Most banks close on Memorial Day, but some branches and services stay open
Yes, the vast majority of banks close on Memorial Day (the last Monday in May). All federally chartered banks and most state-chartered banks shut down because it is a federal holiday. This means no teller service, no in-person transactions, and no access to safety deposit boxes.
However, "closed" does not mean you have zero options. ATMs run 24/7 at most banks, so you can withdraw cash or check your balance. Online banking and mobile apps work the same way they do on any other day. Some banks operate limited Sunday hours at certain branches, and a small number of banks stay open on federal holidays — but these are rare exceptions, not the rule.
The day after Memorial Day (Tuesday), all banks return to normal business hours. If you need cash or to make a deposit before the holiday, plan to visit your branch on Friday or Saturday before the long weekend.
Key Takeaways
- Federal and most state banks close entirely on Memorial Day, with no teller or in-person services available.
- ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps continue to work on Memorial Day just as they do on weekdays.
- If you need to deposit checks or withdraw large amounts of cash, visit your branch on Friday or Saturday before the holiday.
- Banks reopen Tuesday morning after Memorial Day with standard hours.
- A very small number of banks operate on federal holidays, but you should call your branch to confirm before counting on it.
What you can and cannot do on Memorial Day
ATM withdrawals, balance checks, and transfers between your own accounts all work on Memorial Day. You can also pay bills online, set up direct deposits, and move money through your bank's app. Anything that does not require a person behind a counter continues as normal.
What stops: depositing checks in person, getting a cashier's check, opening a new account, speaking to a loan officer, accessing a safety deposit box, or asking a teller a question. Wire transfers initiated through online banking may process, but wire transfers requested in person or by phone will not go through until Tuesday. If you need a wire to leave your bank on Monday, you should have sent it by Friday afternoon.
Some banks allow mobile check deposit (photographing a check through the app), which works on holidays. If your bank offers this feature, you can deposit checks on Memorial Day without visiting a branch. Check your bank's app to see if this option is available to you.
Planning ahead for the long weekend
If you know you will need cash over the Memorial Day weekend, withdraw it on Friday or Saturday. Most ATMs have daily withdrawal limits (often $500 to $1,000, depending on your bank and account type), so plan accordingly.
If you have checks to deposit, use mobile deposit through your app if available, or wait until Tuesday. Checks deposited on Tuesday will typically post to your account by Wednesday or Thursday, depending on your bank's processing schedule.
If you are expecting a direct deposit or automatic payment on Memorial Day, it will likely process normally — direct deposits and automatic bill payments run on the bank's backend systems regardless of whether branches are open. However, if you need to dispute or cancel a payment, you will have to wait until Tuesday to call customer service.
Banks that may stay open on Memorial Day
A very small number of banks operate on federal holidays. Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and some credit unions may have customer service available, though they do not have physical branches anyway. A handful of regional banks and credit unions stay open on certain holidays, but this is uncommon.
If you bank at a smaller institution or credit union, call ahead or check your bank's website to confirm whether your specific branch will be open. Do not assume — many banks post holiday hours online a week or two before the holiday, or you can call the branch directly.
Some banks in tourist areas or major cities may operate limited hours (for example, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) on Memorial Day, but this is the exception. Plan as if your bank will be closed.
What to do if you need cash over the weekend
Use an ATM on Friday or Saturday. If your bank's ATM network is limited, look for ATMs at other banks in the Allpoint, MoneyPass, or Surcharge-Free networks — most banks participate in at least one shared network, which means you can use other banks' ATMs without a fee (or with a smaller fee than usual).
If you do not have enough cash and cannot reach an ATM, some grocery stores and pharmacies offer cash back with a debit card purchase, even on holidays. This is not ideal, but it works in a pinch.
If you absolutely need to speak to someone at your bank on Memorial Day, try calling customer service. Many banks maintain phone lines on federal holidays, though wait times are often longer. Online chat support may also be available through your bank's website or app.
Transfers and payments during the holiday
Transfers between accounts at the same bank usually process instantly or within one business day, even on holidays, if you initiate them through online banking or your app. However, transfers to other banks (external transfers) may not process until Tuesday, depending on the time you send them.
Automatic bill payments scheduled for Memorial Day will process on time in most cases, because they are handled by the bank's automated systems. However, if you need to cancel or change a payment, you will need to contact customer service, which is not available on the holiday.
If you are sending money to someone else through a service like Venmo, PayPal, or your bank's peer-to-peer transfer tool, the transfer usually goes through instantly or within hours, even on holidays. The receiving bank may not credit the money until Tuesday, but the transfer itself leaves your account on Monday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Memorial Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at merchants, ATMs, and online retailers on Memorial Day regardless of whether your bank's branches are open. The bank's computer systems run 24/7, so transactions process normally. You can also use your card to get cash back at grocery stores and pharmacies.
Will my direct deposit hit my account on Memorial Day?
Most likely yes. Direct deposits are processed by automated systems that run on holidays. However, if your employer processes payroll on Monday and your bank is closed, the deposit may post on Tuesday instead. Check with your employer about their payroll schedule if you are unsure.
What if I need to deposit a check before the holiday?
Visit your branch on Friday or Saturday. If your bank offers mobile check deposit through its app, you can photograph the check on Monday and deposit it that way — it will post to your account by Wednesday or Thursday. Otherwise, wait until Tuesday to deposit in person.
Can I get a cashier's check on Memorial Day?
No. Cashier's checks require a teller, so you will need to visit your branch on Friday or Saturday before the holiday. If you need a cashier's check for a transaction happening after Memorial Day, plan ahead and get it before Monday.
Will my automatic bill payment go through on Memorial Day?
Yes, in most cases. Automatic payments are processed by the bank's automated systems and do not require branch staff. However, if you need to stop or change a payment, you will have to call customer service, which is closed on the holiday.