Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches stay open

Yes, most banks close on Veterans Day (November 11th), treating it as a federal holiday. This means the main branches of large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank will be closed, and you won't be able to visit in person or conduct business at a teller window.

However, the picture is more complicated than a straightforward yes or no. Some banks keep certain locations open, ATMs run 24/7 regardless of the holiday, and online banking continues to work. The specifics depend on which bank you use and what you need to do.

Key Takeaways

  • National banks close their physical branches on Veterans Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available all day.
  • Some regional and community banks may stay open on Veterans Day even though it is a federal holiday, so check with your specific bank.
  • If you need cash before the holiday, withdraw it the day before, since ATMs have daily limits.
  • Checks deposited on Veterans Day through mobile banking or ATM will be processed the next business day, not when ready.

What closes and what stays open on Veterans Day

Physical bank branches close on Veterans Day at all major national banks. This means you cannot speak to a teller, open a new account in person, or conduct transactions that require a banker's help. The lobby and drive-through are both closed.

ATMs stay open all day and night, including Veterans Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, and check your balance at any ATM belonging to your bank or your bank's network. Keep in mind that ATMs have daily withdrawal limits—usually $500 to $1,000 depending on your account type—so plan ahead if you need a large amount of cash.

Online banking and mobile apps work normally on Veterans Day. You can transfer money between accounts, pay bills, send money to other people, and check your balance from your phone or computer at any time. These services do not stop for holidays.

Customer service phone lines are typically closed on Veterans Day at major banks, though some banks maintain a skeleton crew for emergencies. If you need to speak to someone, you may have to wait until the next business day.

Regional and community banks may have different hours

While national banks almost always close on Veterans Day, smaller regional banks and community banks sometimes stay open. This varies widely by institution and location. A community bank in your area might treat Veterans Day as a regular business day, or it might close like the big banks do.

The only way to know for certain is to call your bank directly or check their website before Veterans Day. Many banks post holiday hours online a week or two in advance. If you bank with a credit union, check with them as well—some credit unions close on federal holidays and others do not.

Planning ahead for Veterans Day banking needs

If you know you will need cash or need to handle banking business on or around Veterans Day, take these steps the day before: withdraw cash from an ATM (keeping your daily limit in mind), deposit any checks through mobile banking or an ATM, and pay any bills online that are due soon after the holiday.

If you have a time-sensitive transaction that requires speaking to a banker—such as opening a new account, explore for a loan, or resolving a fraud issue—try to handle it before November 10th. If the issue is urgent and cannot wait, some banks have 24-hour fraud hotlines that operate even on holidays.

For checks deposited on Veterans Day through an ATM or mobile app, remember that they will not be processed until the next business day (November 12th). The bank is closed, so no one is processing deposits. Plan accordingly if you are counting on that money to be available quickly.

Wire transfers and ACH payments on Veterans Day

Wire transfers initiated on Veterans Day will not be sent until the next business day. If you send a wire on November 11th, it leaves your bank on November 12th. This matters if you have a important date—for example, if you are sending money to close on a house, do not wait until Veterans Day to initiate the wire.

ACH transfers (the system banks use to move money between accounts, often taking one to three business days) also pause on federal holidays. A transfer you start on Veterans Day will begin processing on November 12th, pushing the arrival date back by one day.

If you need money to arrive by a specific date and Veterans Day falls in the window, initiate the transfer at least one business day earlier. For example, if you need money to arrive by November 12th, send it on November 9th or earlier.

What to do if you have an urgent banking problem on Veterans Day

If your debit card is lost or stolen, or if you notice fraudulent charges on your account, call your bank's fraud hotline. Most major banks operate these 24/7, even on holidays. The number is usually on the back of your card or on your bank's website.

If your account is locked or you cannot access online banking, you may have to wait until November 12th to speak to someone unless your bank has an emergency support line. Check your bank's website or your account statements for an emergency contact number.

For non-urgent issues—a question about your account, a request to increase your ATM withdrawal limit, or help with a transaction—these can wait until the next business day. Use your bank's online chat feature if available, though responses may be delayed.

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 stores, gas stations, and online retailers regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The bank's computer systems are running even though the physical location is closed. You can also use your card at ATMs to withdraw cash.

Will a check I deposit on Veterans Day clear the same day?

No. Checks deposited on Veterans Day through an ATM or mobile app will be processed the next business day (November 12th). The bank's processing center is closed on the holiday, so nothing moves until the 12th. Plan for a one-day delay if you need the money quickly.

What if I need to deposit a large check before Veterans Day?

Use your bank's mobile app to deposit it on November 10th or earlier. Most banks let you photograph the front and back of a check and deposit it when ready through the app. The check will be processed the next business day. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, visit an ATM or branch before the holiday closes.

Do credit unions close on Veterans Day?

Most credit unions close on Veterans Day, but not all. Some treat it as a regular business day. Call your credit union directly or check their website to confirm their hours. If they are closed, you can still use their ATM and online banking services.

If I send a wire transfer on Veterans Day, when does it arrive?

The wire will not be sent until November 12th, the next business day. Depending on the receiving bank, it may arrive on November 12th or November 13th. If you have a important date, send the wire on November 9th or earlier to be safe.