If you’re standing in a parking lot right now staring at a darkened lobby, you aren't alone. Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026. For the vast majority of people in the United States, the answer to are us banks open today is a resounding no. Most traditional financial institutions treat Sunday like a complete dead zone for in-person service.
It gets a bit more complicated, though. Tomorrow is Monday, January 19, which is the federal observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Because we are currently in the middle of a federal holiday weekend, the "closed" signs are going to stay up much longer than usual. If you were hoping to walk in and talk to a teller today, you're probably out of luck unless you use one of the very few outliers.
The Sunday Reality Check
Sundays have historically been a day of rest for the banking industry. This isn't just tradition; it’s a matter of overhead. Running a branch with full staff when most businesses are closed doesn't make much financial sense for big players like Chase or Bank of America.
Usually, you'll find that 99% of branches are locked tight on Sundays. However, there are some weird exceptions. If your bank is located inside a grocery store—think a Wegmans or a Giant—they sometimes follow "retail hours" rather than "bank hours." This means you might find a lone teller at a desk until 2:00 PM or 4:00 PM.
TD Bank is probably the most famous exception to the rule. They’ve built their entire brand on being "America’s Most Convenient Bank," which often translates to having Sunday hours at select locations. Even then, "select" is the keyword. Don't drive across town without checking their mobile app first.
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Why Martin Luther King Jr. Day Changes Everything
Since today is January 18, we are on the eve of a major federal holiday. The Federal Reserve observes MLK Day on the third Monday of every January. In 2026, that falls on tomorrow, January 19.
When the Federal Reserve shuts down, the plumbing of the American financial system essentially stops moving. No ACH transfers. No wire settlements. No "official" business days.
Because today is Sunday and tomorrow is a federal holiday, any check you deposit at an ATM right now won't even begin to process until Tuesday morning. If you're cutting it close on a bill payment, this is the "danger zone." You’re looking at a 48-hour window where the traditional banking system is effectively asleep.
The Institutions Staying Closed
- Wells Fargo: Traditional branches are closed today and will remain closed tomorrow.
- Citibank: Same story. No Sunday hours, and they observe all federal holidays.
- PNC Bank: Most branches are closed Sundays; all will be closed tomorrow.
- Credit Unions: These are notorious for strict holiday schedules. Most are closed today.
What You Can Actually Do Right Now
Just because the doors are locked doesn't mean you can't move money. We live in 2026; the digital side of things never sleeps.
ATMs are your best friend. You can still pull out cash, and most modern machines allow for check imaging deposits. Just remember the "Business Day" rule. If you deposit it today (Sunday), the bank won't officially "see" it until Tuesday because of the holiday.
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Zelle and Venmo still work. These peer-to-peer services operate on top of the banking rails but allow for "instant" transfers if your bank supports it. If you need to pay a friend for dinner, the holiday weekend won't stop you.
Mobile Apps. You can still pay your credit card bill or transfer money between your savings and checking accounts. These internal transfers usually happen instantly, even on a Sunday or a holiday.
A Note on the Stock Market
If you were looking to do some trading because you're bored on a Sunday, remember that the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ are also closed today. They will remain closed tomorrow for MLK Day. The bond market follows the same schedule. Essentially, the "money people" in New York are taking a long weekend.
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The Strategy for Tuesday Morning
Since are us banks open today results in a "no" for almost everyone, Tuesday, January 20, is going to be chaotic.
Banks often see a massive surge in foot traffic the day after a long holiday weekend. If you have a complex task—like a notary service, opening a new business account, or dealing with a lost debit card—try to get to the branch right when they open. Better yet, wait until Wednesday if it isn't urgent.
Honestly, the best thing you can do right now is use your bank's chat feature in their app. Many banks now use high-end AI or overseas contractors to handle customer service 24/7, even when the local branch in your town has the lights off.
Your Immediate Next Steps:
- Check your balance via the mobile app to ensure any scheduled payments for Monday won't bounce, as they might be pulled early or delayed in ways that affect your "available" balance.
- Locate a 24-hour ATM if you specifically need physical cash, as most in-store branches (which might have been open today) will be closed by late afternoon.
- Delay any physical check deposits until Tuesday if you need the funds to be available immediately; depositing them now won't speed up the clock due to the Monday holiday.