What Is Veterans Day and Why Banks Close
Veterans Day is a federal holiday celebrated on November 11th each year in the United States. This day honors military veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The holiday dates back to 1938 when Congress officially recognized November 11th as a day to commemorate the armistice that ended World War I in 1918. Over time, Veterans Day expanded to honor all veterans who have served, regardless of when or where they served.
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Because Veterans Day is a federal holiday, most banks in the United States close their doors on this day. The Federal Reserve System and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency recognize Veterans Day as an official holiday, which means national banks must close. State-chartered banks also typically follow this closure rule, though some variations may exist depending on state law. When banks close on federal holidays, their physical locations are not staffed, and in-person services are not available.
However, bank closure on Veterans Day does not mean you lose access to your money or cannot conduct any banking activities. Many banking services remain available through digital channels. Understanding which services continue and which pause helps you plan your banking needs around the holiday.
In 2024, Veterans Day falls on Friday, November 11th. In 2025, it falls on Monday, November 11th. When Veterans Day lands on a weekend, the federal government observes the holiday on the nearest weekday, which can affect bank schedules. For example, if November 11th falls on a Saturday, banks may close on Friday, November 10th instead.
Practical Takeaway: Mark November 11th (or the observed date) on your calendar. If you need to visit a bank branch in person, plan to do so before or after the holiday, depending on the day of the week.
Standard Bank Hours on Veterans Day
On Veterans Day itself, the vast majority of banks across the United States operate under holiday closure rules. Most national banks, regional banks, and major financial institutions close all physical branch locations. This includes Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and thousands of community and credit unions. The American Bankers Association recommends member banks close on federal holidays including Veterans Day, and most follow this practice.
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When a bank branch closes on a holiday, you cannot walk in to speak with a teller, deposit checks at a window, or access safe deposit boxes. The building may be locked, and no staff members will be present. This applies whether you visit during typical business hours or attempt to go very early or very late in the day. Security systems and alarm systems remain active, but the bank is not conducting business.
However, there are some exceptions and nuances to be aware of. A small number of banks, particularly some credit unions or locally-owned institutions, may remain open on Veterans Day. This is rare but does happen in some communities. Additionally, banks located inside grocery stores or shopping malls may operate on holiday hours that differ from the bank's main branch. Some retail locations stay open on holidays even if the bank itself has closed its primary branches.
The holiday hours policy applies uniformly regardless of whether Veterans Day falls on a weekday or weekend. If November 11th is a Saturday or Sunday, banks typically close on the federal observed holiday date. For instance, if Veterans Day falls on a Saturday, many banks close on Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, banks may close on Monday. The specific observed date can vary slightly depending on the bank and state regulations, so it is wise to check with your specific bank before the holiday.
Practical Takeaway: Assume your bank branch will be closed on Veterans Day. Contact your bank directly or visit their website a few days before the holiday to confirm hours. Do not rely on typical business hours assumptions.
Digital and Online Banking Services Available During Veterans Day
While physical bank branches close on Veterans Day, digital banking services typically remain available 24/7. Online banking platforms, mobile banking apps, and automated systems do not close for holidays. You can log into your bank's website or app on Veterans Day to check account balances, review transaction history, transfer money between your own accounts, and pay bills online. These services operate continuously because they are automated and do not require staff to be present at a physical location.
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Mobile banking apps from major banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and others function normally on Veterans Day. You can deposit checks using mobile check deposit features, which allow you to photograph the front and back of a check and submit it through the app. This service does not require a bank branch or teller. Mobile apps also allow you to set up bill payments, view recent transactions, and monitor your accounts in real time.
ATMs (automated teller machines) remain operational on Veterans Day at most banks. These machines are not staffed locations; they are independent terminals connected to the bank's automated system. You can withdraw cash, deposit cash or checks (at machines that support deposits), transfer funds, and check your balance at an ATM on Veterans Day just as you would on any other day. ATM networks like Allpoint, Surcharge-Free Network, and MoneyPass allow you to access ATMs beyond your own bank's machines, often without fees.
However, some services do pause during the holiday. If you need to deposit a physical check using mobile deposit, the image may process immediately, but the funds may not be available in your account until the next business day because bank processing centers may operate on reduced staffing. Wire transfers initiated on Veterans Day may not process until the next business day. Loan applications, mortgage inquiries, and other services requiring staff review will not be processed until the bank reopens. Customer service phone lines may also have reduced hours or may not operate on Veterans Day, though some banks maintain holiday customer support through automated systems.
Practical Takeaway: If you have urgent banking needs on Veterans Day, use online banking or ATMs. If you need to speak with a person or require services beyond online capabilities, plan to contact your bank on the business day before or after the holiday.
Planning Ahead: What You Should Do Before Veterans Day
Preparing for a bank holiday involves a few simple steps that can prevent frustration and ensure your financial activities continue smoothly. A few days before Veterans Day, review your upcoming expenses and cash needs. If you plan to make large purchases, withdraw cash, or make in-person deposits during the holiday week, do these transactions before Veterans Day arrives. This prevents you from having cash flow problems or being unable to access funds when you need them.
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If you rely on check deposits, especially large or important checks, deposit them before the holiday. Mobile check deposit can be convenient, but processing can take time. Depositing checks a day or two early ensures they are in the system and may be available sooner. Similarly, if you need to pay bills or make time-sensitive payments, process them through online banking before Veterans Day rather than waiting until the holiday itself. This ensures transactions are submitted within normal business days and reduces the risk of late payments.
Schedule any necessary in-person bank visits for the day before Veterans Day or the day after, depending on what you need to do. If you need to speak with a loan officer, open a new account, access a safe deposit box, or conduct other services requiring staff, make an appointment in advance. This is especially important if your banking needs are complex or if you plan to visit during what would typically be busy hours.
Make a list of anything that requires human assistance. Mortgage questions, credit card disputes, account issues, or complex transfers should be handled before the holiday or after. Having this list ready prevents you from arriving at a branch only to discover it is closed or from forgetting important items when the branch reopens.
If you use online banking for the first time or are unfamiliar with your bank's app, try it out before the holiday. This way, if you encounter technical problems or have questions, you can call customer service during normal business hours rather than on the holiday itself.
Practical Takeaway: On November 9th or 10th (the business days before Veterans Day), deposit checks, withdraw cash, pay bills online, and schedule any necessary branch visits for after the holiday. This simple preparation prevents financial disruptions.
Special Considerations for Different Types of Banks and Financial Institutions
Different types of financial institutions may have slightly different Veterans Day hour policies. National banks, which are chartered by the federal government, must close on Veterans Day. These include most large institutions like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup. State-chartered banks are regulated by their state's banking authority,