Most banks are closed on Presidents Day, the third Monday in February
Presidents Day is a federal holiday, and nearly all banks — including major chains like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank — close their physical branches on this day. The Federal Reserve also closes, which means no wire transfers, ACH payments, or check clearing happen on Presidents Day itself.
However, your online banking, mobile app, and ATM access continue to work. You can check balances, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills online, and withdraw cash from ATMs without interruption. The transactions you initiate online will process the next business day, which is Tuesday.
Credit unions follow the same pattern as banks — most close on Presidents Day — though a small number stay open. Call your specific credit union to confirm, since they set their own holiday schedules.
Key Takeaways
- Bank branches close on Presidents Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available 24/7.
- Wire transfers, ACH payments, and check deposits initiated on Presidents Day will not process until Tuesday.
- If you need cash or to deposit a check, do it before Monday or wait until Tuesday.
- Some credit unions stay open on Presidents Day, so contact yours directly to confirm their schedule.
What you can and cannot do on Presidents Day
Online transactions work normally. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills through your bank's bill pay system, send money to other people through Zelle or similar services, and check your balance anytime. These actions happen in your bank's system immediately, even though the actual movement of money to another bank may not clear until the next business day.
In-person services stop. You cannot visit a branch to deposit a check, withdraw large amounts of cash, open a new account, apply for a loan, or speak to a banker. If you need to deposit a physical check, use your bank's mobile app to photograph and deposit it — most banks process mobile check deposits by the next business day, sometimes the same day if you deposit before a certain time (usually 2 or 3 p.m. on a weekday).
ATM access continues. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has an envelope slot), and check your balance at any ATM, including those at other banks or in retail stores. ATM withdrawals are immediate; check deposits typically post by the next business day.
When transactions actually clear after Presidents Day
Anything you initiate on Presidents Day Monday will not move through the Federal Reserve until Tuesday. This matters most for wire transfers, ACH transfers (like direct deposits or bill payments to other banks), and checks you deposit in person or through an ATM.
If you deposit a check on Monday at an ATM, it posts to your account on Tuesday but may not be available to spend until Wednesday, depending on your bank's hold policy. Wire transfers you request on Monday will not leave your bank until Tuesday and may not arrive at the receiving bank until Wednesday. ACH payments you schedule for Monday will process on Tuesday.
If you need money to move urgently, do not wait until Monday. Initiate transfers on Friday or earlier in the week so they clear before the holiday.
Which banks stay open on Presidents Day
Very few banks open on Presidents Day. Some online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no physical branches, so the concept of "closed" does not apply — you access them through your phone or computer the same way you would any other day. Their customer service phone lines may have reduced hours or be closed, but your account access remains unchanged.
A handful of regional banks or credit unions may stay open, particularly in areas where Presidents Day is not observed as a holiday (rare, but it happens in some places). Your best move is to call your bank directly or check their website for holiday hours. Most banks post their Presidents Day schedule in early February.
Planning ahead to avoid delays
If you know you will need cash or need to deposit a check, do it on Friday or Saturday. Most banks are open Saturday morning, and ATMs work around the clock. This gives you a full business day before the holiday and ensures your deposit clears before Tuesday.
If you are expecting a direct deposit on Presidents Day (like a paycheck), it will not hit your account until Tuesday. Employers typically process payroll on Friday for Monday deposit, but the Federal Reserve does not move the money until the next business day after the holiday. Plan your spending accordingly.
For bill payments, use your bank's online bill pay system and schedule payments for Tuesday or later. If you pay bills through the biller's website directly (not through your bank), check whether they process on weekends and holidays — many do, but some do not.
What to do if you need money on Presidents Day
Use an ATM. This is the only way to access cash on Monday. ATMs work 24/7 and do not close for holidays. Withdraw what you need on Monday morning or earlier in the weekend.
If you need to deposit a check and your bank has a mobile app, photograph the check and deposit it through the app. This works on Presidents Day just like any other day. The check will post to your account by Tuesday, and you may be able to spend it by Wednesday depending on your bank's policy.
If you need to speak to someone at your bank, call on Tuesday. Customer service lines are typically open regular hours on Tuesday, and they can help with any issues that arose from the Monday closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check at an ATM on Presidents Day?
Yes, if your ATM has a check deposit slot. The check will post to your account by Tuesday. If your ATM does not have a slot, use your bank's mobile app to photograph and deposit the check instead — this works on Presidents Day and usually posts by the next business day.
Will my direct deposit arrive on Presidents Day?
No. Employers process payroll on Friday for Monday delivery, but the Federal Reserve does not move the money until Tuesday because it is closed on Presidents Day. Your paycheck will arrive Tuesday morning or early Wednesday, depending on your bank.
Can I send money to someone else on Presidents Day?
Yes, through your bank's online system or through Zelle, PayPal, or similar services. The money leaves your account immediately, but it may not arrive at the receiving bank until Tuesday because the Federal Reserve is closed. Tell the recipient to expect it Tuesday or Wednesday.
What if I need to withdraw a large amount of cash?
Do it before Monday. Banks close on Presidents Day, and ATMs typically have daily withdrawal limits (often $500 to $1,000, depending on your bank). If you need more than your ATM limit, visit a branch on Friday or Saturday.
Do credit unions close on Presidents Day?
Most do, but some stay open. Call your credit union directly to confirm their holiday schedule. Their website usually lists holiday hours in early February.