Veterans Day is not a federal banking holiday, so most banks stay open
Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year, and the federal government observes it as a holiday. However, banks do not close on Veterans Day. Your bank will be open for regular business hours, and you can deposit checks, withdraw cash, and conduct normal transactions.
The confusion arises because Veterans Day is a federal holiday — meaning federal offices, courts, and many government agencies close. But federal holidays and banking holidays are not the same list. Banks follow their own closure calendar, which is much shorter. Only ten days per year trigger automatic bank closures nationwide.
If you need to handle banking on November 11, plan to visit during your bank's normal hours. If the 11th falls on a weekend, your bank will be open on the nearest weekday as usual.
Key Takeaways
- Banks remain open on Veterans Day, even though it is a federal holiday observed by government offices.
- The federal banking holiday calendar includes only ten days per year: New Year's Day, MLK Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
- If November 11 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, your bank will operate on its normal weekend schedule, which may be limited or closed depending on your bank's policy.
- Some individual banks may choose to close on Veterans Day as a courtesy to employees, so calling ahead is wise if you have a time-sensitive transaction.
Which days actually close banks nationwide
The Federal Reserve sets the official banking holiday calendar. These are the only days when banks close across the country as a standard practice: New Year's Day (January 1), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January), Presidents' Day (third Monday in February), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Juneteenth (June 19), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (first Monday in September), Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November), the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day (December 25).
Veterans Day does not appear on this list. Neither do other federal holidays like Columbus Day, Election Day, or Inauguration Day. Federal holidays and banking holidays overlap only partially.
The reason is practical: banks need to stay open for routine transactions most days of the year. The ten banking holidays represent a compromise between honoring major national observances and keeping financial services available to the public.
What happens if November 11 lands on a weekend
When Veterans Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal government observes it on the nearest weekday — usually Friday if it falls on Saturday, or Monday if it falls on Sunday. However, this federal observance does not trigger a bank closure. Your bank will follow its regular weekend schedule.
Most banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays anyway, so the day of the week matters less than whether it is a weekend. If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash on a Veterans Day weekend, you will likely need to use an ATM or mobile banking.
Check your bank's website or call ahead if you have a time-sensitive transaction scheduled for a Veterans Day weekend. Some banks offer extended hours on Fridays before a holiday weekend, though this varies by location.
Why some individual banks might close on Veterans Day
While the Federal Reserve does not require banks to close on Veterans Day, individual banks have the right to close voluntarily. Some banks choose to honor Veterans Day by closing their branches and giving employees the day off, even though it is not mandatory.
This decision varies by bank and by branch. A large national bank might keep most locations open while closing a few branches in military communities. A smaller regional bank might close all branches. Credit unions sometimes follow different policies than commercial banks.
If you bank with a smaller institution or live near a military base, call your branch directly on November 10 to confirm whether they will be open on the 11th. Do not assume based on what happened last year — bank policies can change.
How to handle banking needs around Veterans Day
If you need to deposit a check or transfer money around Veterans Day, plan ahead. If the 11th is a weekday and your bank is open, conduct your transaction during normal hours. If you are unsure whether your specific branch will be open, call or check your bank's website.
For time-sensitive transactions, use your bank's mobile app or website. Most banks allow you to deposit checks by phone camera, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills online without visiting a branch. These services work on Veterans Day just as they do any other day.
If you need cash and your bank is closed, ATMs operate 24/7 at most banks. If you need to speak with a banker or handle a complex transaction, schedule it for November 10 or 12 instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my paycheck deposit be delayed if it arrives on Veterans Day?
No. Direct deposits process automatically through the Federal Reserve system regardless of whether banks are open. Your employer's payroll will deposit your check on schedule, and the funds will be available in your account on the normal date, even if Veterans Day falls on a weekday.
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day?
Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs and merchants 24/7. The only thing you cannot do is visit a bank branch to speak with a teller or conduct business that requires a banker's help. Online banking and ATM access are unaffected.
Do credit unions close on Veterans Day?
Credit unions are not required to close on Veterans Day, just like banks. Most credit unions stay open, but some may close voluntarily. Contact your credit union directly to confirm their Veterans Day hours.
What if I need to cash a check on Veterans Day?
If your bank is open, you can cash it at the branch. If your bank is closed or you cannot visit, use an ATM if your bank offers mobile check deposit, or wait until the next business day. Some retailers like grocery stores also cash checks, though they may charge a fee.
Does the stock market close on Veterans Day?
No. The stock market operates normally on Veterans Day. The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ remain open for trading. Only the ten federal banking holidays close the stock market.