Most banks are closed on Presidents Day
Presidents Day, observed on the third Monday in February, is a federal holiday. Most banks that are members of the Federal Reserve system close on this day, which means you cannot visit a branch, use a teller, or conduct in-person business.
However, "closed" does not mean you lose access to your money entirely. You can still use ATMs, online banking, mobile apps, and phone banking on Presidents Day. Any transactions you make through these channels will process normally, though transfers between banks may not clear until the next business day.
Some banks operate differently than others. A small number of community banks or credit unions may stay open on Presidents Day if they are not Federal Reserve members, though this is uncommon. The safest approach is to check your specific bank's holiday schedule before Presidents Day arrives.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks close their physical branches on Presidents Day because it is a federal holiday, but ATMs and online banking remain available.
- Transactions made through ATMs, mobile apps, or online banking on Presidents Day will go through, though some may not clear until Tuesday.
- Checks deposited on Presidents Day will not be processed until the next business day.
- A few community banks or credit unions may stay open, so contact your bank directly if you need in-person service.
What you can and cannot do on Presidents Day
You can withdraw cash from any ATM that your bank operates or that is part of your bank's network. You can transfer money between your own accounts using online banking or your mobile app. You can pay bills online, check your balance, and deposit checks using mobile check deposit if your bank offers it.
You cannot walk into a branch and speak to a teller. You cannot explore for a loan or credit card in person. You cannot order a cashier's check or get a new debit card issued on the spot. If you need these services, you will need to wait until Tuesday or handle them online if your bank allows it.
Transfers to other banks may take longer. If you send money to someone at a different bank on Presidents Day, the receiving bank will not process it until Tuesday, even though your bank may have accepted the request. Plan ahead if you are sending money to pay a bill or transfer funds to someone else.
How to prepare before Presidents Day
The week before Presidents Day, withdraw any cash you think you will need. This is especially important if you plan to spend the weekend or if you work in an industry where you handle cash regularly.
If you need to deposit a check, use mobile check deposit through your app if your bank offers it. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, and the deposit will be submitted electronically. The check will clear on Tuesday, the same as if you had deposited it in person on Monday.
If you are expecting a direct deposit or a payment from another bank, remember that it will not arrive until Tuesday. Do not count on that money being in your account on Monday. If you have bills due on Presidents Day, pay them online before the holiday arrives.
What happens to checks and transfers on Presidents Day
Checks you deposit on Presidents Day will not be processed until Tuesday. The bank receives your deposit, but the clearing process — where the money moves from the other person's bank to yours — does not happen on federal holidays. This means a check deposited on Monday will show in your account on Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on the check's origin.
Wire transfers sent on Presidents Day may also be delayed. Some banks process wires on holidays, but many do not. If you need to send a wire transfer urgently, send it on Friday or the following Tuesday instead.
ACH transfers, which are electronic transfers between banks, typically process on the next business day. If you set up an ACH transfer on Presidents Day, it will likely go through on Tuesday. Transfers within the same bank usually process when ready, even on holidays, because no clearing between banks is needed.
How to find your bank's specific holiday schedule
Call your bank's customer service line. The phone number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Ask whether your branch is open on Presidents Day and what services are available if it is closed.
Visit your bank's website and look for a holiday schedule or hours page. Many banks post their holiday closures in advance. Some banks also send email notifications to customers about upcoming holidays.
Check your bank's mobile app. Some apps display branch hours and holiday closures directly in the app, making it straightforward to see whether your specific branch will be open.
What to do if you need banking services on Presidents Day
Use your ATM to withdraw cash or deposit checks through mobile deposit. These services work 24 hours a day, even on holidays, as long as you have internet access or a working ATM nearby.
Call your bank's customer service line. Most banks operate phone banking on holidays, and a representative can help you with questions, account transfers, or other services that do not require a physical visit.
If you have an urgent problem — such as a fraudulent charge or a locked account — call the number on the back of your debit card. Banks staff their fraud and security lines on holidays because these issues cannot wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Presidents Day?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online store on Presidents Day. The bank's branch being closed does not affect your ability to spend money or withdraw cash from ATMs.
Will my direct deposit come through on Presidents Day?
No. Direct deposits are processed by the Federal Reserve, which does not operate on federal holidays. A deposit scheduled for Presidents Day will arrive on Tuesday instead. Check with your employer if you are unsure when your deposit is scheduled.
What if I need to deposit a check urgently?
Use mobile check deposit if your bank offers it. Take photos of the front and back of the check through your app, and submit the deposit electronically. The check will be processed on Tuesday, the same as if you had deposited it in person on Monday.
Are credit unions open on Presidents Day?
Most credit unions close on Presidents Day because they follow the Federal Reserve holiday schedule. However, some smaller credit unions may stay open. Contact your credit union directly to confirm their hours.
Can I pay my bills online on Presidents Day?
Yes. Online bill payments work on Presidents Day. However, the payment may not reach the recipient until Tuesday. If a bill is due on Presidents Day, pay it a few days earlier to may support it arrives on time.