Most banks close on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but some branches stay open
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday in January. Most major banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — close their physical branches on this day. However, online banking, ATMs, and mobile apps continue to work normally, and some smaller regional banks or credit unions may remain open.
If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to a teller, you should plan ahead. Deposits made through ATMs or mobile apps will process, but they may not post to your account until the next business day because the bank is not staffing its processing centers.
The holiday falls on a different date each year. In 2024, it is January 15. In 2025, it is January 20. Check your bank's website or call ahead if you are unsure whether your specific branch will be open.
Key Takeaways
- Most national banks close their branches on MLK Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available 24/7.
- Checks deposited through ATMs or mobile apps on MLK Day will not clear until the next business day because bank processing centers are closed.
- Wire transfers and bill payments initiated online may also delay by one day if submitted on the holiday.
- Credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different holiday schedules, so contact your institution directly to confirm.
- MLK Day falls on the third Monday in January, which means the date changes each year.
What stays open and what closes on MLK Day
Your bank's physical branch will almost certainly be closed. Tellers will not be working, and you cannot walk in to conduct transactions in person. However, the bank's digital services operate normally. You can log into your online account, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and check your balance at any time.
ATMs remain active on MLK Day because they are automated machines. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, and check your balance using any ATM in your bank's network or at partner locations. The deposit will be recorded in your account immediately, but the actual funds may not clear until the next business day.
Mobile banking apps work the same way as online banking. You can send money to other people, deposit checks by photograph, and manage your account from your phone without interruption.
How deposits and transfers are affected
If you deposit a check through an ATM or mobile app on MLK Day, the deposit is recorded in your account right away. However, the actual processing — where the bank collects the funds from the other bank — does not happen until the next business day. This means the money may show as pending for 24 hours longer than usual.
Wire transfers and ACH transfers (the kind used for bill payments and money sent to other banks) initiated on MLK Day will not process until Tuesday. If you need money to move by a specific date, submit the transfer on Friday or the business day before the holiday.
Checks you write will not clear any faster or slower because of the holiday — clearing times depend on when the recipient deposits them, not when you write them.
How to learn about your specific bank is open
The safest approach is to check your bank's website directly. Most banks publish their holiday hours in a dedicated section, often labeled "Holiday Hours" or "Branch Locator." Search for your branch by address or ZIP code, and the page will show whether it is open on MLK Day.
You can also call your branch's main number. The automated message will usually state the holiday hours, or you can wait for a representative to confirm. If you bank at a credit union, call the main office — credit union holiday schedules vary widely by institution.
If you use a smaller regional bank or a community bank, assume the branch is closed unless you confirm otherwise. Some regional institutions do stay open on federal holidays to serve customers, but this is not the norm.
Planning ahead for MLK Day banking needs
If you know you will need cash or need to deposit a check before MLK Day, do it on Friday or the business day before. This avoids any delays and ensures the money is available when you need it.
If you have a bill due on or shortly after MLK Day, pay it online or by mail several days in advance. Do not wait until the holiday to initiate a payment, because processing will be delayed by at least one day.
For time-sensitive transactions — large wire transfers, loan payments, or payroll deposits — contact your bank before the holiday to confirm when the transaction will process. Some banks can manually process certain transactions on holidays if you call ahead, though this is rare.
What happens if you need emergency cash
ATMs are your primary option on MLK Day. As long as your bank has ATM locations near you, you can withdraw cash at any time. If you need a larger amount than your daily ATM limit allows, you will have to wait until Tuesday when branches reopen.
Some banks allow you to increase your daily ATM withdrawal limit through their mobile app or online banking portal. If you anticipate needing more cash than usual, you can request a higher limit a few days before the holiday.
If your bank does not have ATM access in your area and you absolutely need cash on MLK Day, you may be able to get cash back at a grocery store or retail location if you use your debit card to make a purchase. This is not a reliable solution, but it is an option if you are in a bind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check on MLK Day?
Yes, you can deposit checks through ATMs or mobile apps on MLK Day. The deposit will show in your account immediately, but the funds will not clear until the next business day because the bank's processing centers are closed.
Will my direct deposit arrive on time if MLK Day falls on a Monday?
Most employers process payroll on Friday for Monday deposit, so your direct deposit should arrive on Friday even if Monday is a holiday. However, if your employer processes payroll on Monday, the deposit may arrive on Tuesday instead. Contact your payroll department if you are unsure.
Are credit unions closed on MLK Day?
Most credit unions close on MLK Day, but some remain open. Holiday schedules vary by institution. Call your credit union directly or check their website to confirm whether your branch will be open.
Can I pay my bills online on MLK Day?
Yes, you can schedule bill payments online on MLK Day, but they will not process until the next business day. If a bill is due on or shortly after the holiday, schedule the payment several days in advance to ensure it arrives on time.
What if I need to speak to a banker on MLK Day?
Most banks do not staff branches on MLK Day, so you cannot speak to a banker in person. However, many banks offer phone support on holidays. Call your bank's customer service number to see if representatives are available, though wait times are often longer than usual.