Most banks close on Patriots Day, but some branches and ATMs stay open
Patriots Day is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday in September in Massachusetts and Maine. On this day, most national banks and credit unions close their physical branches. However, ATMs remain available 24/7 at nearly all institutions, and some banks operate limited hours or special services.
If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to someone in person on Patriots Day, call your bank directly the day before to confirm whether your specific branch will be open. Holiday hours vary by location and by bank, and some branches in larger cities may stay open while suburban ones close.
Key Takeaways
- Major banks including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank close their branches on Patriots Day, though ATMs work around the clock.
- Credit unions typically close on Patriots Day, but you can still access funds through ATMs and online banking.
- Call your bank or credit union the day before to ask about your specific branch's Patriots Day hours.
- Any deposits made at an ATM on Patriots Day will process the next business day, not immediately.
- Online banking, bill pay, and mobile apps work normally on Patriots Day even when branches are closed.
Which banks are closed on Patriots Day
All major national banks close their branches on Patriots Day. This includes Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, PNC Bank, TD Bank, and US Bank. Credit unions also observe the holiday and close their physical locations.
Some regional and community banks may have different policies. A few branches in major metropolitan areas occasionally stay open on federal holidays, but this is uncommon. The safest approach is to contact your bank directly rather than assume your branch will be open.
If you bank with a smaller or local institution, their website usually lists holiday hours, or you can call the branch number listed on your debit card.
What you can still do on Patriots Day
ATMs work on Patriots Day just like any other day. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts using any ATM in your bank's network or a partner network.
Online banking, mobile apps, and bill pay all function normally. You can move money between accounts, pay bills, send wire transfers, and deposit checks using mobile check deposit — all without visiting a branch. These services do not depend on branch staff and operate 24/7.
If you need to make a deposit at an ATM on Patriots Day, the funds will be added to your account, but the deposit will not be processed and cleared until the next business day (Tuesday). This is the same timing as a weekend deposit.
How to find your bank's Patriots Day hours
The fastest way to confirm your branch's hours is to call the phone number on your debit card or visit your bank's website and search for "holiday hours" or "Patriots Day hours." Most banks post this information in September before the holiday.
You can also use your bank's mobile app, which often shows branch locations and hours. Some apps let you filter by "open today" or "holiday hours" to see which branches near you are operating.
If you cannot find the information online, call your specific branch directly on Friday or Monday morning. Staff can tell you whether they will be open and what services are available.
Planning ahead for Patriots Day banking needs
If you know you will need to deposit a check or handle something that requires a teller, do it on Friday before the holiday. This prevents delays and ensures your transaction clears on time.
For bill payments or transfers that are due on or shortly after Patriots Day, use online bill pay or your mobile app several days in advance. This gives the transaction time to process even though the branch is closed.
If you need cash, withdraw it on Friday or use an ATM on Patriots Day. If you need a cashier's check or a service that requires a teller, plan to visit on Friday or wait until Tuesday.
What happens if you deposit a check on Patriots Day
If you deposit a check using an ATM on Patriots Day, the check image is captured and sent to your bank's processing center. However, the check will not be processed or cleared until Tuesday, the next business day after the holiday.
The funds will appear in your account as pending on Tuesday, but the actual clearing time depends on the check's bank. Most checks clear within one to two business days after deposit, so a check deposited on Patriots Day via ATM will typically be available by Wednesday or Thursday.
Mobile check deposit works the same way. Take a photo of the front and back of the check using your bank's app, and it will be processed starting the next business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Patriots Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and at any merchant 24/7, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The branch closure does not affect card transactions or ATM access.
Will my direct deposit process on Patriots Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Patriots Day will be deposited into your account on that day, even though the branch is closed. Payroll and government payments process automatically and do not depend on branch staff.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on Patriots Day?
Most banks offer phone support on federal 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 mobile app or website.
Do credit unions close on Patriots Day?
Yes, most credit unions close on Patriots Day. However, ATMs and online banking remain available. Call your credit union on Friday to confirm your branch's hours and to ask about any special services they may offer.
Can I pay bills on Patriots Day?
Yes. You can pay bills through online banking, your mobile app, or automatic bill pay on Patriots Day. The payment will be processed and sent to the payee, though it may not arrive until the next business day depending on the payment method.