Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches and online services stay available
Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. Most major U.S. banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and U.S. Bank — close their physical branches on this federal holiday. However, online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs continue to work normally. If you need to deposit a check or speak to a teller, you'll need to wait until the next business day.
Some credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different schedules, so it's worth checking your specific bank's website or calling ahead if you have a transaction planned for November 11. A few banks keep select branches open in certain locations, though this is uncommon.
Key Takeaways
- Major national banks close their physical branches on Veterans Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available 24/7.
- Checks deposited through mobile apps or ATMs on Veterans Day typically process the next business day, not immediately.
- Credit unions and regional banks may have different holiday schedules, so check directly with your institution.
- Wire transfers, bill payments, and account transfers made online on Veterans Day usually process on the next business day.
- If you need cash, ATMs work normally on Veterans Day even when branches are closed.
What stays open: ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps
Your ATM card works on Veterans Day just as it does any other day. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts at any ATM, whether it's at your bank's location or at another bank's network.
Online banking portals and mobile apps never close. You can log in to pay bills, transfer money between accounts, send money to other people, and check your balance at any hour. The same applies to setting up automatic payments or scheduling future transactions.
If you need to deposit a check, most banks let you do this through their mobile app by photographing the front and back. These mobile deposits typically post to your account by the next business day, even if you submit them on Veterans Day.
What closes: Teller services and in-person transactions
You cannot visit a bank branch to speak with a teller, open a new account, apply for a loan, or handle other in-person business on Veterans Day. If you need to deposit cash, get a cashier's check, or discuss account issues face-to-face, you'll need to go on a different day.
Some banks offer limited services through their customer service phone lines on federal holidays, but this varies. Call your bank's main number before Veterans Day to ask whether phone support will be available on November 11.
How to plan ahead if you have a transaction scheduled
If you're expecting a paycheck deposit or need to make a payment before Veterans Day, plan for the holiday. Direct deposits scheduled for November 11 typically post on the next business day instead. Bill payments set up online usually process the next business day as well, so if a bill is due on November 11, submit your payment by November 10.
Wire transfers initiated on Veterans Day may not leave your account until November 12. If you're sending money to someone who needs it urgently, initiate the transfer on November 10 instead.
Checks written and mailed take several days to clear regardless of holidays, so the timing of Veterans Day doesn't affect them much. However, if you're depositing a check and need the funds quickly, use mobile deposit on November 10 rather than waiting until after the holiday.
Credit unions and smaller banks may have different schedules
Not all financial institutions follow the same holiday calendar. Some credit unions stay open on Veterans Day or close on a different day. Regional banks and community banks may also have their own policies.
If you bank with a credit union or smaller institution, check their website or call their main line before November 11 to confirm whether your branch will be open. Many post their holiday hours online in October.
What happens to automatic payments and scheduled transfers
Automatic bill payments and recurring transfers you've already set up continue on their normal schedule. If a payment is scheduled for Veterans Day, it will process, but it may post to your account or the recipient's account one day later than usual.
If you're worried about timing — for example, if a payment is due on November 11 and you want to make sure it arrives on time — log into your online banking and check the exact posting date the system shows. Most banks display this information when you review a scheduled payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at stores, restaurants, and online retailers on Veterans Day just like any other day. ATMs also work normally. The only thing you cannot do is visit a physical branch to speak with a teller.
Will my direct deposit still come through on Veterans Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for November 11 typically post one day late, on November 12. If your paycheck is supposed to arrive on Veterans Day, contact your employer's payroll department to confirm the exact timing. Some employers adjust payroll dates to avoid federal holidays.
What if I need to deposit cash on Veterans Day?
You cannot deposit cash at a teller window on Veterans Day. Some banks have deposit envelopes or night depositories at their branches where you can leave cash in a secure slot, though this is less common now. Check your bank's website to see if this option is available at your branch.
Do online transfers process on Veterans Day?
You can initiate transfers online on Veterans Day, but they typically process the next business day. If you need money to move urgently, send it on November 10 instead. Wire transfers initiated on the holiday may not leave your account until November 12.
Are there any banks that stay open on Veterans Day?
Most major national banks close on Veterans Day. Some credit unions and regional banks may stay open or have limited hours. Call your bank directly or check their website to confirm their specific Veterans Day schedule, as policies vary by location and institution.