Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches stay open

Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. Most major banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — close their physical branches on this federal holiday. ATMs and online banking remain available 24/7, so you can still transfer money, check balances, and pay bills from home.

Some smaller regional banks and credit unions may keep certain branches open, especially in areas with high foot traffic or limited branch density. Call your specific branch the day before to confirm whether it will be staffed. If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash, plan ahead or use an ATM.

The Federal Reserve and most government offices also close on Veterans Day, which means wire transfers and ACH payments initiated on November 11 will not process until the next business day.

Key Takeaways

  • Major national banks close their branches on Veterans Day, but ATMs and online banking stay open.
  • Wire transfers and ACH payments submitted on Veterans Day will not clear until the following business day.
  • Some regional banks and credit unions may remain open, so contact your branch directly to check.
  • Plan any deposits, withdrawals, or in-person transactions for the day before or after the holiday.
  • Stock market exchanges (NYSE and NASDAQ) are also closed on Veterans Day, so investment transactions will not settle that day.

What stays open on Veterans Day

ATMs operate normally on Veterans Day at virtually every bank. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks using mobile deposit or ATM envelopes, and check your balance without visiting a branch. Online banking portals and mobile apps work the same way they do on any other day.

Credit unions sometimes handle Veterans Day differently than national banks. Some close entirely, while others keep limited hours or operate a single branch. If you bank with a credit union, verify their holiday schedule on their website or by phone.

Smaller community banks may stay open on Veterans Day if they are not federally chartered. State-chartered banks sometimes follow different rules than national banks. Again, a quick call to your branch removes the guesswork.

How to handle time-sensitive transactions

If you need to make a payment or transfer money on or around Veterans Day, do it on November 10 or November 12 instead. The Federal Reserve does not process wire transfers or ACH payments on federal holidays, so anything you submit on November 11 will sit in a queue until the next business day.

Bill payments scheduled through your bank's online system may process on the holiday itself, depending on how far in advance you set them up. However, if the payment is due on November 11, submit it by November 9 to be safe. Automatic recurring payments (like mortgage or utility bills) usually go through as scheduled, since they are pre-authorized.

If you are expecting a direct deposit on Veterans Day, it will likely arrive on November 12 instead. Employers and payroll processors follow the Federal Reserve calendar, so holiday delays are standard.

Stock market and investment account activity

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ both close on Veterans Day. If you hold a brokerage account, you cannot buy or sell stocks on November 11. Any orders you place will execute on November 12 at the opening bell.

Some brokerages allow you to place orders after hours or before the market opens, but they will not execute until the market is live. Check your brokerage's website for their specific holiday schedule and any extended-hours trading options.

Planning ahead for Veterans Day banking

If you know you will need cash or need to make a deposit around Veterans Day, visit your bank on November 10. Withdraw extra cash if you think you will need it over the weekend or holiday period. Deposit checks early so they clear before the holiday.

Set up automatic bill payments or recurring transfers before the holiday if you have bills due on or shortly after November 11. Most banks allow you to schedule these transactions in advance, and they will process on the correct date even if the bank is closed.

If you are traveling or away from your usual branch, locate an ATM network that your bank participates in. Most national banks are part of shared ATM networks, so you can withdraw cash from partner banks without a fee.

What to do if you need banking services on Veterans Day

Call your bank's customer service line. Most major banks operate phone support on federal holidays, and representatives can help with account questions, fraud reports, or urgent issues. The number is usually on the back of your debit card or on the bank's website.

Use your bank's mobile app or website to handle routine tasks. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, deposit checks by photo, and review transactions without visiting a branch.

If you need cash and your bank is closed, find an ATM. If you need to deposit a check and do not have mobile deposit set up, use an ATM envelope deposit if your bank offers it, or wait until November 12.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day if the bank is closed?

Yes. Debit cards work at any merchant or ATM on Veterans Day, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The bank's closure only affects in-person services like speaking to a teller or accessing a safe deposit box.

Will my paycheck deposit on time if Veterans Day falls on a Friday?

If Veterans Day is on a Friday and your employer processes payroll on that day, your deposit will likely arrive on Monday instead. Some employers deposit on Thursday to avoid the holiday delay. Check with your payroll department if you are unsure of the exact timing.

Do online banks close on Veterans Day?

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Marcus do not have physical branches, so they do not "close" in the traditional sense. However, they follow the Federal Reserve calendar for wire transfers and ACH processing, so those transactions will be delayed if submitted on November 11.

Can I still pay my mortgage on Veterans Day?

Yes, if you pay through your bank's online system or automatic payment. If you need to mail a check or make an in-person payment at a branch, do it before November 11. Automatic mortgage payments process on schedule regardless of the holiday.

What if I need to report fraud on Veterans Day?

Call your bank's fraud line immediately. Most banks staff their fraud departments on federal holidays because unauthorized transactions cannot wait. The number is usually on your debit card or statement.