WASHINGTON D.C., United States — Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11th, serves as a federal holiday dedicated to honoring the service of all Americans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The holiday’s history dates back to 1919, when President Woodrow Wilson first designated November 11th as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I.
Congress officially changed the name to “Veterans Day” in 1956 to recognize all veterans of all U.S. conflicts.
Given its status as a federal observance, many are left wondering how the holiday affects business operations and financial services.
Here is a guide to what is open and what is closed on Veterans Day.
Banking, markets, and mail services
| Service | Status on Veterans Day (Nov. 11, 2025) | Notes |
| Banks | Closed | Most bank branches will be closed as Veterans Day is a Federal Reserve holiday. ATMs and online banking services remain accessible. |
| Stock Market (NYSE & Nasdaq) | Open | U.S. financial markets operate as normal, as the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq do not observe Veterans Day as a market holiday. |
| Bond Market | Closed | Bond trading will be halted for the day, according to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA). |
| USPS (Postal Service) | Closed | U.S. Postal Service locations are closed, and regular mail delivery is suspended. Only Priority Mail Express will be delivered. |
| FedEx & UPS | Open | Retail stores and shipping services for both UPS and FedEx will operate on their normal schedules. |
Retailers and food establishments
In contrast to government offices and banks, the majority of retail and dining establishments will maintain regular hours on Veterans Day.
- Retail and Groceries: Stores like Costco (which does not include Veterans Day among its holiday closures), Aldi, Kroger, Home Depot, and Petco are expected to be open.
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- Restaurants: Most fast-food chains and major eateries, including Dunkin’, IHOP, KFC, McDonald’s, Sonic, Wegmans, and Wendy’s, will remain open. Customers are advised to check local retailer schedules ahead of time.
Veterans Day discounts
Many businesses honor veterans and active military service members by offering special deals and discounts on November 11th.
The American Legion, a prominent veterans organization, has compiled a comprehensive list of retail and restaurant deals available to service members and their families on the holiday.
