Most banks will be closed on Good Friday, but some services stay available
Good Friday is a federal holiday in the United States, which means most banks observe it as a day off. Your local branch will be closed, and you won't be able to visit in person or use the drive-through. However, the closure does not affect all banking services equally — ATMs work normally, online banking stays open, and some banks offer limited services through their apps or phone lines.
The exact closure depends on your bank and the state where you live. A few banks remain open on Good Friday because they are not required to follow federal holidays, though this is uncommon. Before Good Friday arrives, contact your bank directly to confirm whether your branch will be closed and what services remain available.
Key Takeaways
- Most bank branches close on Good Friday because it is a federal holiday, but ATMs and online banking continue to work.
- You can withdraw cash from ATMs, transfer money online, and pay bills through your bank's website or app on Good Friday.
- Deposits made at ATMs or through mobile deposit will be processed the next business day, not on Good Friday itself.
- If you need to speak with a banker or handle a complex transaction, plan ahead and visit your branch on Thursday or the following Monday.
What banking services work on Good Friday
ATM withdrawals and deposits function normally on Good Friday. You can pull cash from any ATM in your bank's network or at partner locations. If you deposit a check or cash into an ATM envelope, the transaction will be recorded in your account immediately, but the funds won't actually be processed until the next business day (Saturday or Monday, depending on your bank's processing schedule).
Online and mobile banking remain fully operational. You can log into your bank's website or app, check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and send money to other people. These transactions process normally, though transfers to other banks may not complete until the next business day.
Debit card purchases work as usual on Good Friday. You can use your card at stores, restaurants, gas stations, and online retailers. The transaction will show up in your account within a day or two, depending on the merchant and your bank.
What you cannot do on Good Friday at a bank branch
You cannot visit a physical branch to speak with a banker, open a new account, apply for a loan, or handle disputes in person. If you need a cashier's check, a notary, or help with a complicated transaction, you must wait until the branch reopens on Saturday (if it has Saturday hours) or Monday.
Wire transfers initiated through a branch teller cannot be sent on Good Friday. However, some banks allow you to initiate wire transfers through online banking, though they may not process until the next business day. Call your bank's customer service line to ask whether wire transfers can be started online and when they will be sent.
Safe deposit box access is not available on Good Friday. If you need to retrieve documents or valuables from your box, plan to do so before the holiday.
How to prepare before Good Friday
Withdraw cash on Thursday if you think you'll need it over the weekend. ATMs work on Good Friday, but if your bank's ATM is out of service or you prefer to have cash in hand, getting it the day before removes the risk.
Pay bills online or through your bank's bill-pay system before Good Friday if they are due around that time. This ensures the payment leaves your account on schedule and reaches the payee on time. Do not wait until Good Friday to pay a bill that is due on Friday or Saturday.
If you need to deposit a check and want it to clear quickly, deposit it on Thursday through mobile deposit or at an ATM. Checks deposited on Good Friday will not be processed until the next business day, which may delay access to the funds.
Which banks stay open on Good Friday
Most major banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — close all branches on Good Friday. Credit unions typically close as well. However, some smaller regional banks, online-only banks, and certain credit unions may remain open or offer limited hours.
Online banks that have no physical branches (such as Ally Bank, Charles Schwab Bank, or Discover Bank) do not have a "closure" in the traditional sense, but their customer service phone lines may have reduced staffing. Their websites and apps function normally.
Call your bank or check its website to confirm Good Friday hours for your specific branch. Many banks post holiday hours on their homepage or in the branch locator tool.
What happens to deposits and transfers on Good Friday
Deposits made on Good Friday through ATMs, mobile deposit, or online banking are recorded in your account the same day, but the funds are not actually available until the next business day. This is standard banking practice for all holidays and weekends.
Transfers between your own accounts at the same bank usually complete immediately, even on Good Friday. Transfers to accounts at other banks may take one to three business days, depending on the receiving bank and the time you initiate the transfer.
Payments sent through bill-pay systems typically process on the day you schedule them, even if that day is Good Friday. However, the payee may not receive the money until the next business day. Check your bank's bill-pay terms to confirm.
State-specific Good Friday closures
Good Friday is a federal holiday, so banks close nationwide. However, a few states treat it differently. In some states, Good Friday is not an official state holiday, which means state-chartered banks may not be required to close. In practice, nearly all banks close anyway because most customers expect it and because federal banking regulations encourage the closure.
If you bank with a state-chartered bank or a smaller regional institution, call ahead to confirm. The difference is rare, but it exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Good Friday?
Yes. Debit card transactions work normally on Good Friday at stores, ATMs, and online. The transaction will appear in your account within one to two business days, depending on the merchant.
Will my direct deposit arrive on Good Friday?
Direct deposits scheduled for Good Friday may arrive on Thursday or be delayed until Monday, depending on your employer and your bank. Contact your HR department or payroll office to confirm the deposit date for that week.
Can I deposit a check on Good Friday?
Yes, through mobile deposit or an ATM. The deposit will be recorded in your account on Good Friday, but the funds won't be available until the next business day (Saturday or Monday).
What if I need cash and the ATM is broken on Good Friday?
Withdraw cash on Thursday to avoid this problem. If you do run short, convenience stores, grocery stores, and gas stations can provide cash back with a debit card purchase.
Do online banks close on Good Friday?
Online banks have no physical branches, so there is no "closure" in the traditional sense. Their websites and apps work normally. Customer service phone lines may have reduced staffing, but you can still handle most transactions online.