Most banks are closed on Labor Day, but you can still access your money
Banks in the United States close on Labor Day (the first Monday in September) as a federal holiday. This means branch locations will not be staffed, and you cannot walk in to deposit checks, withdraw cash, or speak to a teller. However, you can still move money and pay bills through ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps — those services run 24/7 even when branches are closed.
If you need cash before the holiday, withdraw it on Friday or the day before. If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit through your bank's app or an ATM that accepts deposits — most major banks have these. Transactions you make on Labor Day itself will process the next business day (Tuesday), not immediately.
Key Takeaways
- Bank branches close on Labor Day, but ATMs and online banking stay open around the clock.
- Checks deposited on Labor Day will not clear until Tuesday, even if you use mobile deposit or an ATM.
- Wire transfers and bill payments made on Labor Day process the next business day.
- Some credit unions and smaller banks may have different holiday schedules, so check your bank's website before the holiday.
ATM access and cash withdrawal on Labor Day
You can withdraw cash from your bank's ATM on Labor Day without any interruption. ATMs operate independently of branch hours and process transactions around the clock. Your debit card will work the same way it does any other day.
If you need a large amount of cash or a cashier's check, plan ahead. Withdraw what you need on Friday or the business day before Labor Day. Cashier's checks can only be issued by a teller at a branch, so you cannot get one on the holiday itself.
Online banking and mobile deposits during the holiday
Online banking portals and mobile apps remain open on Labor Day. You can check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and send money to other people through services like Zelle or your bank's transfer system. These transactions are processed immediately in your account, though they may not reach the recipient until Tuesday.
Mobile check deposit — where you photograph a check through your bank's app — works on Labor Day. However, the check does not actually clear until the next business day. If you deposit a check on Monday, assume the funds will be available Tuesday at the earliest, and sometimes Wednesday depending on your bank's policy.
When deposits and transfers actually post
Timing matters on a holiday. Any transaction you initiate on Labor Day — a check deposit, a bill payment, a wire transfer — will be processed by your bank on Tuesday morning when the branch reopens. This means if you need money to clear by a specific date, you should not wait until Monday to deposit it.
Wire transfers are the exception in terms of speed within business hours, but even wire transfers initiated on Labor Day will not move until Tuesday. If you are paying a bill that is due on Tuesday, do not assume a payment made on Monday will arrive in time. Call the creditor or check their website to see if they accept payments on holidays.
Credit unions and smaller banks may have different hours
Most credit unions also close on Labor Day, but some remain open or have limited hours. Check your credit union's website or call ahead if you are unsure. Smaller regional banks sometimes operate on different holiday schedules than the major national banks.
If your bank is part of a network like Allpoint or MoneyPass, you may be able to use ATMs from other banks on the holiday. Check your bank's website for ATM network information before Labor Day arrives.
Planning ahead to avoid Labor Day delays
If you know you will need cash, make a deposit, or handle banking on or around Labor Day, take these steps on Friday: withdraw cash you will need, deposit checks through mobile deposit or an ATM, and schedule bill payments for after the holiday if the due date is flexible.
If you have a time-sensitive transaction — a wire transfer for a real estate closing, a large payment to a contractor, or a check that must clear by a specific date — contact your bank on Friday to discuss timing. Some banks can manually process urgent transactions on holidays if you call ahead and explain the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check on Labor Day using my bank's ATM?
Yes, if your bank's ATM accepts deposits. The deposit will be recorded in your account on Monday, but the check will not actually clear until Tuesday or later. Do not assume the money is available to spend until Wednesday.
Will a bill payment I make online on Labor Day reach my creditor by Tuesday?
Probably not. Online bill payments initiated on Labor Day are processed Tuesday morning, so they typically arrive Wednesday or later. If your bill is due Tuesday, make the payment on Friday instead.
Can I get a cashier's check on Labor Day?
No. Cashier's checks are issued only by tellers at branch locations, which are closed on Labor Day. If you need one, get it on Friday or the business day before the holiday.
What if I need to wire money on Labor Day?
You can initiate a wire transfer through online banking on Labor Day, but it will not actually send until Tuesday morning when the bank reopens. If the transfer is urgent, call your bank on Friday to see if they can process it before the holiday.
Do all banks close on Labor Day?
Most banks close, but some credit unions and regional banks may have different schedules. Check your specific bank's website or call their main number to confirm their Labor Day hours before the holiday.