Most banks are closed on Good Friday
Good Friday is a federal holiday in the United States, and most banks observe it by closing their branches for the day. This means you cannot visit a physical branch, use the drive-through, or speak to a teller on Good Friday. The Federal Reserve also closes on this day, which affects how the banking system processes transactions.
However, you can still access your money through ATMs and online banking. Debit card purchases, transfers, and bill payments through your bank's website or app work normally on Good Friday. Checks you deposit on Good Friday will not clear until the following business day, just like any weekend deposit.
Key Takeaways
- Physical bank branches close on Good Friday, but ATMs and online banking remain available all day.
- Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated on Good Friday will process the next business day, not immediately.
- Checks deposited on Good Friday will not clear until Monday, the same as weekend deposits.
- Good Friday closures vary slightly by bank and region, so contact your specific bank if you need to confirm their hours.
Which banks close and which stay open
The vast majority of national and regional banks close on Good Friday because it is a federal holiday. This includes Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, and most credit unions. However, some smaller community banks or credit unions may have different policies, and a few online-only banks do not observe traditional holiday closures.
If you bank with a smaller institution or an online bank, contact them directly to confirm their Good Friday hours. Many banks post their holiday schedule on their website or through their mobile app. You can also call your branch before Good Friday to ask whether they will be open.
What you can and cannot do on Good Friday
You cannot: Visit a branch in person, speak to a banker, use a drive-through window, or access safe deposit boxes. If you need to make a large cash withdrawal or access documents stored in a safe deposit box, do this before Good Friday.
You can: Use any ATM owned by your bank or in your bank's network to withdraw cash or check your balance. Pay bills online through your bank's website or app. Transfer money between your own accounts. Make debit card purchases at stores or online. Deposit checks through mobile check deposit (your bank's app). Send money through Venmo, PayPal, or other third-party payment apps.
Transactions you initiate on Good Friday—such as wire transfers or ACH payments—will not process until Monday. The banking system does not move money between banks on federal holidays, so timing matters if you have a payment due.
Planning ahead for Good Friday banking needs
If you need cash, withdraw it on Thursday or earlier in the week. ATMs work on Good Friday, but if your bank's ATM network is limited or you need a large amount, getting cash before the holiday is safer.
If you need to make a payment that must arrive by a specific date, send it on Thursday or earlier. Wire transfers and ACH payments initiated on Good Friday will not leave your account until Monday, which could cause a late payment if the deadline is Friday or over the weekend.
If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit through your bank's app on Good Friday. The check will be processed on Monday. If you must deposit a physical check in person, do this on Thursday.
What happens to transactions initiated on Good Friday
Transactions fall into two categories: those that process immediately and those that depend on the banking system.
Debit card purchases, ATM withdrawals, and transfers between your own accounts process right away because they do not require the Federal Reserve or other banks to move money. Online bill payments through your bank's website may show as "pending" on Good Friday and clear on Monday, depending on your bank's system.
Wire transfers, ACH transfers (like direct deposit or bill pay to another bank), and checks all require the Federal Reserve or other banks to process them. These will not move until Monday. If you send a wire transfer on Good Friday at 2 p.m., it will not leave your bank until Monday morning.
Good Friday closures by bank type
Different types of banks handle Good Friday differently, though most follow the federal holiday schedule. National banks like Chase and Bank of America always close. Regional and community banks typically close but occasionally stay open, so checking ahead is worth the call. Credit unions usually close but some remain open depending on their charter. Online-only banks may stay open since they have no physical branches to close.
The safest approach is to contact your bank directly before Good Friday to confirm their specific hours. You can call the branch, check their website, or look at their mobile app—most banks post holiday schedules there. If you cannot reach anyone, assume the branch is closed and plan to use ATMs or online services instead.
| Bank Type | Good Friday Status | What Works |
|---|---|---|
| National banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) | Closed | ATM, online banking, debit cards, mobile check deposit |
| Regional and community banks | Usually closed; confirm with your bank | ATM, online banking, debit cards, mobile check deposit |
| Credit unions | Usually closed; some may stay open | ATM, online banking, debit cards, mobile check deposit |
| Online-only banks | May stay open; check their policy | All online services available |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Good Friday if the bank is closed?
Yes. Debit cards work at stores, restaurants, and online merchants on Good Friday regardless of whether your bank branch is open. You can also withdraw cash from any ATM in your bank's network.
Will my direct deposit arrive on Good Friday?
No. Direct deposits scheduled for Good Friday will arrive on Monday instead. If your paycheck normally hits on Friday and Good Friday falls on that day, contact your employer or payroll department to confirm the deposit date.
What if I need to deposit a check on Good Friday?
Use your bank's mobile check deposit feature through the app if available. Take a photo of the front and back of the check and submit it. The check will process on Monday. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, wait until Monday to deposit in person or at an ATM.
Do wire transfers go through on Good Friday?
No. Wire transfers initiated on Good Friday will not leave your account until Monday. If you need money to arrive by Friday, send the wire on Thursday or earlier.
Can I access my safe deposit box on Good Friday?
No. Safe deposit boxes are only accessible when the branch is open. If you need documents or items from your box, retrieve them on Thursday or earlier in the week.