Is Veterans Day a Bank Holiday?
Direct Answer
No, Veterans Day (November 11th) is not a bank holiday in the United States.
What is a Bank Holiday?
Before delving into the specifics, let’s define what a bank holiday is. In the United States, a bank holiday is a national holiday when banks are required to close, and trading is suspended. On this day, financial institutions may not conduct normal banking transactions, and employees typically are not required to work. Bank holidays are declared by the Federal Reserve System (the "Fed") at the request of the White House or Congress.
Overview of Federal Holidays in the United States
In the United States, there are 10 federal holidays annually, as established by Public Law 90-363. These holidays are mandated by the federal government to be observed by all non-essential federal agencies and many private businesses.
| Holiday | Date |
| — | — |
| New Year’s Day | January 1st |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January |
| Presidents’ Day | Third Monday in February |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May |
| Independence Day | July 4th |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday in October |
| Veterans Day | November 11th |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday in November |
| Christmas Day | December 25th |
**Veterans Day: A Special Exception**
While Veterans Day (November 11th) is a federal holiday, banks are not required to observe it as a bank holiday. This is an exemption from the standard practice. In fact, banks operate on a normal schedule, and employees are typically not required to take the day off.
**Other Factors to Consider**
It’s essential to note that individual banks, or even specific branches within the same bank, may close on Veterans Day due to local circumstances or local regulations. However, this decision is **not** mandatory and rests with the discretion of each bank.
**Exceptions Within the Banking Industry**
Even though Veterans Day is not a bank holiday, specific banks or financial institutions within the industry may observe local or regional holidays that override the federal holiday schedule.
**Examples of Regional/Holiday-Specific Banking Practice**
* **NASCAR Bank Holiday**: Due to the importance of automotive racing in certain regions of the United States, one bank, **CommunityTrust Bank**, has historically recognized NASCAR Day (a unique holiday celebrated by fans around the world) and typically closes its branches.
| Bonus Holiday | Bonus Closures | Not Observing |
|---|---|---|
| NASCAR Day (April 6th, 2022) | Certain branches in areas prominent for NASCAR events (like Charlotte, NC, Bristol, TN, and the Daytona Beach area in Florida) | Major national banking chains (e.g. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, TD Bank) |
| Thanksgiving (Second Monday in November) | Greater Boston branches due to the Massachusetts State House session | Other non-Citizens Bank locations ( |
In summary, while Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States, **banks are not obligated** to close or operate as a bank holiday. Institutions may choose to do so, but it’s usually at their discretion.
Key Takeaway**: Check local bank branches for potential **bonus holidays** that supersede the federal schedule!
