Are Banks close on Presidents Day is one of the most common financial questions Americans ask every February, especially when planning deposits, payments, or in-person banking.
As of today, the answer is yes. Banks across the United States close their physical branch locations on Presidents Day. The holiday is recognized by the Federal Reserve, which means branch banking pauses nationwide. In 2026, Presidents Day is observed on Monday, February 16, and the banking schedule follows that federal designation without exception.
Why Banks Close on Presidents Day
Presidents Day is a federally recognized banking holiday.
U.S. banks align their operations with the Federal Reserve’s holiday calendar. When the Federal Reserve closes, interbank systems pause, and branch banking operations shut down for the day.
This practice has been consistent for many years and remains unchanged for the current calendar.
What “Closed” Means for Bank Customers
When banks close on Presidents Day, it affects in-person services rather than digital access.
Customers should expect:
- Branch lobbies to be closed
- Teller services to be unavailable
- In-person customer service desks to close
- Loan offices and mortgage departments to pause
- Safe deposit box access to be unavailable
Appointments scheduled for that day are usually rescheduled automatically.
Do All Banks Follow This Schedule?
Most U.S. banks follow the federal holiday schedule.
This includes national banks, regional banks, and many local institutions. While some credit unions may choose to open, the majority also close in alignment with federal observances.
Customers should assume closure unless their bank confirms otherwise.
Are ATMs Still Available on Presidents Day?
ATMs remain fully operational.
Customers can still:
- Withdraw cash
- Deposit checks or cash
- Transfer funds between accounts
ATM deposits made on Presidents Day are accepted, but processing typically begins the next business day.
Online and Mobile Banking Access
Digital banking platforms remain available throughout the holiday.
Customers can continue to:
- Check balances
- Pay bills
- Transfer money internally
- Deposit checks via mobile apps
While access remains uninterrupted, processing times may differ.
How Presidents Day Affects Transaction Processing
Even though digital tools work, many transactions do not settle on Presidents Day.
The following services usually pause:
- ACH transfers
- Wire transfers
- External account transfers
- Interbank settlements
Transactions initiated on the holiday typically post on the next business day.
Direct Deposits and Payment Timing
Direct deposits can be affected by the bank holiday.
If a paycheck, tax refund, or government benefit is scheduled for Presidents Day, it may:
- Post the business day before, or
- Post the business day after
The exact timing depends on the payer and the bank’s processing schedule.
Check Deposits and Funds Availability
Check deposits made through ATMs or mobile apps are accepted on Presidents Day.
However, banks do not begin processing those deposits until reopening. This can delay:
- Funds availability
- Hold release timelines
- Clearing confirmations
Customers relying on check funds should plan ahead.
Credit Card Payments and Due Dates
Credit card payments can still be submitted online or by phone.
If a due date falls on Presidents Day, most banks treat payments made by the next business day as on time. Late fees and penalties are typically not applied due to the holiday.
Policies can vary slightly by issuer.
Loan Payments and Mortgage Processing
Loan payments can be submitted digitally.
However, processing often pauses until banks reopen. This means posting dates may shift even if payments are submitted on time.
Customers with automatic payments usually do not need to take action.
Investment Accounts and Market Activity
Presidents Day also affects investment-related services.
Stock markets are closed, and many investment offices suspend operations. Trade execution does not occur until markets reopen the next business day.
Wealth management offices often follow the same holiday schedule as banks.
Small Business Banking Impacts
Small businesses often feel the effects of bank holidays more directly.
On Presidents Day:
- Business deposits may be delayed
- Payroll processing may pause
- Vendor payments may not settle
Many businesses complete banking tasks ahead of the holiday to avoid cash flow issues.
Why Confusion Happens Every Year
Many retail businesses remain open on Presidents Day.
This creates confusion, as customers often assume banks follow the same schedule. Unlike retail stores, banks must align with federal financial systems, which close on the holiday.
Understanding that distinction helps avoid surprises.
Are Online-Only Banks Different?
Some online-only banks appear to operate normally.
While customer-facing apps stay active, these institutions still rely on Federal Reserve systems. As a result, transaction settlement delays still occur.
Access remains available, but processing pauses.
Does the Holiday Name Affect Banking Operations?
The name of the holiday does not change bank operations.
Whether referred to as Presidents Day or Washington’s Birthday, banks treat the day the same under federal guidelines.
Branch closures remain consistent nationwide.
When Do Banks Reopen After Presidents Day?
Banks reopen on the next business day.
For the 2026 holiday, normal operations resume on Tuesday, February 17. Branch hours, teller services, and transaction processing return to standard schedules.
Customers may notice heavier traffic that day.
How Long Do Delays Usually Last?
Most delays last one business day.
ACH payments, deposits, and transfers typically process once systems reopen. Backlogs usually clear quickly, but higher volumes can extend processing slightly.
Planning ahead minimizes inconvenience.
Quick Overview: Banking Services on Presidents Day
| Service | Status |
|---|---|
| Bank branches | Closed |
| Teller services | Unavailable |
| ATMs | Available |
| Online banking | Available |
| ACH transfers | Delayed |
| Wire transfers | Delayed |
| Direct deposits | May shift timing |
How to Prepare Before the Holiday
To avoid disruption:
- Complete in-person banking early
- Schedule bill payments ahead of time
- Monitor direct deposit schedules
- Use ATMs and mobile apps as needed
Preparation ensures smoother financial management.
Why Knowing This Matters
Bank holidays affect more than branch visits.
They influence payments, deposits, and deadlines. Understanding when banks close helps individuals and businesses stay organized and avoid unnecessary stress.
Presidents Day is one of the most commonly overlooked bank holidays.
Are Banks close on Presidents Day Every Year?
Yes, banks close every year for this holiday.
There have been no policy changes or announced exceptions. The closure remains part of the standard federal banking calendar.
Customers can expect the same schedule in future years.
Final Summary for Bank Customers
Banks across the United States close their branches on Presidents Day, while digital tools remain available with limited processing.
Planning ahead helps avoid delays and missed deadlines during the holiday.
Knowing the schedule allows customers to manage finances with confidence.
Do bank holidays affect how you plan your finances each year? Share your experience and stay informed on upcoming closures.