Most banks are closed on Veterans Day, but some branches and services stay open

Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. On this federal holiday, most traditional bank branches close for the day. However, the picture is more complicated than a simple yes or no — some banks offer limited services, ATMs run 24/7, and online banking never stops. If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash on Veterans Day, you have options that don't require waiting until the next business day.

The major national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others — treat Veterans Day as a full holiday closure. Their physical branches will not be staffed. If you have a smaller regional or community bank, call ahead to confirm, because some do stay open or run reduced hours. Credit unions also vary by institution, so checking with yours directly is the safest move.

Key Takeaways

  • Major national bank branches close on Veterans Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available around the clock.
  • Regional banks and credit unions may stay open or offer limited hours on Veterans Day, so contact your institution directly to confirm.
  • You can deposit checks through mobile banking apps, ATMs, or night deposit boxes on Veterans Day without waiting for a teller.
  • Wire transfers and other time-sensitive transactions can usually be processed through online banking or will be queued for the next business day.
  • If you need cash, ATMs work normally on Veterans Day, and some banks allow cardholders to withdraw cash at retail locations like grocery stores.

What stays open on Veterans Day

ATMs operate 24 hours a day on Veterans Day, just as they do every other day. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts using any ATM that accepts your card — whether it belongs to your bank or is part of a shared network. If your bank is part of a larger ATM network, you may be able to use machines from other banks without a fee.

Online banking portals and mobile apps never close. You can transfer money between accounts, pay bills, set up automatic payments, and check your balance at any time on Veterans Day. Most banks process these transactions immediately or queue them for the next business day if the transaction requires human review.

Night deposit boxes, if your bank has them, are accessible 24/7. You can deposit checks and cash into these secure boxes outside the branch, and the bank will process them when staff returns the next business day. Ask your bank whether your branch has one and where it is located.

What closes on Veterans Day

In-person teller services close at all major bank branches. You cannot speak to a banker, deposit a check with a teller, or conduct transactions that require a staff member. This includes opening new accounts, applying for loans, and resolving disputes over transactions.

Wire transfers initiated in person cannot be completed on Veterans Day. However, if your bank offers online wire transfer capability, you may be able to initiate one through your account portal. The bank will process it on the next business day. Call your bank's customer service line (which may have limited staffing) to ask whether this option is available to you.

Check cashing at the teller window is not possible. If you need to cash a check on Veterans Day, you can deposit it through an ATM or mobile app and withdraw the funds once the deposit clears, or visit a check-cashing service or retail location that offers that service.

How to plan ahead for Veterans Day banking

If you know you will need cash or need to deposit a check on Veterans Day, plan for it the day before. Deposit checks through your mobile app or ATM on November 10, and withdraw cash then as well. Most mobile check deposits clear within one business day, so funds from a check deposited on November 10 will usually be available by November 12.

If you have a time-sensitive transaction — such as a payment that must reach another account by a specific date — initiate it before Veterans Day through online banking or by visiting your branch on November 10. Do not wait until November 11 to start the process.

For questions about your specific bank's Veterans Day hours, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or visit your bank's website. Most banks post holiday hours online at least a week in advance. Some branches may have different hours than others, so confirm for the location you plan to visit.

Regional banks and credit unions may have different hours

Not all banks observe Veterans Day the same way. Some regional and community banks stay open on November 11, while others close. Credit unions vary widely — some treat it as a full holiday, while others maintain normal hours or offer limited service windows.

The only way to know for certain is to contact your bank or credit union directly. Call the main number, check their website for holiday hours, or visit your local branch in person before Veterans Day to ask. If you bank at a smaller institution, this five-minute call can save you a trip on November 11.

What to do if you need cash or a service on Veterans Day

If you need cash, use an ATM. Your debit card works the same way on Veterans Day as any other day, and you can withdraw money at any hour.

If you need to deposit a check, use your mobile banking app or an ATM that accepts deposits. Most banks' apps let you photograph the front and back of a check and deposit it instantly. The funds may take one to two business days to clear, but the deposit is recorded on the day you submit it.

If you need to pay a bill, use online banking or your biller's website directly. Most utilities, credit card companies, and loan servicers accept online payments 24/7, and the payment will be processed on the next business day if you submit it on Veterans Day.

If you need cash at a retail location, many grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers offer cash-back services when you use your debit card to make a purchase. This is a quick way to get cash on a holiday without visiting an ATM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check at an ATM on Veterans Day?

Yes. Most ATMs accept check deposits 24 hours a day, including on Veterans Day. Photograph the check using your mobile app if that option is available, or use an ATM with a deposit slot. The bank will process the deposit the next business day, and funds typically clear within one to two business days after that.

Will my online bill payment go through on Veterans Day?

Online bill payments submitted on Veterans Day will be processed on the next business day. Schedule the payment through your bank's website or your biller's website before Veterans Day if the bill is due on November 11 or 12. Most systems let you choose the date the payment should be sent.

Can I get a wire transfer on Veterans Day?

Wire transfers initiated in person cannot be completed on Veterans Day because branches are closed. If your bank offers online wire transfer through your account portal, you may be able to initiate one, but it will process on the next business day. Call your bank's customer service line to confirm whether this option is available.

What if my credit union is open on Veterans Day?

Some credit unions do stay open or offer limited hours on Veterans Day. Contact your credit union directly to confirm their hours. If they are open, their services will operate normally, and you can conduct any transaction you would on a regular business day.

Can I use my debit card at stores on Veterans Day?

Yes. Retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses remain open on Veterans Day, and your debit card works normally. You can also request cash back when you make a purchase, which is a convenient way to get cash without visiting an ATM.