Most banks are closed on Veterans Day, but some branches and ATMs stay open
Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. On that date, most U.S. banks observe the federal holiday and close their physical branches. This means you cannot walk in to a teller, speak to a loan officer, or use a drive-through window. However, ATMs remain available 24/7 at nearly all banks, and online banking continues to work normally.
A small number of banks — usually those in shopping centers or airports — may stay open on Veterans Day, but this is rare and depends entirely on the individual bank's policy. If you need to visit a branch on November 11, call ahead to confirm whether that specific location will be open.
If November 11 falls on a weekend, most banks observe the holiday on the nearest weekday instead. When Veterans Day lands on a Saturday, banks typically close on Friday. When it lands on a Sunday, they close on Monday.
Key Takeaways
- Federal banks close on Veterans Day (November 11), but ATMs and online banking remain available.
- A few bank branches in high-traffic areas like airports or malls may stay open, so call your branch directly to check.
- When Veterans Day falls on a weekend, banks observe the holiday on the nearest weekday instead.
- Wire transfers, bill payments, and account transfers initiated online will process, but may not settle until the next business day.
- If you need cash or must deposit a check, plan ahead by using an ATM or visiting your branch the day before.
What you can and cannot do on Veterans Day
ATMs work normally on Veterans Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks using mobile deposit or an ATM envelope, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts. These transactions process immediately or within a few hours.
Online and mobile banking also work on Veterans Day. You can pay bills, transfer money between accounts at the same bank, and set up future transactions. However, transfers to other banks (external transfers) and wire transfers initiated on Veterans Day may not settle until the next business day, even though you can schedule them.
You cannot visit a branch, speak to a banker in person, or use a drive-through window. If you need to open a new account, apply for a loan, dispute a transaction with a representative, or handle anything that requires a signature or a banker's judgment, you will need to wait until the next business day.
Planning ahead if you need banking services on or around Veterans Day
If Veterans Day falls on a weekday and you know you will need to visit a branch, go the day before. Deposit checks, withdraw cash, or handle any account changes before the holiday. This prevents you from being stuck without access to funds or unable to complete a transaction.
If you need to send money to someone else's bank account, initiate the transfer online the day before Veterans Day. Most banks process external transfers within one to three business days anyway, so sending it early does not slow you down and ensures it goes out before the holiday.
For time-sensitive payments — rent, utilities, loan payments — set them up at least two business days before Veterans Day. If a payment is due on or shortly after the holiday, schedule it to process before November 11. Most banks allow you to schedule payments weeks in advance through online banking.
How to learn about your specific bank branch is open
Call your bank's customer service line or your local branch directly. The phone number is on your debit card, bank statements, or the bank's website. Ask whether that specific branch will be open on November 11. Do not assume based on what you have heard about other banks — policies vary by institution and sometimes by location within the same bank.
You can also check your bank's website. Many banks publish holiday hours online, and some allow you to search by branch location. If the website does not list Veterans Day hours, call the branch or customer service to confirm.
If you use a credit union instead of a bank, the same rule applies: most credit unions close on Veterans Day, but some may have different policies. Call ahead to check.
What happens to deposits and transactions on Veterans Day
Checks deposited via ATM or mobile deposit on Veterans Day will be processed, but the funds may not appear in your account until the next business day or later, depending on the check amount and your bank's processing timeline. Mobile deposits typically clear faster than ATM deposits.
Transactions you initiate online — bill payments, transfers between your own accounts — will process on Veterans Day itself. However, if you are transferring money to another person's account at a different bank, that transfer may not settle until the next business day.
Direct deposits and automatic payments scheduled for Veterans Day will process normally. Your employer's payroll system and bill payment systems do not stop for federal holidays, so paychecks and automatic bill payments arrive on schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day?
Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs, online retailers, and in-person stores on Veterans Day. The only thing you cannot do is visit a bank branch in person. ATMs are open 24/7.
Will my paycheck deposit on Veterans Day?
Yes. Direct deposits process on Veterans Day like any other day. Your employer's payroll system does not stop for federal holidays, so your paycheck will arrive on schedule if it is due on November 11.
What if I need to deposit a check on Veterans Day?
Use mobile deposit through your bank's app or deposit it at an ATM if your bank offers ATM check deposits. Both work on Veterans Day. The check will be processed, though funds may not appear until the next business day depending on the amount.
Do wire transfers go through on Veterans Day?
You can initiate a wire transfer online on Veterans Day, but it will not settle until the next business day. If you need money to move urgently, send it the day before Veterans Day instead.
Is my bank open if Veterans Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday?
When Veterans Day lands on a weekend, banks observe the holiday on the nearest weekday — Friday if it is a Saturday, Monday if it is a Sunday. Your branch will be closed on that observed day, not on the weekend itself.