Let’s start with the basics — Election Day is not a federal holiday.
That’s the most important point to remember. Because it isn’t designated as a federal holiday, financial institutions in the U.S. — including national banks, credit unions, and online banking networks — generally operate as usual.
In the United States, federal holidays are established by Congress. On those days, federal offices and the Federal Reserve System are closed, which usually means banks follow suit. Common examples include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
Election Day, however, does not fall into that category. It’s a regular workday for most Americans, meaning banks, stock markets, and federal institutions remain open.
Table of Contents
Why Most Banks Stay Open on Election Day
There are practical reasons behind this consistency. The banking system is closely tied to the operations of the Federal Reserve, which governs the nation’s payment processing and wire transfers. Since the Federal Reserve stays open on Election Day, commercial banks and credit unions follow the same schedule.
Additionally, because Election Day always falls on a Tuesday — a typical weekday — banks see no reason to close or alter their hours. Financial transactions, mortgage processing, and business operations continue uninterrupted.
In fact, most major banks treat Election Day just like any other Tuesday in November, offering full access to in-branch, online, and mobile services.
Major U.S. Banks Open on Election Day
Virtually all large U.S. banks will remain open, including:
- Bank of America
- Chase Bank (JPMorgan Chase)
- Wells Fargo
- U.S. Bank
- PNC Bank
- Citibank
- Truist
- Capital One
- Regions Bank
- Fifth Third Bank
These banks will maintain standard weekday business hours — typically around 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time, though exact hours vary by branch.
Credit unions such as Navy Federal Credit Union, Alliant Credit Union, and SchoolsFirst will also be open, providing teller and ATM access, as well as online banking support.
State Differences: When Election Day Becomes a State Holiday
While Election Day isn’t a federal holiday, some states treat it as a state holiday, which can affect local schedules — including certain bank branches, government offices, or schools.
States that observe Election Day as a public holiday include:
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Montana
- New Jersey
- New York (in limited cases for state employees)
- West Virginia
In these states, government offices are often closed, and some local businesses may follow suit. However, major commercial banks still tend to remain open, especially national chains operating under federal regulation.
If your branch happens to be located inside a government-owned building, school, or public facility used as a polling station, it’s worth checking ahead — some of those branches may have adjusted hours or limited parking access during voting hours.
What About Local and Regional Banks?
Local or community banks sometimes make their own decisions about Election Day hours. These smaller institutions may choose to shorten their hours or close branches temporarily if they anticipate heavy foot traffic near polling places.
For example:
- A small-town bank located in a civic center may close early if the parking lot is being used for voting.
- Some community banks may open later in the morning to allow employees time to vote before work.
However, these are isolated cases — not the norm. The majority of regional banks operate normally, ensuring customers can handle deposits, withdrawals, and business transactions without disruption.
Federal Reserve and Stock Market Operations
For anyone involved in business or investing, it’s helpful to know that both the Federal Reserve System and the U.S. stock markets — including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ — stay open on Election Day.
This means:
- Wire transfers and ACH payments (like direct deposits) are processed normally.
- Stock trading continues without interruption.
- Business and commercial banking services remain unaffected.
From a financial operations standpoint, Election Day is a standard business day. This is important for companies managing payroll, vendors waiting on payments, or anyone expecting a direct deposit.
ATM, Mobile, and Online Banking Are Always Open
Even if your local branch does happen to adjust its hours, you won’t lose access to your money.
Online banking and mobile apps remain available 24/7, allowing you to:
- Transfer money between accounts
- Deposit checks via mobile capture
- Pay bills online
- View transactions and balances
- Contact customer service via chat or secure message
Additionally, ATMs will be fully operational across the country. So if you need cash for Election Day errands — like picking up lunch between voting and work — you’ll be able to access your funds without issue.
Tips for Banking on Election Day
If you plan to visit your bank on Election Day, a little preparation can save time. Here are a few helpful tips:
1. Check Your Branch Hours Ahead of Time
Even though most banks remain open, individual branches may have slight variations in hours — especially if located near a busy polling place. Use your bank’s official website or app to confirm hours before heading out.
2. Avoid Lunchtime Crowds
Election Day often sees higher midday traffic as people vote during lunch breaks. Try to plan your banking errands in the morning or early afternoon.
3. Use Drive-Thru or ATM Options
If parking is limited near your polling place, using a drive-thru teller or ATM can make your visit quicker and easier.
4. Make Use of Online Services
For tasks like bill payments, money transfers, or account management, online and mobile banking options are often faster than visiting a branch in person.
5. Vote Early, Bank Efficiently
If you’re balancing your schedule between voting and work, plan your stops strategically. Early voting or absentee ballots can free up your Election Day schedule entirely.
Banks That Might Close or Adjust Hours
While most financial institutions stay open, there are a few exceptions worth noting:
- Some local credit unions and community banks may close early in states where Election Day is a state holiday.
- On-site branches inside government buildings, universities, or public schools may temporarily close or limit access.
- Certain banks may adjust staffing levels to allow employees time to vote.
If your branch is affected, you’ll typically receive a notice via email or see updated hours posted online in advance.
Public Services That May Be Closed
Although banks are open, other services around you might not be. Many government offices — such as the DMV, city clerks, and certain public schools — may close to accommodate polling locations. This can make traffic heavier around civic buildings or public centers, so plan extra time for your commute if you’re visiting your bank near one.
Postal services, delivery companies, and grocery stores all remain open, so the day’s business operations are largely normal nationwide.
How Election Day Affects Financial Markets
While banks stay open and trading continues, it’s interesting to note that Election Day can influence market behavior. Historically, the days leading up to an election often bring increased market volatility due to investor uncertainty. However, this has no operational effect on whether banks open or close — it only affects trading sentiment.
Financial analysts typically advise consumers to stay focused on long-term financial goals rather than making sudden investment decisions based on election results.
A Regular Banking Day — with a Civic Twist
In short, Election Day is a normal business day for banks — but it carries a special significance as a cornerstone of American democracy. While you can deposit a check, pay a bill, or withdraw cash just like any other day, millions of people will also be taking part in one of the most important civic duties — voting.
The best approach? Handle your banking tasks early, cast your vote, and enjoy a productive Election Day.
Final Takeaway: Are Banks Open on Election Day?
Yes — banks are open on Election Day.
You can count on regular hours, full online access, and uninterrupted financial services across the country. Unless you live in one of the few states that observe Election Day as a state holiday or your branch doubles as a polling site, you’ll be able to visit your bank without any problem.
So, go ahead and check off those errands — and don’t forget to cast your vote!
Your turn — did your local bank adjust its hours or stay open last Election Day? Share your experience below, and stay tuned for more helpful updates on national holidays, business hours, and everyday finance tips.