Most banks are closed on Sunday, but some branches and online services stay open

Yes, the vast majority of banks in the United States close on Sunday. This is not a law — it is a choice most banks make together. A few banks keep some branches open on Sunday, and all banks let you use online banking, ATMs, and mobile apps around the clock. So while you cannot walk into a typical branch on Sunday to deposit a check or speak to a teller, you can still move money and check your balance.

The Sunday closure traces back to banking regulations that once limited when banks could operate. Those rules have mostly disappeared, but the Sunday closing stuck around because it saves banks money on staffing and building costs. Banks that stay open seven days a week tend to be smaller regional banks or credit unions, not the large national chains.

Key Takeaways

  • Most bank branches close on Sunday, but you can still use ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps any day of the week.
  • A few regional banks and credit unions keep Sunday hours, so check your bank's website or call ahead if you need a teller on Sunday.
  • If you need to deposit a check on Sunday, you can use a mobile check deposit through your bank's app instead of visiting a branch.
  • Wire transfers and bill payments can be sent on Sunday through online banking, though they may not process until Monday.
  • ATM withdrawals and balance checks work on Sunday just like any other day, with no delays.

What you can and cannot do on Sunday at a bank

On Sunday, you cannot visit a branch to speak with a teller, open a new account, or get a cashier's check in person. You also cannot use a bank's safe deposit box or meet with a loan officer. These services all require a person to be at the branch, and most banks do not staff branches on Sunday.

What you can do on Sunday: withdraw cash from an ATM, check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills online, deposit a check using your phone's camera (if your bank offers mobile deposit), and send a wire transfer through online banking. These actions do not require a teller or a physical location. The wire transfer will sit in the queue until Monday morning when the banking system processes it, but you can initiate it on Sunday.

Which banks stay open on Sunday

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank are closed on Sunday at nearly all branches. Some of their branches in major cities may have different hours, so it is worth checking your specific location on their website.

Smaller regional banks and credit unions are more likely to keep Sunday hours. Examples include some branches of TD Bank, which operates in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, and various local credit unions. The only way to know if your bank or credit union has Sunday hours is to search for your branch on their website or call the branch directly. Hours vary by location even within the same bank.

How to deposit a check on Sunday

If you need to deposit a check on Sunday, use mobile check deposit through your bank's app. Open the app, find the deposit option, take a photo of the front and back of the check, and submit it. The check will be processed when the bank's system opens on Monday morning, and the funds will usually appear in your account by Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on the check amount and your bank's policy.

Mobile deposit works for most personal checks. It does not work for cashier's checks, money orders, or checks from other countries. If you have one of those, you will need to wait until Monday to visit a branch or use an ATM that accepts deposits (some banks have these, but not all).

ATMs and online banking on Sunday

ATMs run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can withdraw cash, deposit cash or checks (if the ATM accepts deposits), transfer money, and check your balance on Sunday with no delays. The only limit is the daily withdrawal limit your bank sets — this is usually between $300 and $1,000, depending on your account type and bank.

Online banking and mobile apps also work on Sunday. You can log in, view your transactions, pay bills, and send money to other people or accounts. Payments and transfers you send on Sunday will be queued and processed on Monday morning. If you send a bill payment on Sunday evening, it will typically reach the recipient by Wednesday or Thursday, so plan ahead if you have a due date on Monday or Tuesday.

Why banks chose to close on Sunday

Banking regulations from the 1930s and 1960s limited when banks could open. These rules were designed to prevent banks from competing too hard and to protect smaller banks from being outmatched by larger ones. The Sunday closure was part of this system.

Those regulations have been repealed or relaxed, so banks are now free to stay open whenever they want. However, most large banks chose to keep Sunday closed because it cuts costs. Staffing a branch seven days a week is expensive. By closing on Sunday, a bank saves on wages, utilities, and security. Smaller banks and credit unions sometimes stay open on Sunday to compete for customers, but the big chains have decided the savings are worth losing a day of business.

What to do if you need banking services on Sunday

First, check whether your specific branch has Sunday hours by searching on your bank's website or calling the branch. Some locations may differ from the standard schedule.

If your branch is closed, use an ATM to withdraw cash or deposit checks (if available). Use your mobile app to transfer money, pay bills, or check your balance. If you need to speak with someone, call your bank's customer service line — most banks have phone support on Sunday, though wait times may be longer. If you need services that require a teller or loan officer, you will have to wait until Monday.

If Sunday banking is important to you, ask your current bank whether any nearby branches have extended hours, or research banks in your area that do stay open on Sunday. Some credit unions and regional banks market themselves on seven-day availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check at an ATM on Sunday?

Some ATMs accept check deposits, but not all. Check your bank's website to see whether your nearest ATM has a deposit slot. If it does, you can deposit on Sunday and the check will process on Monday. If not, use mobile check deposit through your app instead.

Will a wire transfer I send on Sunday go through the same day?

No. Wire transfers sent on Sunday will be queued and processed on Monday morning when the banking system opens. The recipient will receive the money on Monday or Tuesday, depending on their bank. If you need money to move the same day, you cannot use a wire transfer on Sunday.

Do credit unions close on Sunday?

Most credit unions close on Sunday, just like banks. However, some credit unions stay open on Sunday to attract members. Check your credit union's website or call to see whether your branch has Sunday hours.

Can I open a new bank account on Sunday?

No. Opening an account requires a teller or banker to verify your identity and set up your account. This can only happen when a branch is staffed. You will need to visit on a weekday or Saturday, depending on your bank's hours.

What if I need cash on Sunday and the ATM is broken?

If your bank's ATM is out of service, you can use an ATM from another bank. You will likely pay a fee (usually $2 to $3), but you can still withdraw cash. Some grocery stores and convenience stores also have ATMs. Check your bank's app or website to find other ATMs nearby.