Yes, most US banks close on Good Friday 2026, which falls on April 3
Good Friday is a federal holiday, and the Federal Reserve observes it as a banking holiday. This means most banks across the country will be closed on April 3, 2026, and will not process transactions that day. Wire transfers, ACH payments, and check deposits will not go through until the following business day (Monday, April 6).
Not every bank closes on Good Friday — some smaller regional banks and credit unions may stay open. Before Good Friday arrives, contact your bank directly to confirm their holiday schedule. You can call the customer service number on the back of your card, check their website, or visit a branch in person.
If you need to move money or deposit a check before the holiday, do it by end of business Thursday, April 2. Transactions submitted after hours Thursday or on Friday will be processed starting Monday morning.
Key Takeaways
- Most US banks close on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, because it is a federal banking holiday observed by the Federal Reserve.
- Wire transfers, ACH payments, and check deposits submitted on Good Friday will not process until Monday, April 6.
- Some smaller banks and credit unions may remain open, so you should contact your specific bank to confirm their schedule.
- Complete any time-sensitive banking transactions by the end of business on Thursday, April 2, to avoid delays.
Which banks close and which stay open
The Federal Reserve designates Good Friday as an official banking holiday, which means all member banks of the Federal Reserve System must close. This includes major national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional banks. If your bank is part of the Federal Reserve System, it will be closed on April 3, 2026.
Credit unions vary. Some credit unions are members of the Federal Reserve or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and follow the same holiday schedule. Others operate independently and may stay open. Call your credit union before Good Friday to ask whether they will be open.
Online banks and fintech services (like PayPal, Square Cash, or Venmo) typically do not close on holidays, but they cannot process transfers to or from closed banks until those banks reopen. A transfer you send Friday to a closed bank will sit in a queue until Monday.
What transactions will be delayed
Any transaction that requires a closed bank to process will be delayed. Wire transfers initiated on Good Friday will not leave your account until Monday. ACH payments (direct deposits, bill payments, transfers between banks) submitted Friday will not process until Monday. Checks deposited on Friday will not clear until at least Tuesday, and possibly later depending on the check's origin bank.
Debit card purchases and ATM withdrawals will still work on Good Friday because they do not require the bank to process them in real time — the transactions settle after the holiday. However, if you need cash and your bank is closed, use an ATM from another bank's network; you may pay a fee, but the withdrawal will go through.
If you have a payment due on Good Friday or the weekend after, check whether your creditor (credit card company, loan servicer, utility company) accepts payments on weekends. Many do, but the payment may not post to your account until Monday. To be safe, submit payments by Thursday.
How to plan ahead for Good Friday 2026
Mark April 3, 2026, on your calendar now if you handle regular payments or transfers. If you receive a paycheck via direct deposit, it will arrive on schedule Monday, April 6, not Friday. If you pay bills on a Friday, move your payment date to Thursday or earlier in the week.
If you need cash over the weekend, withdraw it Thursday. If you need to deposit a check, deposit it Thursday so it clears by Monday. If you are waiting for a wire transfer to arrive, do not expect it until Monday at the earliest.
For any transaction with a tight deadline — a mortgage payment, a court-ordered payment, a tax payment — submit it by Wednesday, April 1, to be certain it posts before any holiday delays compound. The IRS and most government agencies accept payments on weekends through their online portals, but bank processing still stops on holidays.
What to do if you need banking services on Good Friday
If your bank is closed and you need cash, find an ATM. Most ATMs operate 24/7 and are not affected by bank holidays. You can withdraw from your account at any ATM, though you may pay a fee if it is not your bank's network.
If you need to make a payment and your bank is closed, check whether the recipient accepts online payments directly. Many utilities, credit card companies, and government agencies have websites where you can pay without going through your bank. These payments may not post until Monday, but they will be recorded as submitted on Friday.
If you have an urgent banking problem — a fraudulent charge, a missing deposit, a locked account — call your bank's customer service line. Most banks staff customer service on holidays, even if branches are closed. They cannot process all transactions, but they can help with urgent issues and answer questions about your account.
Good Friday holidays in other years
Good Friday changes date every year because it is tied to the lunar calendar. In 2025, Good Friday falls on April 18. In 2027, it falls on March 26. In 2028, it falls on April 14. If you manage recurring payments or regular banking tasks, check the Federal Reserve's holiday calendar each year to see when Good Friday falls and plan accordingly.
The Federal Reserve publishes its official holiday schedule on its website. You can search "Federal Reserve holiday schedule" and the current year to see all banking holidays for that year, including Good Friday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my ATM work on Good Friday if my bank is closed?
Yes. ATMs operate independently of branch hours and are available 24/7, even on banking holidays. You can withdraw cash from your account on Good Friday. If you use an ATM outside your bank's network, you will likely pay a fee of $2 to $5.
Can I deposit a check on Good Friday using my bank's app or ATM?
Many banks allow mobile check deposits through their app on holidays, and some ATMs accept deposits. However, the check will not clear until Monday or later. Contact your bank to confirm whether mobile deposit is available on Good Friday.
What if I have a bill due on Good Friday?
Submit the payment by Thursday to be safe. If you pay online through your bank on Friday, the payment will be queued and processed Monday, which may be late depending on your creditor's grace period. Paying through the creditor's website directly (not your bank) is often faster.
Will my direct deposit arrive on time if Good Friday is April 3?
No. If your employer normally deposits on Friday, April 3, the deposit will arrive Monday, April 6, instead. Check with your employer's payroll department if you are unsure of the deposit date during a holiday week.
Do online banks close on Good Friday?
Online banks themselves do not close, but they cannot process transfers to or from closed banks until Monday. A transfer you send Friday to another bank will not leave your online account until Monday morning.