Most banks are closed on Veterans Day, but some branches and services stay open
Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. On that date, most major banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and regional banks — close their physical branches because it is a federal holiday. However, the closure is not complete. ATMs remain open 24/7, online banking works normally, and some banks operate limited services or keep select branches open depending on local rules.
The key difference is between what closes and what stays running. Teller windows and loan officers shut down. Mobile apps, website transfers, bill pay, and customer service phone lines often continue. If you need cash or must speak to someone in person, you will need to plan ahead or find an alternative.
Key Takeaways
- Physical bank branches close on Veterans Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available.
- You can withdraw cash from ATMs, transfer money online, and pay bills through your bank's app or website on Veterans Day.
- Some banks operate a small number of branches on Veterans Day; call your specific branch the day before to confirm.
- If you need to deposit checks or speak to a teller, plan to visit on the day before or after the holiday.
Which banks close and which stay partially open
All federally chartered banks and most state-chartered banks close on Veterans Day because federal law requires it. This includes Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank, PNC Bank, and TD Bank. Credit unions typically close as well, though a few operate limited hours — call ahead if you use a credit union.
Some regional and community banks may keep one or two branches open, especially in areas where Veterans Day is observed on a different date due to local custom. However, this is rare. Your safest assumption is that your branch will be closed. If you have a specific need on November 11, contact your bank directly the day before to ask whether any nearby branches are open.
What you can still do on Veterans Day without visiting a branch
ATMs work around the clock on Veterans Day. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks at most ATMs (though some ATMs do not accept deposits). There is no limit to how many times you can use an ATM on a holiday.
Online banking and mobile apps function normally. You can transfer money between your own accounts, send money to other people through your bank's app, pay bills, set up automatic payments, and check your balance. Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated online typically process on the next business day, which would be November 12.
Customer service phone lines may be staffed or may route to automated systems, depending on the bank. If you call and reach a person, they can answer questions but usually cannot process transactions that require teller access, such as depositing a check or withdrawing a large amount of cash.
What requires a visit to a branch and cannot wait
Depositing paper checks requires a teller or a deposit-enabled ATM. Not all ATMs accept checks, so if your ATM does not have that feature, you will need to visit a branch. If you must deposit a check on Veterans Day, look for a bank-owned ATM that displays a deposit slot, or wait until November 12.
Cashing a check that is not drawn on your bank requires a teller. Some banks will cash checks from other banks for account holders, but this service is not available through ATMs or online. If you need to cash a third-party check on Veterans Day, you will have to wait.
Accessing a safe deposit box requires staff. If you need something from your box on Veterans Day, you cannot retrieve it that day. Plan ahead if you know you will need documents or items stored in a box.
How to plan ahead if you need banking services on Veterans Day
Visit your branch on November 10 if you know you will need cash, need to deposit checks, or need to speak to a loan officer or account manager. Withdraw enough cash to cover your needs through November 12. Deposit any checks before the branch closes.
If you have a time-sensitive transaction — such as a wire transfer or a large withdrawal — complete it on November 10. Most banks process wires same-day if you initiate them before a cutoff time, usually 2 or 3 p.m. Eastern time.
Set up automatic bill pay or use your bank's online bill pay feature for any payments due around Veterans Day. This way, you do not have to visit a branch or call a teller. Automatic payments process on schedule even when branches are closed.
What happens if you need emergency banking on Veterans Day
If you have a genuine emergency — such as a fraudulent charge, a lost card, or a compromised account — call your bank's customer service line. Most banks staff a 24/7 fraud and security line even on holidays. They cannot process every type of transaction, but they can freeze your card, dispute a charge, or reset your online password.
If you need cash and your ATM is out of service or does not have enough funds, some banks operate a small number of branches on Veterans Day for emergencies. Call the main customer service number and ask. Do not assume a branch is open; confirm first.
State and local variations on Veterans Day closures
Veterans Day is always November 11, but some states and cities observe it on a different date if November 11 falls on a weekend. For example, if November 11 is a Saturday, some employers and government offices observe the holiday on Friday, November 10. Banks, however, follow federal holiday rules, which means they close on November 11 itself, regardless of the day of the week.
A few states have additional state holidays that may affect bank hours. Check your state's holiday calendar if you live in a state with unique observances. Your bank's website usually lists all holidays when branches will be closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card to buy things on Veterans Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at stores, gas stations, and online retailers on Veterans Day because the transaction goes through the payment network, not through your bank branch. The charge posts to your account the same way it would on any other day. The bank being closed does not affect debit card use.
Will my direct deposit still arrive on Veterans Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for November 11 usually arrive on time because the federal banking system processes them automatically. However, if your employer's payroll system is also closed on Veterans Day, the deposit may arrive on November 12 instead. Check with your employer if you are unsure when payroll is processed.
What if I need to make a large cash withdrawal before Veterans Day?
Visit your branch on November 10 and withdraw the amount you need. Most banks do not restrict cash withdrawals for account holders, but if you are withdrawing more than $10,000, the bank must file a Currency Transaction Report with the federal government — this is routine and not a problem. Plan ahead so you have time to visit during business hours.
Can I transfer money to someone else's account on Veterans Day?
Yes, if you use your bank's online transfer or mobile app to send money to another person at the same bank, the transfer usually completes immediately or within a few hours. Transfers to other banks (ACH transfers) typically process the next business day, which would be November 12. Wire transfers initiated online may also process on November 12 depending on your bank's cutoff time.
Do credit unions close on Veterans Day?
Most credit unions close on Veterans Day because it is a federal holiday. However, some credit unions operate limited hours or keep one branch open. Call your credit union the day before to confirm whether it will be open on November 11.