Most U.S. banks stay open on Yom Kippur, but some branches close or reduce hours

Yom Kippur is not a federal holiday in the United States, so most major banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others — operate on their regular schedules. However, individual branches may close or shorten hours if they are located in areas with large Jewish populations, or if the bank's owner or management chooses to observe the holiday.

The safest approach is to call your specific branch directly or check its hours online before Yom Kippur. Bank websites typically show branch-by-branch hours, and you can search by location. If your branch is closed, you can still use ATMs, mobile banking, and online services to access your account.

Yom Kippur runs from sunset to nightfall the following day, so if your bank does close, it will be closed for roughly 25 hours. In 2024, Yom Kippur begins at sundown on October 12 and ends at nightfall on October 13. The exact dates shift each year because Yom Kippur follows the Hebrew calendar.

Key Takeaways

  • Yom Kippur is not a federal holiday, so most U.S. bank branches operate normally unless the individual branch chooses to close.
  • Call or check your bank's website for your specific branch location, because hours vary by branch and region.
  • ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking work 24/7 even if your physical branch is closed on Yom Kippur.
  • If you need cash or in-person services, plan ahead by visiting your branch before Yom Kippur begins at sunset.

How to check if your bank branch is open

Go to your bank's website and use the branch locator tool. Enter your zip code or address, and the results will show hours for each nearby location. Most banks update these hours regularly, and many display a note if a branch will be closed for a holiday or observance.

If the website does not show Yom Kippur hours specifically, call the branch directly. The phone number is listed in the branch locator. Ask whether the branch will be open on the date of Yom Kippur and what time it closes that day. This is the most reliable way to confirm, especially for smaller branches or credit unions.

Some banks, particularly those in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and other cities with significant Jewish communities, are more likely to close or reduce hours. If you bank with a smaller institution or credit union, calling ahead is especially important.

What you can do if your branch is closed

ATMs work around the clock, so you can withdraw cash or check your balance even if the branch is closed. Debit cards work at any ATM in your bank's network, and many banks reimburse out-of-network ATM fees.

Mobile banking apps let you transfer money between accounts, pay bills, deposit checks by photo, and send money to other people. These services run 24/7 and do not depend on branch hours. You can also use online banking through your bank's website to handle most routine transactions.

If you need to speak with someone, most banks offer phone support on holidays, though wait times may be longer. Check your bank's website for the customer service number. Some banks also offer chat support through their app or website.

Planning ahead for Yom Kippur

If you know you will need cash or in-person services, withdraw money and handle any necessary transactions before Yom Kippur begins. Yom Kippur starts at sunset, so plan to visit your branch during regular business hours earlier that day.

If you have a check to deposit, use mobile deposit through your app instead of waiting for the branch to reopen. If you need a cashier's check or a notary, call ahead to confirm the branch will be open and ask whether you need an appointment.

For bill payments, credit card payments, and loan payments, set these up online or through your bank's app a few days before Yom Kippur. Most payments post within one to two business days, so paying early avoids any risk of a late payment during the holiday.

Credit unions and smaller banks

Credit unions are more likely than large national banks to close on Yom Kippur, especially if they serve a community with many Jewish members. Call your credit union to confirm hours. The same rules apply: ATMs and online services work regardless of branch closures.

If you use a smaller regional bank or a community bank, check their website or call. These institutions sometimes close for religious observances even when federal law does not require it. Planning a day or two ahead prevents surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card if the bank is closed on Yom Kippur?

Yes. Debit cards work at any ATM and any merchant, regardless of whether your bank branch is open. You can withdraw cash, make purchases, and check your balance through ATMs and online banking.

Will my bill payments process if I submit them on Yom Kippur?

Payments submitted online or through your app on Yom Kippur will usually process the next business day. To be safe, submit payments a day or two before Yom Kippur to avoid any delays or confusion.

What if I need to deposit a check on Yom Kippur?

Use mobile deposit through your bank's app if available — you photograph the check and submit it through your phone. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, deposit the check before Yom Kippur begins or wait until the branch reopens.

Do online banks close on Yom Kippur?

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and others do not have physical branches, so there is no closure. You can access your account and conduct transactions 24/7. Customer service phone lines may have reduced staffing, but online services run normally.