Most banks are closed on Sundays, but you can still move money

Yes, most banks in the United States close on Sundays. The reason is historical—banking regulations set by the Federal Reserve have long restricted when banks can operate, and Sunday closures became standard practice across the industry. But closed does not mean frozen. You can still transfer money, pay bills, and check your balance on Sunday through online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs.

The specific hours vary by bank and by branch. Some banks open as early as 8 a.m. on Saturday and close by 1 p.m. Others stay open until 5 or 6 p.m. on Saturday. Sunday is almost universally a no-branch day, though a handful of banks in major cities operate limited Sunday hours—usually 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or noon to 4 p.m. Your bank's website or the branch locator tool will show the exact hours for your location.

Key Takeaways

  • Nearly all U.S. bank branches close on Sundays, though a few banks in major cities operate limited Sunday hours.
  • You can deposit checks, transfer money, and pay bills on Sunday through your bank's website, mobile app, or ATM.
  • Transactions you start on Sunday may not post until Monday, depending on your bank's processing schedule.
  • If you need cash on Sunday, ATMs are available 24/7 at most banks and many retail locations.

What you can and cannot do on Sunday

You cannot walk into a branch on Sunday to speak with a teller, open a new account, or get a cashier's check in person. You also cannot deposit a physical check at a branch teller window. But you can deposit checks through your mobile app using mobile check deposit, which most banks now offer. You can also use an ATM to deposit checks at many banks, though not all.

Online transfers between accounts at the same bank usually process instantly on Sunday, or they post first thing Monday morning depending on your bank's system. Transfers to another bank (called ACH transfers) typically take one to three business days and will not begin processing until Monday. Wire transfers, which are faster, also cannot be sent on Sunday—they process only on business days.

Bill payments you schedule through your bank's bill pay system on Sunday will usually process on Monday, though some banks allow you to schedule them for a future date. Checking your balance, viewing transaction history, and changing your password all work on Sunday through online banking and apps.

ATMs and 24/7 access on Sunday

ATMs operate around the clock, including Sunday. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (at most banks), transfer money between your own accounts, and check your balance at any ATM branded with your bank's logo. Some banks charge a fee if you use an ATM outside their network, so check your account terms.

Retail locations like grocery stores and pharmacies often have ATMs from multiple banks, so you may have options even if your bank's ATM is not nearby. Convenience stores and gas stations also typically have ATMs available 24/7, though they may charge a higher fee than your bank's own machines.

When Sunday transactions actually post to your account

A deposit you make through mobile check deposit on Sunday may show as pending immediately, but the funds typically will not be available until Monday or Tuesday, depending on the check amount and your bank's policy. Large checks sometimes take longer. Your bank's mobile app will tell you the expected availability date when you submit the deposit.

Transfers between your own accounts at the same bank usually post by Monday morning. Transfers to another bank's account (ACH transfers) do not begin processing until Monday and typically take one to three business days total. If you need money to move quickly, call your bank on Monday morning to ask about expedited options, though these often come with a fee.

Banks that do operate on Sunday

A small number of banks operate limited Sunday hours, mostly in major metropolitan areas. Citibank, for example, has some Sunday hours at select branches in New York City. Chase has opened Sunday hours at a few locations in major cities. Credit unions vary widely—some are closed on Sunday, while others operate limited hours.

The best way to learn about your bank or credit union has Sunday hours is to search for your branch on the bank's website using the branch locator tool, or call the branch directly. Do not assume your bank is open on Sunday just because you saw one location with Sunday hours—it is branch-specific, not bank-wide.

Planning ahead for Sunday banking needs

If you know you will need to deposit a check or handle banking on Sunday, use mobile check deposit or an ATM on Sunday itself. Both are available 24/7 and require no branch visit. If you need to wire money or send an ACH transfer, do it on Friday or Saturday so it processes Monday morning rather than waiting until Monday to start the request.

If you need cash and your bank's ATM is not nearby, locate a nearby ATM through your bank's app or website before Sunday arrives. If you need to speak with someone at your bank on Sunday, call the customer service number on the back of your card—most banks staff phone lines on weekends, though wait times may be longer than on weekdays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check at an ATM on Sunday?

Most banks allow check deposits at ATMs, but not all. Check your bank's website or call your branch to confirm whether your bank's ATMs accept deposits. If they do, you can deposit on Sunday anytime, though the funds may not be available until Monday or Tuesday.

Will a bill payment I schedule on Sunday go out Monday?

Usually yes, but it depends on your bank and when you schedule it. If you schedule a bill payment on Sunday through your bank's website or app, it typically processes Monday. Some banks let you schedule payments for a specific future date, so you can set it up Sunday for whenever you want it to go out.

What if I need to wire money on Sunday?

You cannot send a wire transfer on Sunday—wire transfers only process on business days. If you need money to move urgently, call your bank Monday morning as soon as it opens and ask about expedited wire options. Some banks can send wires same-day if you request it early enough on a business day.

Do credit unions close on Sunday too?

Most credit unions close on Sunday, but some operate limited Sunday hours. Check your credit union's website or call your branch to find out. Credit unions typically have fewer branches than banks, so Sunday hours are less common, but online banking and ATM access work the same way as at banks.

Can I open a new account on Sunday?

You cannot open an account in person on Sunday, but many banks let you open accounts online through their website or app anytime, including Sunday. The account usually becomes active within one to two business days. Call your bank's customer service line on Sunday if you have questions about the online process.