Good Friday is not a federal bank holiday in the United States

Good Friday falls on the Friday before Easter and is observed by Christian churches across the country. However, the federal government does not recognize it as an official holiday, which means federal offices, courts, and most banks remain open. The U.S. federal holiday calendar includes ten permanent holidays, and Good Friday is not among them.

That said, Good Friday's status varies by employer, state, and financial institution. Some banks close voluntarily, some states observe it as a paid holiday for state employees, and many private employers give workers the day off. The confusion arises because Good Friday feels like a holiday — many people have the day off, churches hold services, and some businesses close — but it lacks the federal designation that would make closures mandatory across the board.

Key Takeaways

  • Good Friday is not a federal bank holiday, so federal offices and most national banks stay open unless they choose to close.
  • Individual banks decide whether to close on Good Friday, so you should contact your bank directly to confirm its schedule.
  • Some states recognize Good Friday as a holiday for state employees and state offices, but this does not affect federal operations.
  • Stock markets and bond markets close on Good Friday, even though it is not a federal holiday.
  • If you need banking services on Good Friday, plan ahead by using ATMs, mobile banking, or online transfers.

Which banks close on Good Friday and which stay open

Major national banks do not have a uniform policy. Some of the largest institutions — including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase — typically close their branch locations on Good Friday, but they do not close all services. ATMs remain available, online banking continues, and mobile apps work normally. The closure affects only in-person transactions at physical branches.

Smaller regional banks and credit unions vary widely. Some close entirely, some stay open with reduced hours, and some operate normally. Your best move is to call your bank's customer service line or check its website a few days before Good Friday to confirm the schedule for your specific branch. Many banks post holiday hours online by early April.

If you need to deposit checks, withdraw cash, or speak to a banker on Good Friday, do it the day before. ATM withdrawals and transfers between your own accounts work on the holiday itself, and most banks allow bill payments through their websites or apps without interruption.

State government offices and Good Friday

Several states treat Good Friday as a paid holiday for state employees. These include New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and a handful of others. In those states, state office buildings close, state courts may have limited operations, and state employees receive the day off with pay. However, this does not affect federal offices located within those states — federal courthouses, Social Security offices, and federal agencies remain open.

If you need to conduct business with your state government on Good Friday, check your state's official website or call ahead. Local government offices (city and county) follow their own policies, which may or may not align with the state. Some counties close, others stay open.

Stock markets and bond markets close on Good Friday

The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ both close on Good Friday, even though it is not a federal holiday. Bond markets also close. This is a longstanding market convention rather than a legal requirement. If you trade stocks or bonds, you cannot execute trades on Good Friday, and market data updates stop at the close of business on Thursday.

Cryptocurrency exchanges and foreign stock markets operate normally on Good Friday, since the closure applies only to U.S. equity and bond markets. If you hold investments through a brokerage, your account remains accessible online, but you cannot buy or sell until markets reopen on Monday.

Federal offices and the IRS on Good Friday

Federal offices, including IRS field offices, Social Security Administration offices, and federal courthouses, remain open on Good Friday. The IRS does not close for Good Friday, so if you need to file documents, call with questions, or visit an office in person, you can do so. However, some federal employees may take personal leave, so wait times can be longer than usual.

If you are waiting for a tax refund or have questions about your return, Good Friday does not affect processing. The IRS works on a calendar year basis and does not pause operations for religious holidays. Mail sent to the IRS on Good Friday will be processed like any other day.

Planning around Good Friday closures

Good Friday dates change each year because Easter is calculated based on the lunar calendar. In 2024, Good Friday falls on March 29. In 2025, it falls on April 18. In 2026, it falls on April 10. If you know you will need banking services around Easter, check the date in advance and plan your transactions for the day before.

For routine banking — deposits, withdrawals, transfers — use your bank's ATM or mobile app on Good Friday itself. For services that require speaking to a banker or visiting a branch, go on Thursday. If you have a time-sensitive financial matter, handle it by Wednesday to avoid any risk of delay.

If you work in a field that depends on market data or trading, remember that stock and bond markets close on Good Friday. Cryptocurrency and international markets do not, so some traders shift activity to those platforms if they need to trade during the Easter weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my bank be open on Good Friday?

Most major banks close their branch locations on Good Friday, but ATMs and online banking remain available. Call your bank or check its website to confirm the schedule for your specific branch, as policies vary by institution and location.

Can I get a tax refund processed on Good Friday?

The IRS does not close on Good Friday, so refunds continue to be processed. However, if you mail documents to the IRS on Good Friday, they will be received and processed like mail on any other day — there is no delay caused by the holiday itself.

Do stock markets close on Good Friday?

Yes, the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ both close on Good Friday. Bond markets also close. You cannot buy or sell stocks or bonds on this day, though your brokerage account remains accessible online for viewing positions.

Is Good Friday a holiday for federal employees?

No, federal employees work on Good Friday. Federal offices remain open, and federal employees do not receive the day off as a paid holiday. Some may take personal leave, but the government does not recognize Good Friday as an official federal holiday.

What if I need to pay a bill on Good Friday?

Pay bills online through your bank's website or mobile app, which work on Good Friday. If you need to mail a check, send it by Thursday to ensure it arrives on time. Automatic payments and bill pay through your bank continue normally on the holiday.