Yes, most banks close on Veterans Day
Most U.S. banks close on Veterans Day (November 11) because it is a federal holiday. This means you cannot visit a branch, use a teller, or conduct in-person business. However, you can still use ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps to check balances, transfer money, or pay bills—those services run 24/7 regardless of whether branches are staffed.
Some banks stay open on Veterans Day if the holiday falls on a weekend and they normally operate on that day, but this is rare. A few credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different schedules, so calling ahead is the safest move if you need to know for certain.
Key Takeaways
- Bank branches close on Veterans Day (November 11), but ATMs and online banking stay available around the clock.
- Deposits made at an ATM on Veterans Day will not post until the next business day, so plan accordingly if you need funds quickly.
- Checks and electronic transfers initiated on Veterans Day may not process until the following day or later, depending on the bank.
- If you need cash or must conduct business in person, plan ahead by withdrawing money or handling transactions the day before.
- Wire transfers and bill payments can usually be scheduled in advance through online banking to avoid delays.
What you can and cannot do on Veterans Day
On Veterans Day, you cannot walk into a branch and speak to a teller, open a new account, get a cashier's check, or resolve disputes in person. You also cannot deposit checks at a branch window or use a safe deposit box.
What remains open: ATMs work normally, so you can withdraw cash or deposit checks at a machine (though the deposit won't clear until the next business day). Online banking portals and mobile apps let you transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, check balances, and set up future transactions. You can also call customer service lines, though wait times are often longer on holidays.
When deposits and payments actually post
If you deposit a check at an ATM on Veterans Day, the bank receives it, but the funds do not post to your account until the next business day (November 12). This matters if you are counting on that money to cover a bill or payment—the bank's system will not recognize the deposit as complete until the following day.
Bill payments and transfers you schedule through online banking on Veterans Day will process according to the schedule you set. If you choose "send today," the bank may hold it until November 12 because Veterans Day is not a business day. If you schedule it for November 12 or later, it will go out on that date. Wire transfers follow the same rule: they do not move on federal holidays, so a wire initiated on Veterans Day will not leave your account until the next business day.
Planning ahead to avoid delays
If you know you will need cash on or around Veterans Day, withdraw it the day before (November 10). If you need to deposit a check and want the funds available quickly, deposit it on November 10 instead of waiting until Veterans Day.
For bill payments or transfers, use your bank's online system to schedule them for November 12 or later, rather than trying to send them on the holiday itself. This removes the guesswork and ensures the transaction goes out on the date you intend. If you have a time-sensitive payment due on November 11, send it by November 10 to be safe.
What happens if you need cash or emergency help
ATMs are your main option for cash on Veterans Day. If your bank's ATM is out of service or you need a different type of transaction, some grocery stores and pharmacies have ATMs that work around the clock, though they may charge a fee.
If you face a genuine emergency—a fraud alert, a stolen card, or a critical account issue—call your bank's customer service number on the back of your card. Most banks staff phone lines on federal holidays, though you may wait longer than usual. They cannot process certain requests (like opening an account or issuing a cashier's check), but they can freeze a card, dispute a charge, or answer questions about your account.
Different banks, different policies
The vast majority of national banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others) close all branches on Veterans Day. However, some credit unions, community banks, and online-only banks may have different schedules. If you bank with a smaller institution or credit union, call the branch directly or check your bank's website to confirm whether it will be open.
A few banks open on Veterans Day if it falls on a Saturday or Sunday and they normally operate weekends, but this is uncommon. The safest approach is to assume your branch is closed and plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Veterans Day?
Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs, stores, and online merchants on Veterans Day. The bank's branch is closed, but the payment network stays active. Transactions may take longer to post if they require bank processing, but the card itself functions normally.
Will my direct deposit come through on Veterans Day?
No. Direct deposits scheduled for Veterans Day will not post until November 12 because the bank does not process deposits on federal holidays. If your paycheck is due on November 11, it will arrive on November 12 instead. Check with your employer about the exact timing.
What if I need to dispute a charge on Veterans Day?
Call your bank's customer service line (the number on the back of your card). Representatives work on holidays and can start a dispute investigation over the phone. You will likely need to follow up in writing or through the app within a few days, but the phone call documents your claim and starts the clock on the bank's investigation timeline.
Can I transfer money between banks on Veterans Day?
You can initiate the transfer through your bank's online system, but it will not actually move until November 12. Schedule it for the next business day to avoid confusion about timing. ACH transfers (the standard method) take one to three business days anyway, so scheduling it for November 12 means it will arrive by November 14 or 15.