Most banks are closed on Cesar Chavez Day, but the date varies by state
Cesar Chavez Day falls on March 31 each year, but not every state observes it as a holiday. California, Colorado, and Texas treat it as a paid holiday for state employees and most private businesses, which means most banks in those states will be closed. In other states, banks typically stay open because the federal government does not recognize Cesar Chavez Day as a national holiday.
If you live in a state that does observe the holiday, your bank branch will almost certainly be closed on that day. Federal banks and credit unions follow the same closure pattern as state banks in their region. The safest approach is to check your specific bank's website or call your local branch the day before to confirm their hours.
Even if your bank is closed, you can still access your money through ATMs and mobile banking apps. Online transfers, bill payments, and account checks work 24/7. Deposits made through ATMs or mobile apps will process the next business day.
Key Takeaways
- Banks close on Cesar Chavez Day only in California, Colorado, and Texas, where it is a recognized state holiday.
- Federal banks and most credit unions follow state holiday schedules, so closure depends on your location.
- ATMs and mobile banking remain available even when branches are closed, so you can withdraw cash and check balances anytime.
- Deposits and transfers made on the holiday will process the next business day, not immediately.
- Call your bank directly or check their website if you are unsure whether your branch will be open.
Which states observe Cesar Chavez Day as a bank holiday
California, Colorado, and Texas officially recognize Cesar Chavez Day as a paid holiday. In these states, most banks close their branches on March 31. Some banks in these states may open for limited hours or remain open at certain locations, but the majority of branches will be closed.
Arizona and Nevada have partial observance. Some employers and government offices close, but banks often remain open. Check with your specific bank rather than assuming closure based on state recognition alone.
In all other states, banks operate on a normal schedule on March 31 because the federal government does not recognize Cesar Chavez Day. Your bank will be open during regular business hours.
How to access money when your bank is closed
ATMs work around the clock, even when your bank branch is closed. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts at any ATM that accepts your card. Most ATMs are free if they belong to your bank's network, though out-of-network ATMs may charge a fee.
Mobile banking apps let you pay bills, transfer money to other people, deposit checks by taking a photo, and monitor your account. These transactions process immediately in the app but may not clear in the receiving account until the next business day. You can also use your debit card to make purchases at stores and online.
If you need to speak with a banker or handle a transaction that requires a person — such as opening a new account, getting a cashier's check, or discussing a loan — you will need to wait until the branch reopens the next business day.
When deposits and payments process after the holiday
Any deposit you make on Cesar Chavez Day — whether through an ATM, mobile app, or in-person at an open branch — will not be credited to your account until the next business day. If March 31 falls on a Friday and your bank is closed, deposits made that day will not post until Monday, March 33 (or the next business day if Monday is also a holiday).
Bill payments and transfers you schedule for the holiday will also process the next business day. If you need money to arrive by a specific date, plan ahead and submit payments before the holiday. Most banks let you schedule payments several days in advance.
Checks you deposit may take longer. Mobile check deposits typically post within one to two business days, but paper checks deposited at a branch can take three to five business days depending on the bank and the check's origin.
How to find your bank's specific holiday hours
The fastest way to confirm whether your bank is open on March 31 is to visit the bank's website and look for a holiday hours page or branch locator. Most major banks post their holiday schedule weeks in advance. Search for your bank's name plus "holiday hours" or "Cesar Chavez Day hours."
You can also call your local branch directly. Ask whether they will be open on March 31 and what time they close if they are open for limited hours. If you bank with a credit union, call the main office or check their website — credit union hours vary widely depending on the union's location and policies.
If you use a large national bank like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, or Citibank, check their main website for a system-wide holiday schedule. Smaller regional banks and local credit unions may have different policies, so do not assume all branches in a chain operate the same way.
Planning ahead to avoid holiday closures
If you know you will need cash or need to make a deposit around Cesar Chavez Day, withdraw money or deposit checks a day or two before the holiday. This gives you a buffer and ensures your transactions process on time.
If you have bills due on or shortly after the holiday, pay them before March 31. Most banks let you schedule payments up to two weeks in advance, so you can set them up to go out the day before the holiday and still meet your due date.
For large or time-sensitive transactions — such as wire transfers, loan applications, or account changes — handle them before the holiday. These often require a person and cannot be completed through ATMs or apps.
What to do if you need banking services on the holiday
If your bank is closed and you need immediate help, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Most banks have phone support available even on holidays, though wait times may be longer. They can answer questions about your account, help you dispute a charge, or assist with other issues that do not require a branch visit.
If you need cash and cannot reach an ATM, use your debit card at a store to get cash back with a purchase. Most grocery stores and retailers offer this service at no charge.
If your issue truly requires a branch visit, you will need to wait until the next business day. Plan accordingly if you know you have banking needs coming up around the holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my paycheck deposit on time if my bank is closed on Cesar Chavez Day?
If your employer deposits your paycheck on March 31 and your bank is closed, the deposit will post the next business day. Direct deposits are processed automatically and do not require a branch to be open. Your money will be available by the following business day, though some banks credit direct deposits a day early.
Can I use my debit card on Cesar Chavez Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs and stores regardless of whether your bank branch is open. You can make purchases, withdraw cash, and check your balance anytime. The only thing you cannot do is visit a physical branch to speak with a banker.
Do credit unions close on Cesar Chavez Day?
Most credit unions in California, Colorado, and Texas close on Cesar Chavez Day, but some remain open. Credit union policies vary by location and institution. Call your credit union or check their website to confirm their hours for March 31.
What if I need to deposit a check on Cesar Chavez Day?
Use your bank's mobile app to deposit the check by taking a photo. The deposit will post the next business day. If your bank does not have mobile deposit, you can use an ATM if your bank offers ATM check deposits, or wait until the branch reopens to deposit in person.
Will online bill payments go through if I submit them on the holiday?
Online bill payments submitted on Cesar Chavez Day will process the next business day. If your bill is due on March 31, submit the payment before the holiday. Most banks let you schedule payments in advance so they arrive on time even if you submit them early.