Most banks are closed on Presidents Day, but some services stay available
Presidents Day is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday in February. Most traditional brick-and-mortar banks close on this day, and you cannot visit a branch or speak to a teller in person. However, ATMs remain open and functional at nearly all banks, and online banking services (transfers, bill pay, account checks) work normally.
The closure affects only in-person services. If you need cash or want to deposit a check, you have options that do not require a staffed branch. The key is knowing which services work without a person behind the counter.
Key Takeaways
- ATMs work on Presidents Day even though branches are closed, so you can withdraw cash and check your balance at any time.
- Online banking, mobile apps, and phone banking all function normally on the holiday — you can transfer money, pay bills, and check transactions from home.
- Mobile check deposit (taking a photo of a check through your bank's app) usually works on Presidents Day, though the check may not post until the next business day.
- Credit unions follow the same federal holiday schedule as banks, so most are also closed on Presidents Day.
- If you need a service that requires a person — like opening an account, getting a cashier's check, or speaking to a loan officer — you will need to wait until Tuesday.
What stays open: ATMs and online services
ATMs are staffed by machines, not people, so they operate 24/7 on Presidents Day just like any other day. You can withdraw cash, deposit cash (at machines that accept deposits), transfer money between accounts, and check your balance. The ATM network does not close for federal holidays.
Online banking through your bank's website or mobile app also runs normally. You can log in, view your account, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, set up recurring payments, and send money to other people. These transactions process on the holiday itself, though some may not settle until the next business day depending on the type of transfer.
Phone banking — calling your bank's automated line or a representative if they staff it — varies by bank. Some banks keep a skeleton crew for phone support on Presidents Day; others do not. If you need to speak to someone by phone, call ahead on Friday to ask whether your bank will have phone support on Monday.
Mobile check deposit works, but timing matters
Most banks allow you to deposit checks by taking a photo through their mobile app. This feature works on Presidents Day — you can photograph the check and submit it any time. However, the check will not actually post to your account until the next business day (Tuesday), because the bank's processing center is closed on the holiday.
If you need the money urgently and cannot wait until Tuesday, mobile deposit will not solve that problem. But if you can wait one extra day, it is a way to get the check into the system without visiting a branch.
In-person services that require a closed branch
Anything that requires a person or a physical document will not happen on Presidents Day. This includes opening a new account, closing an account, ordering a cashier's check, applying for a loan, disputing a transaction in person, or getting a new debit card issued on the spot.
If you need one of these services, plan ahead. Call your branch on Friday or visit on Monday morning before the holiday to handle it, or wait until Tuesday. Some banks offer limited services through their website (like ordering a replacement card), so check your bank's website to see what you can do online.
Credit unions and Presidents Day
Credit unions observe the same federal holiday schedule as banks, so most credit unions close on Presidents Day. The same rules apply: ATMs work, online banking works, but in-person services do not.
Some credit unions are smaller and may not have 24-hour ATMs, so if you belong to a smaller institution, check their website or call ahead to confirm ATM access on the holiday. Larger credit unions almost always have ATMs available.
Planning ahead: what to do before Presidents Day
If you know you will need cash or services on or around Presidents Day, withdraw money on Friday or earlier in the week. If you need a cashier's check, new debit card, or account change, handle it before Monday or schedule it for Tuesday.
If you are expecting a deposit (paycheck, tax refund, insurance payment) to arrive on Presidents Day, it may not post until Tuesday. Deposits that arrive on federal holidays usually process the next business day. Check with your employer or the organization sending the payment if you need to know the exact timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw money from an ATM on Presidents Day?
Yes. ATMs work 24/7 on Presidents Day, including cash withdrawals, deposits (if your machine accepts them), and balance checks. You can use any ATM in your bank's network or a partner network without any issues.
Will my direct deposit hit my account on Presidents Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Presidents Day usually process on the next business day (Tuesday) because the banking system itself is closed. If your paycheck or other regular deposit is due on Monday, contact your employer or the sending organization to confirm whether it will arrive Monday or Tuesday.
Can I pay bills online on Presidents Day?
Yes. Online bill pay works on Presidents Day. You can schedule payments or send money through your bank's website or app. The payment may not process until Tuesday, depending on the type of payment and your bank's system, but you can set it up on Monday.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on Presidents Day?
Most banks do not staff branches on Presidents Day. Call your bank on Friday to ask if they offer phone support on Monday, or use online chat if your bank offers it. Otherwise, wait until Tuesday to speak to someone in person or by phone.
Are credit unions open on Presidents Day?
No. Credit unions observe the same federal holiday schedule as banks and are closed on Presidents Day. ATMs and online services work normally, but branches are closed and staff are not available.