Most banks close on Veterans Day, but some branches stay open
Yes, most banks in the United States close on Veterans Day (November 11th). The Federal Reserve, which sets the standard for the banking system, observes Veterans Day as a federal holiday. This means that the vast majority of national and regional banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most credit unions — will be closed on that day.
However, some banks do stay open on Veterans Day. Online-only banks like Ally and Charles Schwab do not have physical branches, so they operate normally. Some regional banks and credit unions may also remain open, depending on their own policies. If you need to visit a branch on November 11th, call ahead or check your bank's website to confirm whether that specific location will be open.
If Veterans Day falls on a weekend, your bank will typically be closed on the observed holiday — usually the Friday before (if November 11th is a Saturday) or the Monday after (if November 11th is a Sunday). Check with your bank to confirm which day they observe it.
Key Takeaways
- Most brick-and-mortar banks close on Veterans Day because the Federal Reserve observes it as a federal holiday.
- Online banks and some regional institutions may stay open, so you should check your specific bank's holiday schedule.
- If you need cash or to visit a branch, plan ahead by withdrawing money the day before or using an ATM.
- When Veterans Day falls on a weekend, your bank will be closed on the observed holiday — usually Friday or Monday.
What you can still do when your bank is closed
Even though the branch is closed, you are not completely locked out of your money. ATMs operate 24/7, so you can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks at any ATM your bank owns or partners with. Many banks also allow you to transfer money between your own accounts through their mobile app or website.
If you need to speak to someone, most banks offer phone support on holidays, though wait times are often longer. Check your bank's website or the back of your debit card for the customer service number. Some banks also offer chat support through their app or website.
For urgent matters like a lost or stolen card, fraud, or a locked account, call your bank's 24-hour customer service line. These lines are staffed even on federal holidays.
Planning ahead for Veterans Day banking
If you know you will need to visit a branch on or around Veterans Day, take care of it the day before. Withdraw extra cash if you think you will need it, deposit checks early, or handle any account changes while the branch is open.
If you have a time-sensitive transaction — like a wire transfer, a large deposit, or opening a new account — schedule it for the business day before the holiday. Some transactions cannot be completed through ATMs or online, and waiting until after the holiday could delay things by several days.
How Veterans Day closures affect different types of accounts
Checking and savings accounts work the same way on Veterans Day: you can access your money through ATMs and online banking, but you cannot visit a branch or speak to a teller. Transfers between your own accounts can usually be done online or through the app.
If you have a money market account or certificate of deposit (CD), you generally cannot withdraw or make changes on a holiday without calling customer service. If your CD is maturing on Veterans Day, contact your bank beforehand to discuss what happens next — some banks automatically renew CDs, while others may move the money to your savings account.
Credit card payments can be made online or through the app on Veterans Day, and they will post normally. Loan payments (mortgage, auto, personal) also post normally if you set them up as automatic transfers.
When Veterans Day falls on a weekend
Veterans Day is always November 11th, but when that date lands on a Saturday or Sunday, federal offices and most banks observe the holiday on a different day. If November 11th is a Saturday, the observed holiday is usually Friday, November 10th. If November 11th is a Sunday, the observed holiday is usually Monday, November 12th.
Your bank will be closed on the observed day, not necessarily on November 11th itself. Some banks post a holiday schedule on their website in advance, so you can check which day your branch will be closed. If you are unsure, call the branch directly or check online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. You can use your debit card to make purchases, withdraw cash from ATMs, and check your balance. You just cannot visit a physical branch or speak to a teller. Online transfers between your own accounts also work normally.
Will my direct deposit or automatic payments go through on Veterans Day?
Yes. Direct deposits, automatic bill payments, and scheduled transfers all process normally on federal holidays. The banking system itself does not close — only the physical branches and customer service lines are staffed differently.
What if I need to deposit a check on Veterans Day?
You can deposit checks through your bank's mobile app (mobile deposit) or at an ATM if your bank offers that service. If neither option is available, you will need to wait until the next business day to deposit at a branch.
Do credit unions close on Veterans Day?
Most credit unions close on Veterans Day, but some stay open. Call your credit union or check their website to confirm. Online credit unions and those with limited hours may have different schedules than traditional branches.
Can I wire money on Veterans Day?
Outgoing wire transfers usually cannot be sent on federal holidays because the Federal Reserve is closed. If you need to send money urgently, do it the business day before. Incoming wires may still arrive, but they will not be processed until the next business day.