Most banks are closed on Juneteenth, but some branches stay open
Juneteenth (June 19th) is a federal holiday, which means most banks observe it and close their physical branches. However, the rules vary by bank, by location, and by the type of service you need. Some banks keep certain branches open in major cities. ATMs and online banking work on the holiday regardless of branch closures.
The safest approach is to check your specific bank's website or call your branch directly the day before, because holiday hours differ between institutions and sometimes between branches of the same bank. A few banks publish holiday schedules weeks in advance; others update them closer to the date.
Key Takeaways
- Federal banks close on Juneteenth, but some branches in major cities may stay open — call ahead to confirm.
- ATMs work on Juneteenth even when branches are closed, so you can withdraw cash and check balances.
- Online banking, bill pay, and mobile apps function normally on the holiday.
- If you need to deposit a check or speak to a teller, plan to visit on the business day before or after Juneteenth.
- Credit unions sometimes observe different holiday schedules than banks, so check with yours separately.
Which banks close on Juneteenth
The major national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional banks — close their branches on Juneteenth because it is a federal holiday. The Federal Reserve, which sets the standard for the banking system, observes Juneteenth as a holiday.
Some large banks do keep a limited number of branches open in major metropolitan areas (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, etc.), but this is not may provide and varies year to year. Your local branch may or may not be one of them. The only way to know is to contact your bank directly or check their website for holiday hours.
How to find your bank's Juneteenth hours
Visit your bank's website and search for "holiday hours" or "Juneteenth hours." Most banks post this information in their Help or Customer Service section. You can also call your branch directly — the phone number is usually on your debit card or bank statements.
If you use a smaller regional bank or credit union, call them first. Credit unions do not always follow the same federal holiday schedule as large banks, and some remain open on Juneteenth. A quick phone call the day before takes the guesswork out.
What you can do on Juneteenth even if branches are closed
ATMs work 24/7, including on Juneteenth. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has mobile deposit or a check slot), transfer money between accounts, and check your balance. Mobile deposit — photographing a check through your bank's app — also works on the holiday.
Online banking, bill pay, and money transfers through your bank's website or app all function normally. If you need to send money to someone else, use your bank's online transfer service or a third-party app like Venmo or PayPal. Transactions initiated on Juneteenth may not process until the next business day, but you can start them anytime.
When deposits and transfers actually post
If you deposit a check through an ATM or mobile deposit on Juneteenth, the deposit is recorded, but the funds may not be available until the next business day or later, depending on your bank's policy and the check amount. Large deposits sometimes take longer.
Wire transfers and ACH transfers (like moving money to another bank) initiated on Juneteenth will not process until Friday, June 20th, because the banking system does not process these transfers on federal holidays. If you need money to move by a specific date, initiate the transfer on Thursday, June 18th instead.
Planning ahead if you need in-person banking
If you need to speak to a teller, open an account, apply for a loan, or handle something that requires a person, visit your branch on Thursday, June 18th. Do not wait until Friday, June 21st, because the branch may be extremely busy with customers who waited until after the holiday.
Some banks offer Saturday hours at certain locations. Check whether your branch is open on Saturday, June 21st, as an alternative to Thursday if you cannot make it before the holiday.
What happens if you miss a payment on Juneteenth
If a bill payment or loan payment is due on Juneteenth, most lenders and billers treat the holiday as a business day for payment purposes — meaning your payment is still due. However, if you pay online or by mail, initiate the payment on Thursday, June 18th to ensure it posts on time.
If you cannot pay by Thursday and are worried about a late fee, contact your lender or biller directly on Thursday to explain. Many will accept a payment on Friday, June 21st without penalty if you notified them in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Juneteenth if the bank is closed?
Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs and merchants on Juneteenth regardless of whether your branch is open. The only thing you cannot do is visit a teller or speak to someone in person at the branch.
Will my direct deposit arrive on Juneteenth?
Direct deposits scheduled for Juneteenth may arrive on Thursday, June 18th or Friday, June 21st, depending on your employer's payroll system and your bank's processing schedule. Contact your employer's payroll department or your bank to confirm the exact timing for your account.
Do credit unions close on Juneteenth?
Most credit unions close on Juneteenth, but not all. Some credit unions observe different holiday schedules than banks. Call your credit union directly to confirm whether they are open on June 19th.
What if I need cash and the ATM is out of money?
If your bank's ATM is empty, try an ATM from a different bank or network (Allpoint, MoneyPass, etc.). Convenience stores, grocery stores, and gas stations often have ATMs. You may pay a small out-of-network fee, but you will have access to cash.
Can I still pay bills online on Juneteenth?
Yes. You can initiate bill payments through your bank's website or app anytime, including on Juneteenth. The payment will process on the next business day (Friday, June 21st) unless you scheduled it for an earlier date.