Most banks are closed on MLK Day, but some branches and ATMs stay open
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday, which means most banks observe it as a day off. Your bank branch will almost certainly be closed on the third Monday in January. However, ATMs and online banking stay available — you can withdraw cash and move money between accounts even when the building is locked.
Some banks run limited hours or keep certain branches open in major cities, so it is worth checking your bank's website or calling ahead if you need in-person service. Credit unions follow the same federal holiday schedule as banks, so they will be closed too.
Key Takeaways
- Bank branches close on MLK Day because it is a federal holiday, but ATMs and online banking work normally.
- Check your bank's website or call the specific branch you plan to visit — a few banks run skeleton crews in large cities.
- If you need cash, withdraw it before the holiday or use an ATM on the day itself.
- Wire transfers, bill payments, and account transfers can all be done online and will process when the bank reopens.
- Credit unions, savings banks, and most financial institutions follow the same holiday closure as major banks.
Which banks stay open or run reduced hours
The largest national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — all close their branches on MLK Day. However, some of these banks maintain a small number of branches in major metropolitan areas that may open for a few hours or operate on a limited schedule. This varies year to year and location to location.
Your best move is to visit your bank's website and search for "holiday hours" or call your specific branch directly. The phone number is usually on your debit card or in your online banking portal. If you bank with a smaller regional bank or credit union, assume it is closed unless the website says otherwise.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no physical branches, so the holiday does not affect you — you can log in and conduct business as usual.
What you can do on MLK Day without visiting a branch
ATMs work 24/7 on holidays. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has mobile deposit or a check slot), check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts. If you need cash for the weekend, pull it out on MLK Day itself.
Online banking is always available. You can pay bills, transfer money to other people, set up automatic payments, and review transactions. Any transaction you initiate will process when the bank reopens — usually the next business day.
Mobile apps work the same way. Deposit checks by photographing them, send money via Venmo or your bank's peer-to-peer service, and manage your account from your phone.
What gets delayed if you need it on MLK Day
Wire transfers initiated on MLK Day will not go out until the next business day. If you need to send money urgently, do it before the holiday. The same applies to cashier's checks, money orders, and any service that requires a teller or bank staff to process.
Deposits made at an ATM or through mobile check deposit on MLK Day will be credited to your account, but the funds may not be available until the next business day depending on your bank's policy. If you are depositing a check and need the money immediately, plan ahead.
Loan applications, account disputes, and any issue that requires a person to look into your account will have to wait until the branch reopens.
Planning ahead for the MLK Day weekend
If you know you will need cash over the MLK Day weekend, withdraw it on Friday or Saturday. Most people do the same thing, so ATMs can run out of cash on holidays — get there early if possible.
If you have a check to deposit, use mobile deposit on your phone or visit an ATM with a check slot. Both are faster than waiting for the branch to reopen and you will not lose a day of processing time.
If you need to pay a bill or send money, do it online before the holiday. There is no reason to wait, and you will have a record of the transaction in case something goes wrong.
What happens to automatic payments and scheduled transfers
Automatic bill payments you have already set up will process on their scheduled date, even if that date falls on MLK Day. Your bank's system runs automatically and does not stop for holidays. The payment will go out as planned.
Recurring transfers between your own accounts also process normally. If you have a standing order to move money from checking to savings every Monday, it will happen on MLK Day Monday just like any other Monday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on MLK Day?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online store on MLK Day. The bank branch being closed does not affect card transactions. You can shop, withdraw cash, and pay bills normally.
Will my direct deposit come through on MLK Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for MLK Day may arrive a day late, depending on your employer and your bank. Many employers do not process payroll on federal holidays, so your deposit might hit on Tuesday instead. Check with your HR department if you are unsure when your next paycheck will arrive.
What if I need to dispute a charge on MLK Day?
You can report a fraudulent or incorrect charge through your bank's website or mobile app, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card. The dispute will be logged, but the investigation will not start until the bank reopens on Tuesday.
Are credit unions closed on MLK Day?
Yes, most credit unions close on MLK Day because it is a federal holiday. A few may run limited hours, so check your credit union's website. ATMs and online banking work the same way as with banks.
Can I get a cashier's check on MLK Day?
No. Cashier's checks require a teller to issue, so you will need to wait until the branch reopens. If you need one urgently, plan ahead and get it before the holiday.