Good Friday is not a federal bank holiday in the United States
Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, is not an official federal holiday. The federal government does not close, federal employees work their regular schedules, and federal offices remain open. Banks also stay open on Good Friday — you can deposit checks, withdraw cash, and conduct normal banking business.
However, some individual banks, credit unions, and financial institutions choose to close on Good Friday as a matter of internal policy. This varies by institution and by region. If you need to visit your bank on Good Friday, contact them directly to confirm their hours rather than assuming they will be open or closed.
Good Friday matters most to people who observe it for religious reasons. Many employers, schools, and businesses close or offer the day off to employees who request it, but this is a voluntary choice, not a legal requirement.
Key Takeaways
- Good Friday is not a federal bank holiday, so federal offices and most banks operate normally.
- Some individual banks and credit unions close on Good Friday by choice, so you should check with your specific bank before the day arrives.
- Employers and schools may close or allow time off on Good Friday, but they are not required to do so by federal law.
- If you need banking services on Good Friday, call your bank ahead of time to confirm their holiday schedule.
Which banks close on Good Friday
The banks that close on Good Friday tend to be regional or community-based institutions with strong ties to Christian populations. Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo typically remain open on Good Friday, though some branches in heavily Catholic or Christian areas may close.
Credit unions are more likely to close on Good Friday than commercial banks. Many credit unions, especially those affiliated with churches or faith-based organizations, treat it as a holiday. However, even within the same credit union network, some branches may stay open while others close.
The only way to know for certain is to contact your bank or credit union directly. Call the main number, check their website, or visit in person during the week before Easter to ask about their Good Friday schedule. If you use online banking or an ATM, those services typically remain available even if physical branches close.
What federal offices do on Good Friday
The U.S. federal government does not observe Good Friday as a holiday. The Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and all other federal agencies operate on their normal schedules. Federal employees are expected to work unless they have requested and received personal leave.
If you need to contact a federal agency on Good Friday, you can reach them by phone, mail, or online during regular business hours. If you have a deadline that falls on Good Friday — such as filing a tax return or submitting paperwork to Social Security — you can complete that business on that day.
Stock markets and financial trading on Good Friday
The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ both close on Good Friday. This is one of the few financial market closures that is not a federal holiday. The markets close because of the religious and cultural significance of the day, not because of a federal law requiring closure.
If you trade stocks or have investments, remember that you cannot buy or sell on Good Friday. Any trades you place will execute on the following Monday. Bond markets also close on Good Friday, and most futures exchanges follow the same schedule.
Payroll and paychecks on Good Friday
If your employer does not close on Good Friday, you will work and be paid normally. If your employer does close and gives you the day off, whether you are paid depends on your employment contract and your employer's policy. Some employers pay employees for the day off; others do not.
If you receive a paycheck on Good Friday, your bank may not process the deposit until the following Monday if the bank is closed. Check with your employer about their payroll schedule around Easter to know when to expect your money to appear in your account.
Planning around Good Friday closures
If you know you will need banking services around Easter, plan ahead. Withdraw cash before Good Friday if you think you might need it over the weekend. Pay bills online or by mail several days in advance so payments are not delayed by a bank closure.
If you have a time-sensitive financial transaction — such as transferring money, applying for a loan, or depositing a check — handle it before Good Friday or wait until the following Monday. The same applies to any federal agency business: file taxes, submit forms, or make inquiries before the holiday or after.
For stock trading, remember that the market closes on Good Friday and reopens on Monday. If you have pending orders or trades, they will not execute until the market reopens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an ATM on Good Friday if my bank is closed?
Yes. ATMs operate 24/7 regardless of whether the physical bank branch is open. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts using an ATM on Good Friday even if the branch is closed.
Will my direct deposit go through on Good Friday?
Direct deposits typically process on schedule on Good Friday, even if banks are closed. The transfer happens electronically overnight. The money will appear in your account on Good Friday morning, though if your bank is closed, you may not be able to visit a teller or call customer service until the following Monday.
Do I have to work on Good Friday?
No federal law requires employers to close on Good Friday or to give employees the day off. Whether you work depends on your employer's policy. Many employers offer the day off or allow employees to request time off for religious observance, but this is voluntary, not mandatory.
What if I need to file taxes on Good Friday?
The IRS accepts tax returns on Good Friday. You can file electronically through the IRS website or through tax software at any time, including Good Friday. If you mail a paper return, it will be processed when received, though mail delivery may be slower if postal services are affected by holiday schedules.
Are government offices open on Good Friday for passport applications or licenses?
Most government offices, including passport agencies and DMV locations, operate normally on Good Friday. However, some state or local offices may close. Contact your specific office before Good Friday to confirm their hours.