Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches stay open
Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year, and most major banks treat it as a federal holiday — meaning they close their physical branches and do not process transactions that day. However, the rules vary by bank size, location, and the type of service you need. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo close on Veterans Day. Credit unions and smaller regional banks often do the same, though you should check with your specific institution.
If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to someone in person on November 11, plan ahead. ATMs and online banking stay open around the clock, so you can still move money electronically or check your balance. Wire transfers and ACH payments initiated on Veterans Day typically process the next business day instead.
When Veterans Day falls on a weekend, banks usually observe the holiday on the nearest weekday — typically the Friday before if November 11 is a Saturday, or the Monday after if it is a Sunday. This means your bank may be closed on a day that is not November 11 itself.
Key Takeaways
- Most national and regional banks close their branches on Veterans Day (November 11), though ATMs and online services remain available.
- When November 11 falls on a weekend, banks observe the holiday on Friday or Monday instead, which affects when branches reopen.
- Checks deposited on Veterans Day or the day before may not clear until the following business day.
- Wire transfers and ACH payments started on Veterans Day will process on the next business day, not the same day.
- Some banks operate limited hours or keep certain branches open in major cities — call ahead if you need in-person service.
How Veterans Day affects check deposits and clearing
If you deposit a check on Veterans Day itself, it will not be processed until the next business day. The same applies if you deposit on the day before Veterans Day — the bank counts Veterans Day as a non-business day, so the clock for check clearing does not start until the day after the holiday.
This matters most if you are counting on that money to cover a bill or payment due shortly after the holiday. A check deposited on Friday before a Monday Veterans Day observance will not clear until Wednesday at the earliest. If you need the funds quickly, deposit the check before the holiday weekend begins.
Mobile check deposits (through your bank's app) follow the same timeline. The image is captured and submitted, but the bank does not process it until the next business day after Veterans Day ends.
Wire transfers and ACH payments on Veterans Day
Wire transfers initiated on Veterans Day do not go through that day. If you send a wire on November 11, it will process on November 12 (or the next business day if the 12th is also a weekend). The same is true for ACH payments — automatic bill payments, payroll deposits, and transfers between accounts scheduled for Veterans Day will execute on the next business day instead.
If you have a bill due on or shortly after Veterans Day, do not wait until Veterans Day to send the payment. Process it at least one business day earlier to ensure it arrives on time. Many billers count the payment date as the day the bank processes it, not the day you initiate it.
ATMs and online banking stay open on Veterans Day
Your bank's ATM network operates 24/7, including on Veterans Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), transfer money between accounts, and check your balance without any interruption.
Online and mobile banking also run continuously. You can log in, view transactions, set up bill payments, and transfer money between your own accounts at any time. However, bill payments and transfers you schedule for Veterans Day itself will not process until the next business day — the bank accepts your request but does not execute it until business resumes.
What happens when Veterans Day falls on a weekend
When November 11 is a Saturday, most banks observe the holiday on Friday, November 10. When November 11 is a Sunday, they observe it on Monday, November 12. This means your bank will be closed on that Friday or Monday instead of on the actual date.
The Federal Reserve also observes the holiday on the same day as your bank, which affects when the banking system itself processes large transactions. If you are waiting for a wire transfer or ACH payment that normally takes one business day, add an extra day to your timeline when the holiday falls on a weekend and is observed on a different date.
Checking your specific bank's Veterans Day schedule
While most banks follow the federal holiday schedule, some branches in major cities or military towns may stay open with limited hours. The best way to know for certain is to call your branch directly or check your bank's website a few days before Veterans Day.
Your bank's website usually has a holiday schedule posted under "Hours" or "Locations." If you use a credit union, call the main office — credit unions sometimes have different policies than national banks, and some may stay open or offer limited services on Veterans Day.
If you bank with multiple institutions, check each one separately. A credit union might close while your primary bank stays open, or vice versa.
Planning ahead for Veterans Day transactions
If you know you will need cash, want to deposit a check, or need to speak with someone at your bank around Veterans Day, do it the business day before. Deposit checks on November 10 (or earlier in the week) so they clear by the time you need the funds. Withdraw cash before the holiday if you think you will need it.
For bills due on or shortly after Veterans Day, send payments at least two business days before the holiday. This gives the bank time to process the payment before Veterans Day arrives and ensures the biller receives it on time.
If you have a time-sensitive transaction — a wire transfer to close on a property, a large payment due, or a deposit you need cleared quickly — contact your bank before the holiday to discuss timing. Some banks can expedite processing or offer workarounds for customers with urgent needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant or ATM on Veterans Day, even though your bank's branch is closed. The transaction may take an extra day to post to your account, but the card itself is not affected by the holiday.
Will my paycheck deposit on time if it is scheduled for Veterans Day?
No. Payroll deposits scheduled for Veterans Day will arrive on the next business day instead. If your payday falls on Veterans Day, your employer likely already adjusted the deposit date to the day before or the day after to account for the holiday.
What if I need to speak to a banker on Veterans Day?
Call your bank's customer service line — most banks operate a phone line on federal holidays, though wait times may be longer. For urgent issues, ask if they can schedule a callback for the next business day. Some banks also offer chat support through their website or app.
Do credit unions close on Veterans Day?
Most credit unions close on Veterans Day, but policies vary by institution. Call your credit union directly to confirm their hours, as some may stay open with limited service or have different observance dates.
If I schedule a bill payment for Veterans Day online, when will it process?
The bank will accept your request but will not process the payment until the next business day. If the next business day is November 12, the payment processes then. To be safe, schedule payments for at least one business day before they are due.