Most banks close on weekends and federal holidays, but hours vary by branch and bank
Whether your bank is open today depends on three things: what day it is, which bank you use, and which branch location you're visiting. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically close on Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays. Credit unions and smaller regional banks often follow the same schedule, but some have different hours or stay open on Saturdays. The fastest way to know is to call your specific branch or check its hours online—not the bank's main website, but the individual branch location.
If you need cash or to deposit a check today and the branch is closed, most banks let you use the ATM in the lobby 24 hours a day. If you need to speak to someone or handle a transaction that requires a teller, you'll have to wait until the branch reopens, or you can visit a different branch that's still open.
Key Takeaways
- Most bank branches close on Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays, though some credit unions and regional banks stay open on Saturday mornings.
- The only reliable way to know your branch's hours is to call the branch directly or look up that specific location online, not the bank's main website.
- ATMs in the bank lobby work 24 hours even when the branch is closed, so you can withdraw cash or deposit checks anytime.
- If you need a teller and your branch is closed, you can visit another branch of the same bank, though not all transactions work at every location.
How to check if your bank branch is open right now
Call the branch directly. Look up the phone number on your bank statement, your debit card, or by searching "[Bank Name] [Your City] branch phone number." When you call, you'll hear the hours and whether the branch is open today. This takes 30 seconds and is more reliable than any website.
If you prefer to look online, go to your bank's website and use the branch locator tool. Search for your zip code or city, and the tool will show you nearby branches with their hours. Click on your branch to see today's hours. Some banks, like Chase and Bank of America, also show whether the branch is currently open or closed.
You can also use Google Maps. Search "[Bank Name] near me," click on your branch, and scroll down to see the hours and whether it's open now. Google updates these hours regularly, though occasionally the information lags behind actual changes.
What counts as a federal holiday when banks close
Banks close on the following federal holidays: New Year's Day (January 1), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January), Presidents' Day (third Monday in February), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Juneteenth (June 19), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (first Monday in September), Columbus Day (second Monday in October), Veterans Day (November 11), Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November), and Christmas Day (December 25).
On these days, the branch is closed and you cannot see a teller, but ATMs still work. If a holiday falls on a weekend, most banks close on the following Monday instead. For example, if Christmas falls on a Saturday, banks typically close on Monday, December 27.
Using ATMs and mobile banking when the branch is closed
ATMs in your bank's lobby or at other locations work around the clock, even when the branch is closed. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, transfer money between accounts, and check your balance. Mobile banking apps work the same way—you can send money, pay bills, and move funds anytime, day or night, from your phone.
If you need to deposit a check and the ATM doesn't have a mobile deposit option, you can use your bank's mobile app to photograph the front and back of the check and deposit it that way. Most banks process mobile check deposits within one business day.
When you need a teller and the branch is closed
Some transactions require a teller: opening a new account, getting a cashier's check, reporting a lost card in person, or handling a dispute that needs documentation. If your branch is closed, you have three options.
First, visit another branch of the same bank. Most banks let you conduct basic teller transactions at any branch, though some services (like opening an account) may only work at your home branch. Call ahead to confirm the other branch can handle what you need.
Second, call the bank's customer service line and ask whether they can handle your request over the phone. Many banks can issue cashier's checks, freeze accounts, or start dispute investigations without you visiting a branch.
Third, wait until the branch reopens. If it's not urgent, this is often the simplest route.
Banks that have different hours or stay open on weekends
Some credit unions and online banks operate differently. Certain credit unions stay open on Saturday mornings or have extended weekday hours. A few regional banks, particularly in urban areas, open on Saturdays. Call your bank or check its website to see whether your branch is one of them.
Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Marcus have no physical branches, so there's no "branch hours" to check. You handle everything through the app or website, which works 24/7. If you need to deposit a check, you photograph it in the app. If you need cash, you use any ATM in the Allpoint or MoneyPass network, depending on your bank.
What to do if you need money urgently and the bank is closed
If you need cash today and your bank is closed, use an ATM. If you need a large amount and your ATM has a daily withdrawal limit, you may have to wait until the branch reopens or visit multiple ATMs.
If you need to send money to someone else urgently, use a money transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram, which operate at grocery stores, pharmacies, and other locations on weekends and holidays. These services charge a fee, but they work when banks are closed.
If you need to pay a bill and the bank is closed, use your bank's bill pay feature in the mobile app or online banking portal. These work 24/7 and the payment will be scheduled for the next business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check at an ATM if the bank is closed?
Yes. Most ATMs have a check deposit slot. You insert the check, the machine scans it, and the deposit posts to your account within one business day. If your ATM doesn't have a deposit slot, use your bank's mobile app to photograph the front and back of the check instead.
Do banks close early on certain days?
Some branches close early on Fridays or the day before a holiday, but this varies by location. Call your branch or check its hours online to see whether it closes early today. The branch locator tool on your bank's website usually shows this information.
What if my bank's website says it's open but the branch is actually closed?
Call the branch directly to confirm. Bank websites sometimes show standard hours rather than today's actual hours, especially around holidays or during staffing changes. The branch phone number is the most reliable source.
Can I open a new account if the branch is closed?
Some banks let you open an account online or through the mobile app without visiting a branch. Others require you to visit in person. Call your bank's customer service line to ask whether you can open an account online, or wait until the branch reopens.
Do credit unions have the same hours as banks?
Most credit unions close on weekends and federal holidays like banks do, but some stay open on Saturday mornings or have different weekday hours. Call your credit union or check its website to see its specific hours.