Most major U.S. banks close on Good Friday, but some branches and services remain available
Good Friday is a federal holiday, which means most banks observe it as a day off. The major national banks—Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, and US Bank—all close their physical branches on Good Friday. However, "closed" does not mean you have zero access to your money. ATMs run 24/7 regardless of the holiday, and many banks offer online and mobile banking services that work the same way they do on any other day.
If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash in person, you will need to do that on Thursday or wait until Saturday or Monday. If you need to transfer money, pay a bill, or check your balance, you can do all of that from your phone or computer on Good Friday itself.
Some smaller regional banks and credit unions may have different schedules, so it is worth checking your specific institution's holiday hours before Good Friday arrives.
Key Takeaways
- All major national banks close their physical branches on Good Friday, but ATMs and online banking remain available.
- You can transfer money, pay bills, and check your account balance through your bank's app or website on Good Friday.
- Deposits made at ATMs on Good Friday may not post to your account until the following business day.
- Credit unions and regional banks may have different holiday schedules, so contact your bank directly if you are unsure.
What you can and cannot do on Good Friday at your bank
On Good Friday, you can use ATMs to withdraw cash and deposit checks or cash into ATM-enabled machines. You can also log into your online banking portal or mobile app to transfer money between your own accounts, send money to other people, pay bills, and view your balance and transaction history. Wire transfers initiated online may process on Good Friday depending on your bank's system, though they often do not settle until the next business day.
What you cannot do is walk into a branch and speak to a teller or banker. You cannot deposit a check at the counter, open a new account, apply for a loan, or resolve a dispute with a representative in person. If you need to do any of those things, you will need to wait until Saturday (if your bank has Saturday hours) or Monday.
Some banks offer phone support on certain holidays, but this is not standard. Check your bank's website or call the number on the back of your card before Good Friday to find out whether customer service representatives will be available.
How to plan ahead if you need banking services on Good Friday
If you know you will need cash or need to deposit a check on Good Friday, do it on Thursday instead. Most banks are open regular hours on Thursday before Good Friday, so you have a full business day to handle in-person transactions.
If you need to deposit a check and cannot get to a branch on Thursday, use mobile check deposit through your bank's app if it offers that feature. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, and the deposit will post to your account (usually within one business day). This works on Good Friday just like any other day.
If you need to send money to someone on Good Friday, use your bank's online transfer system or a service like Zelle, PayPal, or Venmo. These all work on holidays. Just be aware that transfers between different banks may take one to three business days to arrive, and the clock does not start until the next business day after Good Friday.
Credit unions and regional banks may have different hours
Not all financial institutions follow the same holiday schedule as the big national banks. Some credit unions stay open on Good Friday, while others close. Regional banks vary as well. If you bank with a credit union or a smaller bank, do not assume it is closed on Good Friday—check directly.
The easiest way to find out is to visit your bank's website and look for a holiday hours notice, or call the branch directly. You can also text or use the chat feature on your bank's app if it has one. A quick message on Thursday can save you a trip on Friday.
What happens if you need emergency cash on Good Friday
If you absolutely need cash and your bank is closed, ATMs are your answer. Every major bank operates ATMs 24/7, including on Good Friday. You can withdraw up to your daily limit (usually $500 to $1,000, depending on your bank and account type). If you do not know your daily limit, check your bank's website or app, or call customer service on Thursday.
If you have exhausted your ATM limit or do not have a card, some grocery stores and pharmacies offer cash back when you make a purchase with a debit card, even on holidays. This is not a bank service, but it can get you cash in a pinch.
How deposits and transfers work around the Good Friday holiday
Deposits made at an ATM on Good Friday will not post to your account until the next business day, which is Saturday. However, because Saturday is not a business day for banks, the deposit will actually post on Monday. This means if you deposit a check on Good Friday, you cannot count on that money being available until Monday at the earliest.
Transfers you initiate online on Good Friday may process immediately within your own bank (moving money between your checking and savings accounts, for example), but transfers to other banks typically do not settle until Monday. Wire transfers are similar—you can initiate them on Good Friday through online banking, but they will not arrive at the receiving bank until Monday.
If you need money to be available on Saturday, do your deposits and transfers on Thursday instead. This gives the bank a full business day to process them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Good Friday if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs, stores, and online merchants on Good Friday regardless of whether your bank's branches are closed. The only thing you cannot do is visit a physical branch to speak with a banker or teller.
Will my paycheck deposit on Good Friday if my employer uses direct deposit?
Direct deposits scheduled for Good Friday may not post until Monday, depending on your employer's payroll system and your bank's processing schedule. If your paycheck is due on Good Friday, contact your employer's payroll department to find out whether it will be deposited on Thursday instead.
What if I need to dispute a charge on Good Friday?
You can report a fraudulent or incorrect charge through your bank's app or website on Good Friday. However, a representative will not review it until the next business day, which is Monday. If the issue is urgent, try calling your bank's fraud line on Thursday to see if anyone is available, or wait until Monday to speak with someone in person.
Are online banks open on Good Friday?
Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover do not have physical branches, so there is no "closing" in the traditional sense. You can access your account, transfer money, and manage your funds on Good Friday just as you would any other day. However, customer service phone lines may have reduced hours or be closed.
Can I open a new bank account on Good Friday?
No. Opening a new account requires verification and approval from a banker, which only happens during business hours at a physical branch or through a customer service representative. You will need to wait until Saturday (if your bank has Saturday hours) or Monday to open a new account.