Most banks and post offices close on Veterans Day
Veterans Day is a federal holiday, which means most banks and post offices shut down for the day. If Veterans Day falls on a weekday, you will not be able to visit a branch in person or use postal services at a post office window. However, you can still use ATMs and online banking.
The exact closure depends on where you bank and which post office you use. Some credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different schedules, so it is worth checking with your specific branch before the holiday. The U.S. Postal Service closes all post offices on Veterans Day, with no exceptions for size or location.
When Veterans Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, banks and post offices are already closed, so the holiday does not change your routine. When it falls on a weekday — November 11 — that is when you need to plan ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks close their branches on Veterans Day when it falls on a weekday, but ATMs and online banking remain available.
- All U.S. Postal Service locations close on Veterans Day, including post offices in every state and territory.
- Some credit unions and smaller banks may have different holiday schedules, so check with your branch directly.
- If you need to deposit checks or mail packages, plan to do so the day before or the day after the holiday.
- Banks that remain open on Veterans Day are rare and usually only found in areas where the holiday is not widely observed.
What stays open: ATMs and online banking
Even though the branch is closed, your bank's ATM will work normally on Veterans Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks using a mobile app or ATM envelope, and check your balance at any time. Online banking — logging into your account through the bank's website or app — also runs 24/7 and does not stop for holidays.
If you need to move money between accounts, pay bills online, or transfer funds to another person, you can do all of that from home on Veterans Day. The only thing you cannot do is speak to a teller, visit a loan officer, or handle transactions that require a person behind a desk.
Post offices: completely closed, no exceptions
The U.S. Postal Service closes all post offices on Veterans Day. This means you cannot buy stamps, mail packages at the window, or pick up held mail. Post office lobbies with self-service kiosks may remain unlocked in some locations, but staffed service is not available.
If you need to mail something urgently, use a private carrier like UPS or FedEx, which may be open on Veterans Day depending on the location. Call ahead to confirm. For routine mail, plan to visit the post office the day before or the day after the holiday.
Banks that might stay open on Veterans Day
A very small number of banks stay open on Veterans Day, but this is uncommon. Some online-only banks do not observe federal holidays because they have no physical branches. If you bank entirely online, Veterans Day will not affect you at all.
A few regional or community banks in areas with large military populations may stay open as a gesture of respect or business need. This is not standard practice. The safest assumption is that your bank is closed unless you have confirmed otherwise with your branch directly.
Planning ahead: what to do before Veterans Day
If you know you will need cash or need to mail something on or around Veterans Day, take care of it the business day before. Withdraw extra cash from an ATM, deposit checks using your mobile app or ATM, and mail packages at least one day early.
If you have bills due on or shortly after Veterans Day, pay them online a few days in advance. If you need to speak to someone at your bank about a problem, call during business hours the day before the holiday. Most banks have customer service phone lines open during regular hours even on holidays, though you may not reach a branch employee.
When Veterans Day falls on a weekend
Veterans Day is always November 11. When November 11 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, federal offices and most banks observe the holiday on the nearest weekday — usually the Friday before or the Monday after. Check your bank's website or call to confirm which day your branch is closed.
The U.S. Postal Service follows the same rule. If November 11 is a Saturday, post offices close on Friday. If it is a Sunday, they close on Monday. Your bank may observe the holiday on a different day than the post office, so do not assume they are the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card at stores on Veterans Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any store, gas station, or ATM on Veterans Day regardless of whether your bank branch is open. The bank's computer systems run continuously, so transactions process normally. You only cannot visit the physical branch.
Will my direct deposit still go through on Veterans Day?
Yes. Direct deposits, automatic bill payments, and scheduled transfers all process on Veterans Day as usual. The bank's computer systems do not stop for holidays. Only in-person services at the branch are unavailable.
What if I need to cash a check on Veterans Day?
Use an ATM if your bank offers mobile check deposit through its app — you can deposit the check and withdraw cash the same day. If you need to cash a check without depositing it, visit a store like Walmart or a check-cashing service, which may be open. Some grocery stores also cash checks.
Are credit unions closed on Veterans Day?
Most credit unions close on Veterans Day, but some stay open. Call your credit union directly to confirm. Credit unions are not required to follow the same schedule as banks, so each one sets its own holiday calendar.
Can I mail something at a UPS store on Veterans Day if the post office is closed?
UPS stores are private businesses and often stay open on federal holidays, though hours may be reduced. FedEx locations also typically remain open. Call ahead to confirm hours, as each location sets its own schedule.