Most banks close on MLK Day, but some branches and ATMs stay open

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday, so most banks observe it as a day off. That means branch locations will be closed, loan officers won't be available, and you won't be able to visit a teller. However, ATMs and online banking stay running all day — you can withdraw cash, check balances, transfer money, and pay bills from your phone or computer without interruption.

A small number of banks keep certain branches open on MLK Day, usually in high-traffic areas or malls. Call your specific branch the day before to confirm whether it will be staffed. If you need cash and your bank is closed, any ATM from your bank or a network partner will work normally.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal banks and most major banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) close all branches on MLK Day, though ATMs remain available.
  • Credit unions typically close on MLK Day as well, but some branches may have different schedules — call ahead to confirm.
  • Online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs work normally on MLK Day, so you can handle most transactions without visiting a branch.
  • If you need cash and your bank is closed, use an ATM from your bank's network or a partner network to avoid out-of-network fees.
  • Checks deposited on MLK Day through mobile deposit or ATM will process the next business day, not immediately.

Which banks close on MLK Day

All national banks close on MLK Day because it is a federal holiday. This includes Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank, PNC, and TD Bank. State-chartered banks that operate across multiple states also close. If your bank is part of a major network, assume the branch is closed unless you confirm otherwise.

Credit unions close on MLK Day as well, though some smaller or regional credit unions may have different holiday schedules. Call your credit union before the holiday to check. Some credit unions post their holiday schedule on their website or mobile app.

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no physical branches, so the holiday does not affect them. You can still log in, transfer money, and manage your account normally.

What you can do on MLK Day without a branch

ATMs work 24/7 on MLK Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), transfer money between accounts, and check your balance. If you use an ATM from a different bank, you may pay an out-of-network fee — usually $2 to $3.50 — unless your bank has a surcharge-free network agreement with that ATM operator.

Mobile banking apps and online banking portals stay open all day. You can pay bills, send money to other people, set up transfers, deposit checks by taking a photo, and review your transaction history. Payments you schedule on MLK Day will process on the next business day (Tuesday, if MLK Day falls on a Monday).

If you need to speak to someone, most banks offer phone support on MLK Day, though wait times may be longer than usual. Check your bank's website or the back of your debit card for the customer service number.

When deposits and transfers process after MLK Day

Any deposit you make on MLK Day — whether through an ATM, mobile app, or mail — will not be credited to your account until the next business day. If MLK Day is on a Monday, deposits made that day post on Tuesday. This affects check deposits, cash deposits at ATMs, and transfers from other banks.

Transfers you send to another person on MLK Day will also process the next business day. If you are paying a bill online, the payment will leave your account on the next business day unless you scheduled it for a different date. Plan ahead if you have bills due on or shortly after MLK Day.

What to do if you need cash on MLK Day

Withdraw cash from an ATM before MLK Day if you know you will need it. Most people can get $300 to $500 from an ATM in a single transaction, though limits vary by bank and account type. If you need more, withdraw from multiple ATMs or ask your bank what your daily limit is.

If you run out of cash on MLK Day, use any ATM from your bank's network or a partner network. Supermarkets, gas stations, and convenience stores have ATMs available. Check your bank's website or app to find the nearest ATM — most banks have a locator tool that shows surcharge-free options.

If you do not have a debit card or cannot access an ATM, you will need to wait until Tuesday to visit a branch or speak to a teller. Plan accordingly if you handle cash-only transactions.

How to confirm your bank's MLK Day hours

Call your branch directly the day before MLK Day. The phone number is on your debit card, your bank's website, or in your mobile app. Ask whether the branch will be open and what hours it will keep if it is open.

Check your bank's website or mobile app for a holiday schedule. Most banks publish their holiday hours weeks in advance. Search for "holiday hours" or "MLK Day hours" on the bank's site, or look for a branch locator tool that shows hours for your specific location.

If you bank at a credit union, call the main office or check the website. Some credit unions keep certain branches open on federal holidays while others close all locations. Do not assume — confirm before the holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my paycheck deposit on MLK Day if my employer uses direct deposit?

No. If your employer processes payroll on MLK Day, the deposit will not hit your account until the next business day. If your pay date falls on MLK Day, it usually processes on Tuesday. Check with your employer's payroll department if you are unsure when your deposit will arrive.

Can I use my debit card to buy things on MLK Day?

Yes. Your debit card works at stores, restaurants, and online merchants on MLK Day. The bank holiday only affects branch locations and teller services, not card transactions or point-of-sale payments.

What if I need to dispute a charge on MLK Day?

Call your bank's customer service line — most banks staff phone support on federal holidays. You can also report a dispute through your mobile app or online banking portal, and the bank will investigate it after the holiday. Do not wait if you think your account was compromised.

Do wire transfers process on MLK Day?

No. Wire transfers sent on MLK Day will not process until the next business day. If you need to send money urgently, send it before the holiday or use a service like Venmo or PayPal that processes instantly.

Are loan payments due on MLK Day?

No. If your loan payment is due on MLK Day, it is automatically extended to the next business day without penalty. You can still pay early through your online account or mobile app if you want to.