You're standing in front of those heavy glass doors, pulling the handle, and... nothing. It’s locked. You check your watch. It’s 10:00 a.m. on a Monday. Then it hits you—it’s the third Monday of February.
Presidents' Day.
Look, honestly, we’ve all been there. You have a check to deposit or a quick question for a teller, and you completely forget that the Federal Reserve takes its calendar very seriously. For 2026, Presidents' Day falls on Monday, February 16. Because it’s a federal holiday, the short answer to "are banks open today on Presidents' Day" is almost always a resounding no.
But there are a few weird exceptions and digital workarounds you should know about before you give up on your errands.
Why the Federal Reserve Dictates Your Monday
Most people think their local bank branch just decides to take a day off to grill some burgers. That’s not really how it works. Banks generally follow the schedule set by the Federal Reserve System.
Since the Fed is closed on February 16, 2026, the "plumbing" of the American financial system basically pauses. Wire transfers don’t move. ACH deposits (like your paycheck) stay in limbo. If the central bank isn't processing the numbers, most commercial banks don't see much point in keeping the lights on.
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The Big Players That Are Definitely Closed
If you bank with one of the "Big Four" or a major national chain, don't bother driving to the branch. The following institutions are confirmed to be closed for in-person service on Monday, February 16, 2026:
- JPMorgan Chase
- Bank of America
- Citibank
- Wells Fargo (Note: Some mall-based branches used to stay open, but they've largely moved toward the standard federal schedule lately.)
- PNC Bank
- Capital One
- U.S. Bank
- Truist
Basically, if it’s a household name, the doors are locked. Tellers are home. The drive-thru is a ghost town.
The Rare Exceptions: Banks That Might Stay Open
Now, this is where it gets a little "kinda-sorta."
A few regional banks or specific retail-heavy banks occasionally buck the trend. For years, TD Bank was famous for staying open on federal holidays like Presidents' Day. However, even they have started tightening up their holiday schedule.
If you bank with a tiny local credit union or a bank located inside a grocery store (like some PNC or SunTrust supermarket branches), they might be open. But "might" is the keyword there. Always call ahead. There is nothing more annoying than driving ten miles for a "maybe."
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What About the Markets?
If you're looking to trade some stock while you're off work, I've got bad news. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq are also closed on February 16.
The bond market is closed too. Everything is basically on ice until Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. ET. If you place a trade on your phone today, it’s just going to sit there in a queue until the opening bell tomorrow.
Doing the "Bank Thing" Without a Building
Just because the building is closed doesn't mean your money is inaccessible. We live in 2026; you've got options.
ATMs are your best friend today. You can still withdraw cash, and most modern ATMs let you deposit checks. Just remember: that check won't actually "post" or start clearing until Tuesday. If you're down to your last five dollars and need that check to clear to pay rent, depositing it on Presidents' Day won't speed things up. The "clock" starts on the next business day.
Mobile Banking Apps. You can still move money between your savings and checking. You can pay your credit card bill. The app doesn't go on vacation.
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Zelle and Venmo. Since these are peer-to-peer and often use different settlement layers, you can usually send money to a friend instantly, even on a holiday.
The Direct Deposit Delay (The "Where's My Money?" Problem)
This is the one that actually trips people up. If your employer usually sends your direct deposit on a Monday, and that Monday is Presidents' Day, you’re probably looking at a delay.
Most payroll departments are smart enough to send the file early so you get paid on the Friday before. But if they didn't? You won't see that money until Tuesday, February 17. It’s not your bank being mean; it’s just that the Federal Reserve computer that moves the money is literally turned off for the holiday.
Actionable Steps for Presidents' Day 2026
Since you can't walk into a lobby today, here is how you should handle your finances so you don't get stuck:
- Check your mobile app first. 90% of what you need to do—depositing a check, checking a balance, or transferring funds—can be done there.
- Use the ATM for cash. If you need "walking around money," the ATM is still humming along.
- Wait until Tuesday for wires. If you're closing on a house or doing a big business deal, tell everyone to keep their shirts on. Wires won't move until Tuesday morning.
- Double-check "Supermarket" branches. If you absolutely MUST see a human, check the branch inside your local Kroger or Publix. They sometimes follow the store's hours rather than the bank's hours, but it’s a gamble.
Bottom line: The bank is closed, the stock market is dark, and your mail probably isn't coming either (thanks, USPS). Enjoy the day off, and leave the banking for Tuesday.