Most banks are closed on Memorial Day, but some branches and ATMs stay open
Memorial Day is a federal holiday, and most banks observe it by closing their physical branches. This means you cannot walk in, speak to a teller, or conduct business at the counter. However, the specifics depend on your bank and what you need to do.
Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank close their branches on Memorial Day. Credit unions typically close as well. If you need cash or want to deposit a check, you can still use ATMs and mobile banking apps — those run 24/7 regardless of the holiday.
Some banks operate limited-hours branches in certain locations, and a few online-only banks (like Ally or Charles Schwab) do not have physical branches at all, so the holiday does not affect them. The safest approach is to call your specific branch or check your bank's website the day before to confirm.
Key Takeaways
- Most bank branches close on Memorial Day, but ATMs and mobile apps work around the clock.
- Wire transfers, bill payments, and account transfers can usually be done through your bank's app or website even when branches are closed.
- If you need cash before the holiday, withdraw it the day before or use an ATM on Memorial Day itself.
- Call your branch directly or check your bank's website to confirm hours, because some locations may have different schedules.
- Online banks without physical branches are not affected by Memorial Day closures.
What you can and cannot do on Memorial Day
You cannot visit a branch to deposit checks, open a new account, get a cashier's check, or speak to a banker in person. You also cannot use the drive-through at most banks. If you need to report fraud or a lost card, you can call your bank's 24-hour customer service line — that does not close for the holiday.
You can withdraw cash from any ATM, including ATMs at other banks (though you may pay a fee). You can transfer money between your own accounts through your mobile app or online banking portal. You can pay bills online, set up automatic payments, and deposit checks using mobile check deposit if your bank offers it. Wire transfers initiated through your app or website may process, though they typically do not settle until the next business day.
If you use a credit union, the same rules apply — branches close, but ATMs and online services stay open. Some credit unions participate in shared branching networks, which means you might be able to conduct limited transactions at another credit union's branch on the holiday, but this varies by network and location.
Planning ahead to avoid problems
If you know you will need cash, a cashier's check, or in-person service around Memorial Day, do it on Friday before the holiday. Most banks are open regular hours on Friday, and you will have what you need without waiting until Tuesday.
If you are expecting a deposit or transfer to arrive on or around Memorial Day, remember that the banking system does not process transactions on federal holidays. A deposit made on Friday may not show up until Wednesday. ACH transfers and wire transfers initiated on Monday will not process until Tuesday. If timing is tight, initiate the transaction on Friday instead.
For recurring bills or payments due on Memorial Day itself, set them up to process on the business day before or after. Most billers allow you to choose the date, and this prevents overdrafts or late fees if a payment does not go through on the holiday.
ATM access and fees on Memorial Day
ATMs at your bank's branches work on Memorial Day, even though the branch is closed. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between accounts using any ATM in your bank's network at no charge.
If you use an ATM from a different bank, you will typically pay a fee — usually $2 to $3.50 per transaction. Some banks refund out-of-network ATM fees if you use them a certain number of times per month, so check your account terms. If you anticipate needing cash on the holiday, using your own bank's ATM avoids the fee.
Surcharge-free ATM networks like Allpoint, MoneyPass, and CO-OP let you use thousands of ATMs nationwide without paying a fee, even if they are not your bank's ATMs. If your bank participates in one of these networks, you can find participating ATMs through the network's website or app.
Mobile banking and online services during the holiday
Your bank's mobile app and website stay open 24/7, including on Memorial Day. You can check balances, review transactions, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and deposit checks by photograph. These services do not depend on branch hours.
If you need to contact customer service, most banks have phone lines open on holidays. Call the number on the back of your debit or credit card. Wait times may be longer than usual because fewer staff are working, but you can still report problems, ask questions, or dispute transactions.
Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, and other peer-to-peer payment apps work normally on Memorial Day. Money sent through these services may take longer to settle (sometimes until the next business day), but the apps themselves do not close.
What happens to deposits and transfers on Memorial Day
If you deposit a check using mobile check deposit on Memorial Day, the bank receives it but does not process it until Tuesday. The funds will not be available until then, even though you submitted the deposit on the holiday. This is different from depositing at an ATM, which also holds the check until the next business day.
Wire transfers initiated on Memorial Day do not process until Tuesday. If you need money to arrive by a specific date, send the wire on Friday. International wire transfers take even longer — usually three to five business days — so the holiday adds one more day to the wait.
ACH transfers (the standard way to move money between banks) also do not process on federal holidays. If you are transferring money to pay rent or a bill due on Memorial Day, initiate the transfer on Friday to make sure it arrives on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Memorial Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online retailer on Memorial Day. The bank being closed does not affect card transactions. You can also use credit cards normally.
What if I need to report a lost or stolen card on Memorial Day?
Call the number on the back of your card or your bank's main customer service line. These lines are staffed 24/7, including holidays. Report the card immediately to prevent unauthorized charges.
Will my paycheck deposit on Memorial Day if I get paid that day?
No. Direct deposits scheduled for Memorial Day will not process until Tuesday. If your employer normally deposits on that date, the money arrives the next business day. Check with your employer about their holiday schedule.
Can I open a new account on Memorial Day?
Not at a physical branch. Some banks allow you to open accounts online through their website or app, and these services work on holidays. Call your bank to ask if online account opening is available.
Do online banks like Ally or Chime close on Memorial Day?
Online banks do not have physical branches, so they do not close. You can access your account, transfer money, and use their services normally. Customer service phone lines may have longer wait times, but they are typically available.