Yes, most banks close on Veterans Day, and so do federal offices that handle refunds and payments

Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. On that day, most banks shut down completely — no tellers, no drive-through, no in-person service. Federal offices that process tax refunds, stimulus payments, Social Security, and other government money also close. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to someone about a pending refund or payment, you will have to wait until the next business day.

The closure affects you differently depending on what you are waiting for. If you are expecting a direct deposit — a tax refund, a government payment, or a paycheck — it will still land in your account on schedule, because the banking system processes those overnight without staff present. If you need to do something in person or call a federal office, that has to wait.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks close entirely on Veterans Day, but direct deposits still arrive on their scheduled date because they process automatically.
  • Federal offices that handle tax refunds, Social Security, and other government payments close on Veterans Day, so you cannot call or visit in person that day.
  • If you need cash or have a question about a pending refund, plan to handle it the day before or the day after Veterans Day.
  • Some banks and credit unions may have limited Saturday or Sunday hours around the holiday, so check your institution's schedule in advance.

What happens to direct deposits and automatic payments on Veterans Day

Direct deposits do not stop on Veterans Day. If your tax refund, stimulus payment, Social Security check, or paycheck is scheduled to arrive on November 11 or the business day closest to it, the money will still hit your account. The automated clearing house (ACH) system that moves money between accounts runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of whether banks are staffed.

The same is true for automatic bill payments and transfers you have set up. They process on schedule. The only exception is if you scheduled a payment to go out on Veterans Day itself and your bank's system requires staff approval — in that case, it may delay to the next business day. Most banks process scheduled payments automatically, so this is rare.

If you are waiting for a refund and the IRS or your state tax authority says it will arrive on November 11, it will. You just will not be able to call the bank to ask about it that day.

Federal offices that close and what that means for your refund status

The IRS, Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs, and all other federal agencies close on Veterans Day. If you need to call the IRS to check on a tax refund, you cannot reach them. If you need to call the VA about a benefit payment, that office is closed. State tax offices also close.

This matters most if your refund is delayed or if you have a question about a payment. You will have to wait until November 12 to call. If you are tracking a refund online through the IRS website (Where's My Refund?) or your state's tax portal, those systems usually stay open, so you can still check status without calling.

If your refund was supposed to arrive before Veterans Day and did not, you can still check the online tracking tool on the holiday itself. You just cannot reach a person to ask why it is late until the next business day.

What to do if you need cash or have an urgent banking question

If you need to withdraw cash on Veterans Day, use an ATM. ATMs run on the holiday and dispense cash 24 hours a day. You can also use ATMs at other banks if your bank's machines are out of service, though you may pay a fee.

If you have a question about a pending deposit or need to dispute a transaction, you will have to wait until the next business day to call your bank. Some banks offer chat or email support through their websites or apps even on holidays — check your bank's website to see if that option is available.

If you are expecting a refund and need to know whether it arrived, log into your online banking account or check your bank's mobile app. You can see your balance and recent deposits without calling anyone.

Planning ahead if your refund or payment arrives near Veterans Day

If the IRS or your state tax authority tells you a refund will arrive on or around November 11, assume it will land on schedule via direct deposit. You do not need to do anything differently. The money will be in your account even though the bank is closed.

If you are expecting a check in the mail instead of a direct deposit, Veterans Day does not affect mail delivery — the post office runs on the holiday. The check will arrive on its normal schedule.

If you have a question about a refund and the answer cannot wait until November 12, check the online tracking tool first. The IRS Where's My Refund tool, state tax portals, and Social Security's online services stay available on holidays. That often answers the question without needing to call.

How to find your bank's exact holiday hours

Most large banks close entirely on Veterans Day, but some credit unions or smaller banks may have different schedules. The safest approach is to check your bank's website or call ahead the day before to confirm. Search for "[Your Bank Name] Veterans Day hours" or log into your online banking account — many banks post holiday schedules there.

If your bank has multiple branches, hours may vary by location. A branch in a federal building, for example, might close earlier or stay closed longer. Check the specific branch you plan to visit.

If you know you will need banking services on or around November 11, plan to handle it on November 10 or November 12 instead. That removes any uncertainty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my tax refund arrive on Veterans Day if the IRS said it would?

Yes. Direct deposits process automatically on Veterans Day, so your refund will land in your account on schedule. The bank is closed, but the automated system that moves money between accounts runs 24 hours a day. You just will not be able to call the bank or IRS that day if you have a question.

Can I use an ATM on Veterans Day?

Yes. ATMs work on Veterans Day even though bank branches are closed. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between accounts using an ATM any time on the holiday.

What if I need to call the IRS about a delayed refund on Veterans Day?

You cannot reach the IRS on Veterans Day — all federal offices are closed. Use the Where's My Refund tool on the IRS website to check your refund status instead. You can call the IRS the next business day if you still have questions.

Do I need to do anything special if my stimulus payment or Social Security check arrives on Veterans Day?

No. These payments arrive via direct deposit automatically on their scheduled date, regardless of holidays. The money will be in your account on time. You do not need to take any action.

Can I deposit a check on Veterans Day?

Not in person — bank branches are closed. You can use mobile deposit through your bank's app if it offers that service, or you can deposit the check at an ATM if your bank supports it. Otherwise, wait until November 12.