Most banks are closed on President's Day
President's Day falls on the third Monday in February each year. On that day, most major banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — close their physical branches. The Federal Reserve also closes, which means no wire transfers or ACH payments process that day.
However, you can still access your money through ATMs and online banking. Deposits made at an ATM on President's Day typically post the next business day. If you need cash before the holiday, withdraw it the day before.
Credit unions sometimes stay open on President's Day, though most follow the federal holiday schedule. Call your specific branch to confirm, since policies vary by institution and location.
Key Takeaways
- Major national banks close all branches on President's Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available 24/7.
- Wire transfers and ACH payments do not process on President's Day because the Federal Reserve is closed.
- Deposits made at ATMs on President's Day post to your account the next business day, not the same day.
- Some credit unions stay open on President's Day, so contact your branch directly to confirm their hours.
- If you need cash or to complete a transaction before the holiday, plan ahead and visit your bank on Friday or the weekend before.
What you can and cannot do on President's Day
ATMs work around the clock on President's Day. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, and deposit checks or cash into an ATM envelope. These transactions process normally.
Online and mobile banking also run without interruption. You can pay bills, send money to other people through your bank's app, check transactions, and view your balance. However, bill payments scheduled for President's Day itself may not reach the recipient until the next business day.
What stops on President's Day: wire transfers initiated that day, ACH transfers (like direct deposits or payments to other banks), loan applications that require a bank officer's review, and cashier's checks. If you need any of these, complete them on Friday or earlier.
When banks reopen after President's Day
Banks reopen on Tuesday, the day after President's Day. All services resume: wire transfers, ACH payments, loan processing, and in-person transactions. Deposits made at ATMs on Monday post on Tuesday morning.
If you have a time-sensitive transaction — a mortgage closing, a large wire transfer, or a loan approval — schedule it for Tuesday or later in the week. Do not wait until the last minute on Monday.
Planning ahead for President's Day banking
If you know you will need cash or to complete a transaction around President's Day, handle it on Friday. Withdraw cash, make wire transfers, deposit checks in person, or submit loan applications before the holiday closes.
For bill payments, schedule them to post on Wednesday or later. Most banks allow you to choose the date a bill payment goes out; if you set it for Tuesday or Wednesday, it will process normally even if you schedule it on Friday.
If you receive a direct deposit that normally lands on Monday, it will arrive on Tuesday instead. Employers and payroll systems know about the holiday and adjust automatically — you do not need to do anything.
Credit unions and smaller banks
Not all financial institutions close on President's Day. Some credit unions, community banks, and online-only banks stay open or have reduced hours. If your bank is not a major national chain, call ahead or check their website to confirm.
Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Marcus have no physical branches, so the holiday does not affect their services. You can still transfer money, pay bills, and access your account normally.
International wire transfers on President's Day
If you need to send money outside the United States, do not initiate the wire on President's Day. The Federal Reserve closure delays all outgoing wires by at least one day. International wires take longer anyway — usually two to five business days — so starting on Tuesday rather than Monday makes little practical difference.
The receiving bank's country may also observe its own holidays, which can add another day or two. Check both the U.S. holiday calendar and the destination country's calendar before sending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on President's Day?
Yes. Debit cards work at merchants, ATMs, and online retailers on President's Day without interruption. The only delay occurs if you make a purchase that requires manual review or fraud verification — that review may not happen until Tuesday.
Will my paycheck deposit on time if it normally comes on Monday?
No. Direct deposits scheduled for President's Day arrive on Tuesday instead. Your employer's payroll system automatically adjusts for the federal holiday. You do not need to contact your employer or bank.
What if I need to deposit a check on President's Day?
Use an ATM or mobile deposit (take a photo through your bank's app). Both work on President's Day. The check posts to your account on Tuesday morning. Do not leave a check in a branch mailbox — it will not be processed until Tuesday at the earliest.
Can I get a cashier's check on President's Day?
No. Cashier's checks require a bank officer or teller to issue them. Since branches are closed, you cannot get one on President's Day. Order it on Friday if you need it for a transaction early in the following week.
Do online banks close on President's Day?
Online banks with no physical branches stay open on President's Day. You can transfer money, pay bills, and manage your account normally. However, transfers to or from other banks may take an extra day because the receiving or sending bank is closed.