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

Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. On that date, most major banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — close their physical branches. Federal employees get the day off, and banks treat it as a federal holiday, so teller windows and loan departments shut down.

However, the picture is not uniform. Some regional banks and credit unions stay open on Veterans Day, and nearly all banks keep their ATMs and online banking running 24/7. If you need cash or want to move money between accounts, you can do both without visiting a branch.

The closure affects in-person services only: deposits at the teller window, loan applications, account disputes, safe deposit box access, and speaking to a banker face-to-face. Wire transfers, bill pay, and account transfers through your bank's website or app work normally.

Key Takeaways

  • Major national banks close their branches on Veterans Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available.
  • If you need to deposit a check or handle a transaction that requires a teller, plan to visit your branch on November 10 or November 12.
  • Credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different hours, so call your specific branch before Veterans Day to confirm.
  • Wire transfers, mobile deposits, and account transfers all work on Veterans Day through your bank's app or website.

Which banks close and which stay open

The major national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank, PNC, and TD Bank — all close on Veterans Day. Their websites will show "Closed" or "Holiday Hours" when you search for branch locations on November 11.

Credit unions vary by institution. Some close, others stay open. Call your credit union directly or check their website for Veterans Day hours; do not assume they follow the federal holiday schedule.

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no physical branches, so the holiday does not affect them at all. Your account works the same way it does any other day.

What you can and cannot do on Veterans Day

You cannot: Deposit checks at a teller, withdraw large amounts of cash, open a new account, dispute a transaction in person, access a safe deposit box, or speak to a loan officer about a mortgage or personal loan.

You can: Use any ATM to withdraw cash (up to your daily limit), transfer money between your own accounts through your bank's app or website, deposit checks using mobile deposit, pay bills online, check your balance, and set up automatic payments. Wire transfers initiated through your bank's website or app will process, though the receiving bank may not credit them until the next business day.

If you need cash and your bank is closed, any ATM from your bank's network works. If you need to use an out-of-network ATM, you will likely pay a fee, but the transaction goes through.

Planning ahead: when to handle in-person banking

If you have a transaction that requires a teller or banker, do it on Friday, November 10, or wait until Monday, November 12. Lines are often longer on the day before a holiday, so consider going earlier in the week if possible.

For time-sensitive matters — a large deposit you need credited, a dispute you need to report, or a loan you need to discuss — call your bank on November 10 and ask when the earliest appointment is available after the holiday. Some banks book appointments days in advance.

If you are expecting a check or payment to arrive around Veterans Day, remember that the banking system does not process transactions on the holiday. A check that would normally clear on November 11 will clear on November 12 instead.

Mobile deposit and online alternatives

If you have a check to deposit, use your bank's mobile deposit feature through the app. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, enter the amount, and submit it. The check will be processed when the bank reopens, usually by the next business day.

Most banks allow mobile deposits up to a certain limit per day and per month — often $2,000 to $5,000 per deposit, though limits vary. Check your bank's app to see your specific limit before Veterans Day.

For bill payments and transfers between accounts, use your bank's website or app. These transactions process immediately in your account, even though the actual movement of money between banks may take one to three business days depending on the type of transfer.

ATM access and cash withdrawals

Your bank's ATMs work on Veterans Day. If you need cash, withdraw it before the holiday or use an ATM on November 11. Most banks do not limit daily ATM withdrawals the way they limit teller withdrawals, but check your account terms — some accounts have a daily ATM limit of $500 to $1,000.

If you need more cash than your ATM limit allows, withdraw what you can on November 10. If you must withdraw a large sum on Veterans Day, use an out-of-network ATM and accept the fee, or wait until November 12.

What to do if your bank is unexpectedly open

Some banks, particularly smaller regional institutions and credit unions, may stay open on Veterans Day. Check your bank's website or call the branch directly to confirm. Do not assume your bank is closed just because the major chains are.

If you find that your bank is open, you can handle any in-person transaction you need. But do not count on it — call first rather than making a trip and finding the doors locked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my direct deposit process on Veterans Day?

Yes. Direct deposits are processed by the banking system automatically, regardless of whether branches are open. Your employer's payroll will deposit your check on schedule, and it will show in your account on Veterans Day, though you may not be able to withdraw it until the next business day depending on your bank's policy.

Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day?

Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online retailer on Veterans Day. The bank closure does not affect card transactions. Purchases will post to your account normally.

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

Call your bank's customer service line. Most banks have phone support open on holidays, and you can report a dispute over the phone. You will need to follow up in writing or through your online account, but starting the process on the holiday itself protects your timeline for disputing the charge.

Do wire transfers go through on Veterans Day?

You can initiate a wire transfer through your bank's website or app on Veterans Day, and it will be sent. However, the receiving bank may not process it until November 12 if they are also closed. Domestic wires typically arrive within one business day of processing, so expect the money to land on November 12 or 13.

Can I open a new account on Veterans Day?

Not at a physical branch. Some banks allow you to open an account entirely online through their website or app, and that process works on Veterans Day. If your bank requires you to visit a branch or speak to someone in person to open an account, you will need to wait until November 12.