NEW YORK — In a move that will temporarily freeze in-person financial services across the country, JPMorgan Chase has confirmed it will halt operations at more than 5,300 branches for a full 24-hour period this month. The mass closure is part of a broader nationwide banking pause that includes competitors like Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Citibank, leaving millions of Americans without access to physical teller services or in-branch consultations.
While the “Access Denied” headlines may spark initial concern, financial experts note that the shutdown is tied to the 2026 Federal Reserve Holiday Schedule. Specifically, all major U.S. financial institutions will observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 19, 2026.
What Customers Need to Know
On January 19, the “Theater of Banking” will go dark. Because the Federal Reserve observes the holiday, the plumbing of the U.S. financial system—including ACH transfers, wire processing, and check clearing—will effectively be paused.
- No In-Person Services: Lobbies will be locked, and drive-thru tellers will be unavailable. This includes specialized services like notary publics, loan closings, and access to safety deposit boxes.
- The “Wells Fargo” Factor: Customers hoping to find a “backup” at other major institutions will be out of luck. Wells Fargo is also closing its 4,227 branches on the same day, following the uniform federal mandate.
- Transaction Delays: Any deposits made via ATM or mobile app on Monday, Jan. 19, will likely be treated as “Tuesday business.” If you have bills due on the 19th, experts suggest scheduling payments for Friday, Jan. 16, to avoid potential late fees.
Digital Alternatives: What Stays Open?
While the doors are locked, Chase’s digital infrastructure will remain fully operational. Customers can still:
- Use ATMs: Withdraw cash or deposit checks at any of Chase’s 15,000+ ATMs.
- Mobile Banking: Check balances and transfer funds between accounts via the Chase Mobile app.
- Zelle Transfers: Send and receive money digitally, though larger transfers may see slight processing delays.
Emergency Security: Reporting Fraud During the Shutdown
The most critical concern during a holiday closure is account security. Scammers often take advantage of three-day weekends, banking on the fact that customers believe help is unavailable.
If you suspect fraudulent activity while branches are closed, do not wait for the bank to reopen. Chase maintains 24/7 fraud monitoring and emergency phone lines:
- Personal Checking/Savings Fraud: Call 1-800-935-9935.
- Credit Card Unauthorized Charges: Call 1-800-955-9060.
- Suspicious Emails: Forward any “phishing” attempts to phishing@chase.com before deleting them.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Bank Holiday Calendar
This 24-hour closure is the first of many scheduled for 2026. To avoid being caught without cash or in-person support, mark your calendars for these upcoming Federal Reserve holidays:
| Holiday | Date in 2026 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday, January 19 |
| Presidents’ Day | Monday, February 16 |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25 |
| Juneteenth | Friday, June 19 |
| Independence Day (Observed) | Friday, July 3 |
General Banking Questions
Is the bank closure permanent? No. This is a standard 24-hour closure in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. All branches will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Will ATMs still work? Yes. Chase and Wells Fargo ATMs will remain operational for cash withdrawals and deposits. However, keep in mind that cash deposited on the holiday may not be credited to your account until the next business day.
Can I use mobile banking? Yes. You can check balances, transfer funds between your own accounts, and deposit checks via the app. Note that mobile check deposits made on Monday will likely be treated as “Tuesday business.”
Transactions & Payments
What happens to my direct deposit? Since the Federal Reserve is closed, ACH transfers (which handle direct deposits) are paused. If your payday falls on Monday the 19th, you will likely receive your funds on Tuesday the 20th. Some employers may process payroll early so funds arrive on Friday the 16th.
Will my scheduled bill payments go through? If you have a bill scheduled for Monday the 19th, it will typically process on the next business day (Tuesday). To avoid potential late fees with external vendors, it is recommended to move your payment date to Friday, January 16.
Are Zelle® transfers affected? Instant transfers between users within the same bank usually work immediately. However, transfers between different banks may experience a slight delay until the “plumbing” of the Federal Reserve resumes on Tuesday.
Specialized Services
Can I access my Safety Deposit Box? No. Because safety deposit boxes are located inside the bank lobbies, they will be inaccessible while the branches are closed.
Are Notary Public services available? In-branch notary services will be unavailable. If you have an urgent deadline, you may need to look for a 24-hour mobile notary or check if local shipping centers (like The UPS Store) are open, as they often remain open on federal holidays.