Most banks close on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but some branches and services stay open
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday, which means most banks observe it and close their physical branches. However, the closure is not total — ATMs run 24/7 regardless of the holiday, and many banks offer online banking and mobile app access on the day itself. Some banks in certain regions may stay open, and credit unions sometimes keep different hours than national banks.
The key distinction is between what you can do and what requires a teller. You can withdraw cash, check balances, transfer money between your own accounts, and pay bills online or through your bank's app on MLK Day. You cannot walk into a branch to deposit a check, open a new account, or speak to a loan officer.
Key Takeaways
- Bank branches close on Martin Luther King Jr. Day because it is a federal holiday, but ATMs and online banking remain available.
- You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money using an ATM or your bank's app on the holiday.
- Deposits, account openings, and services requiring a teller must wait until the branch reopens the next business day.
- Some credit unions and regional banks may have different hours, so contact your specific bank to confirm.
- Checks deposited on MLK Day through mobile deposit or ATM may not clear until the following business day because banks do not process them on holidays.
Which banks close and which stay open
The major national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most others — close all branches on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This is consistent across all their locations nationwide. However, some smaller regional banks and credit unions operate on their own schedules and may stay open or run reduced hours.
The only way to know for certain is to check your specific bank's website or call the branch directly. Most banks post holiday hours on their homepage or in their mobile app. Search for "[Your Bank Name] Martin Luther King Jr. Day hours" or look for a "Holiday Hours" link on their site. If you cannot find it online, call the branch number listed on your debit card.
What you can and cannot do on the holiday
ATMs work on MLK Day just like any other day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks through a mobile check deposit feature (if your bank offers it), and check your account balance. Online banking portals and mobile apps have no holiday restrictions — you can transfer money between your accounts, pay bills, and send money to other people.
You cannot visit a branch to deposit cash, order new checks, apply for a loan, dispute a transaction in person, or open a new account. If you need to deposit cash specifically, some banks allow you to deposit it into an ATM envelope on the holiday, but it will not be processed until the next business day. Verify with your bank whether your ATM accepts cash deposits.
How check deposits work on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
If you deposit a check on MLK Day — whether through an ATM, mobile deposit, or by mailing it — the bank will not process it until the next business day. This means if you deposit a check on Monday (MLK Day), it typically will not clear until Wednesday, not Tuesday. The delay is because the Federal Reserve and all banking clearinghouses are closed on federal holidays.
Mobile check deposit is often the fastest option because you can submit it before the holiday and it will be in the queue to process the moment the bank reopens. If you need the money urgently, deposit before the holiday ends on Sunday or wait until Tuesday morning to deposit in person.
Credit unions and smaller banks
Credit unions are not required to follow the same holiday schedule as national banks, though most do close on MLK Day. Some credit unions stay open or run limited hours. If you bank with a credit union, check their website or call ahead — do not assume they are closed just because the big banks are.
Regional and community banks vary widely. Some close entirely, others stay open with reduced staffing, and a few maintain normal hours. Again, the only reliable way to know is to contact your bank directly or check their website for holiday hours.
Planning ahead for MLK Day banking needs
If you know you will need to deposit cash or handle a transaction that requires a teller, do it on Friday or the Monday after the holiday. If you need to pay a bill that is due on or shortly after MLK Day, pay it online or through your bank's app before the holiday arrives.
For checks, mobile deposit is your friend on the holiday. Most banks let you photograph the front and back of a check using your phone and submit it through the app. The deposit will be processed the next business day, which is faster and more convenient than trying to find an ATM that accepts envelopes.
What happens if you need emergency cash
ATMs are your only option on MLK Day if you need cash and your bank branch is closed. Make sure you have your debit card and know your PIN. If you do not have a debit card or have lost it, you will need to wait until the branch reopens.
If you need cash and do not have access to your bank's ATM network, look for ATMs from other banks in your area. You may pay a small out-of-network fee (usually $2 to $3), but it is faster than waiting. Alternatively, some grocery stores and retailers allow you to withdraw cash back when you make a purchase with your debit card, even on holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my direct deposit go through on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for MLK Day may be delayed by one business day because the Federal Reserve does not process transactions on federal holidays. Contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit to confirm the exact timing. If the deposit was scheduled for the holiday, it will likely arrive on Tuesday instead.
Can I use my debit card to make purchases on MLK Day?
Yes. Your debit card works at stores, restaurants, and online retailers on the holiday. The transaction will process normally. The only thing that does not work is visiting a bank branch in person.
What if I need to dispute a charge on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
You can report a fraudulent or incorrect charge through your bank's website or mobile app on the holiday. However, the formal investigation and resolution process will not begin until the branch reopens the next business day. Document the issue and submit it online so it is in the system when staff return.
Do wire transfers go through on MLK Day?
Wire transfers initiated on MLK Day will not be processed until the next business day because the Federal Reserve wire system is closed on federal holidays. If you need to send money urgently, do it before the holiday or wait until Tuesday.
Can I open a new bank account on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
No. Opening an account requires verification and approval from bank staff, which cannot happen when branches are closed. You can research banks and prepare your documents on the holiday, but the actual account opening must wait until the next business day.