are expecting a deposit or payment to arrive on Presidents Day, remember that the federal banking system does not process transactions on holidays. Deposits made on Monday will not post until Tuesday. Paychecks and government payments scheduled for Presidents Day typically arrive on Friday instead, though this depends on your employer or the agency sending the payment.
Set up automatic bill payments or use your bank's online bill pay feature if you have a payment due around the holiday. This way you do not have to be present or visit a branch.
Presidents Day and paycheck timing
If your employer normally pays you on Presidents Day, your paycheck will usually arrive on Friday of the previous week instead. The same applies to Social Security payments, tax refunds, and other government deposits — they shift to the Friday before when the scheduled date falls on a federal holiday.
Check with your employer or the agency sending the payment to confirm the new date. Do not assume it will arrive on Monday just because that is when you normally get paid. Your bank's website or a call to payroll can clarify the exact timing.
Online banks and Presidents Day
If you bank entirely online with a service like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, or Discover Bank, the holiday does not affect you in the same way. You can transfer money, pay bills, and manage your account on Presidents Day just as you would any other day. However, if you need to deposit a physical check, mobile deposit still works — the check simply will not clear until Tuesday.
Wire transfers initiated on Presidents Day may not process until Tuesday, depending on the receiving bank. If you need a wire to arrive on Monday, send it on Friday instead. Check your online bank's website for specific details about holiday processing times.
What to do if you need emergency cash
ATMs are your best option on Presidents Day. Most banks allow unlimited ATM withdrawals on holidays, though some have daily limits. Check your account settings or call customer service before the holiday to see if a limit applies to you.
If your bank's ATM network is small or you are traveling, use a bank that is part of a larger ATM network like Allpoint or MoneyPass. These networks include ATMs at grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores, and they operate on holidays.
If you absolutely cannot access an ATM and need cash, some grocery stores and pharmacies offer cash back with a debit card purchase on holidays. This is not ideal, but it is an option if you are in a bind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check on Presidents Day?
You can deposit a check using mobile deposit through your bank's app on Presidents Day. The check will be processed and the funds will appear in your account, though they may not be available to withdraw until Tuesday depending on your bank's policy. In-person deposits at a branch are not possible because branches are closed.
Will my direct deposit arrive on Presidents Day?
If your paycheck or government payment is scheduled for Presidents Day, it will typically arrive on Friday of the previous week instead. The federal banking system does not process deposits on federal holidays. Contact your employer or the agency sending the payment to confirm the new date.
Do credit unions close on Presidents Day?
Most credit unions close on Presidents Day because it is a federal holiday. However, some smaller or regional credit unions may have different schedules. Check your credit union's website or call ahead to confirm. ATMs and online banking remain available even when the branch is closed.
Can I transfer money between banks on Presidents Day?
You can initiate a transfer through your bank's online portal or app on Presidents Day, but the transfer may not complete until Tuesday. Wire transfers typically process on business days only. If you need the money to arrive on Monday, send it on Friday instead.
What if I need a cashier's check before Presidents Day?
Get your cashier's check on Friday or earlier in the week. Branches are closed on Presidents Day, so you cannot request one on Monday. If you need it urgently, some banks offer cashier's checks through their online banking system, though this varies by institution.