Millions of Americans will notice a pause in in-person banking services later this month as major banks across the United States temporarily close their branches. On Monday, January 19, most U.S. banks, including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank, will shut down all physical locations for 24 hours to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday.
While headlines may describe this as a “massive bank closure,” it’s important to understand that this shutdown is planned, routine, and temporary. Here’s a complete breakdown of which banks are affected, what services remain available, which transactions may be delayed, and how customers can prepare.
Why Are Banks Closing on January 19?
January 19 marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday observed annually on the third Monday of January. U.S. banks follow the Federal Reserve holiday calendar, which means most financial institutions close their branches on this day.
This closure is not related to financial instability, layoffs, or banking system issues. Instead, it is part of a standard holiday schedule that banks publish well in advance each year.
All branches will resume normal operations on Tuesday, January 20, during regular business hours.
Which Banks Will Be Closed on MLK Day?
The January 19 closure affects nearly all major U.S. banks. Customers should expect branch lobbies and in-person services to be unavailable at the following institutions:
- Bank of America
- Chase Bank
- Wells Fargo
- Citibank
- Goldman Sachs
- U.S. Bank
- Truist Bank
- PNC Bank
- Capital One
- Morgan Stanley
- Citizens Bank
- Santander Bank
- SunTrust Bank
- Compass Bank
Because these banks follow the same federal guidelines, closures are nationwide and consistent across the industry.
Will Chase Bank Be Open on January 19?
No. All 5,300 Chase Bank branches across the United States will be closed for the full day on January 19.
Chase has confirmed that this closure applies to all in-person services, including teller assistance, account openings, and loan consultations. Branches will reopen on Tuesday, January 20, at 9 a.m., following normal business hours.
Any pending transactions will be processed once banking systems return to full operation.
What Banking Services Will Still Be Available?
Although physical branches will be closed, customers will still have access to most everyday banking tools. These services typically remain available throughout the 24-hour closure:
Services That Will Still Work
- Online banking via desktop
- Mobile banking apps
- ATM withdrawals and deposits
- Balance checks
- Internal account transfers
- Mobile check deposits
ATMs will continue operating 24/7, depending on building access and location.
Services That Will Not Be Available
Some banking services require staff or manual processing and will be temporarily unavailable on MLK Day:
- Teller services inside branches
- Cash deposits with a banker
- Opening new accounts in person
- Loan and mortgage consultations
- Notary services
- In-branch identity verification
Customers who need these services should plan to visit a branch before January 19 or wait until the following business day.
Transactions That May Be Delayed
While digital banking remains active, some transactions may not be processed until banks reopen. Customers should be aware of possible delays involving:
- ACH transfers
- Wire transfers
- Bill payments scheduled for January 19
- Payroll processing
- Check deposits requiring manual review
Banks have warned that transaction updates may not appear until the next business day, even if the request was submitted online during the holiday.
Bank of America’s Nationwide Closure
Bank of America has confirmed that it will close all 3,600+ branches across the United States for the full 24-hour period on January 19.
The bank has advised customers that:
“Holidays may affect the time it takes to process certain transactions, and updated transaction information may not display until the next business day.”
Customers planning to deposit cash, finalize payments, or resolve account issues should do so before the holiday.
Full List of Federal Holidays When Banks Close in 2026
U.S. banks observe 11 federal holidays each year. Below is the full list of bank closure dates for 2026:
- New Year’s Day – January 1
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 19
- Presidents’ Day – February 16
- Memorial Day – May 25
- Juneteenth National Independence Day – June 19
- Independence Day (Observed) – July 3
- Labor Day – September 7
- Columbus Day – October 12
- Veterans Day – November 11
- Thanksgiving Day – November 26
- Christmas Day – December 25
When a holiday falls on a weekend, banks typically observe it on a nearby weekday.
Are Other Businesses Closed on MLK Day?
Unlike banks, many retailers remain open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
For example:
- Costco will operate during normal business hours (10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
- Some retailers may offer holiday discounts or promotions
- Government offices and financial institutions are more likely to close than retail stores
Always check individual store hours, as policies vary by location.
How Customers Can Prepare
To avoid inconvenience during the January 19 closure, customers should:
- Complete urgent transactions in advance
- Deposit cash before the holiday
- Schedule bill payments early
- Use mobile and online banking tools
- Plan branch visits for January 20 or later
Being prepared can help ensure uninterrupted access to funds and services.
The January 19 bank closures across the United States are routine and temporary, not a cause for concern. While all major banks, including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank, will close their physical branches for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, customers will still have access to digital banking and ATMs.
Understanding which services are available and which transactions may be delayed can help customers plan ahead and avoid last-minute stress.
Staying informed is the key to smart financial planning, especially around federal holidays.
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