Most banks close on Thanksgiving Day
Yes, the vast majority of banks in the United States close on Thanksgiving Day. This is a federal holiday, and banks treat it the same way they treat Christmas, New Year's Day, and Independence Day — they shut down entirely and do not process transactions.
The Federal Reserve, which sets the official holiday calendar for the banking system, designates Thanksgiving as a day when banks must close. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to a banker on Thanksgiving, you will not be able to do so at a traditional branch location.
Some banks may open on the day after Thanksgiving (the Friday after the holiday), though hours may be shortened. Check with your specific bank to confirm their Friday schedule, as this varies by institution and location.
Key Takeaways
- Nearly all banks close on Thanksgiving Day because it is a federal holiday recognized by the Federal Reserve.
- ATMs and online banking remain available on Thanksgiving, even though branch locations are closed.
- The Friday after Thanksgiving may have reduced hours or normal hours depending on your bank — call ahead to confirm.
- If you need cash or a deposit before the holiday, plan to visit your bank on Wednesday or earlier.
ATMs and online banking still work on Thanksgiving
Even though bank branches close on Thanksgiving, you can still withdraw cash from ATMs and use online banking services. ATMs operate 24/7 and do not shut down for holidays. If you need money on Thanksgiving Day, an ATM at your bank, a grocery store, or another location will work normally.
Online banking — checking balances, transferring money between your own accounts, paying bills — also continues to work on Thanksgiving. However, any transaction that requires a bank employee to process it (like a wire transfer or a cashier's check) will not be completed until the next business day.
Mobile banking apps work the same way. You can send money through your bank's app on Thanksgiving, but the recipient may not see it until Friday or later, depending on the type of transfer.
When deposits and checks clear after Thanksgiving
If you deposit a check on Wednesday before Thanksgiving, it will typically clear on Friday or Monday, depending on your bank's processing schedule and whether the check is from another bank. Thanksgiving itself does not count as a business day, so the clock does not start until Friday.
Mobile check deposits and ATM deposits follow the same rule. A check you deposit on Wednesday evening may not clear until Monday if your bank does not process deposits on Friday. Some banks do process deposits on the Friday after Thanksgiving, but others do not — this varies by institution.
If you need the money before Thanksgiving, deposit it by Tuesday at the latest. If you deposit on Wednesday, assume the funds will not be available until at least Friday.
Wire transfers and time-sensitive transactions
Wire transfers do not process on Thanksgiving. If you initiate a wire transfer on Thanksgiving Day through online banking or an ATM, it will sit in a queue and process on the next business day (Friday). The receiving bank will not receive it until then.
The same applies to ACH transfers (the system most banks use for moving money between accounts). These typically take one to three business days anyway, and Thanksgiving adds an extra day to the timeline because it is not a business day.
If you need to send money urgently before Thanksgiving, do it on Wednesday or earlier. If you wait until Thanksgiving itself, the recipient will not see the money until at least Friday, and possibly Monday.
Credit unions and smaller banks may have different hours
Most credit unions also close on Thanksgiving because they follow the same federal holiday calendar as banks. However, some smaller credit unions or community banks may have different policies. A few may stay open with reduced hours, though this is uncommon.
The only way to know for certain is to call your credit union or bank directly or check their website. Do not assume they are open just because they are smaller — most follow federal holidays strictly.
If your bank or credit union is part of a larger network, you may be able to use another branch location on Thanksgiving if one happens to be open, but this is rare and not something to count on.
Planning ahead for Thanksgiving banking needs
If you know you will need cash or need to make a deposit before Thanksgiving, visit your bank on Tuesday or Wednesday. This gives you a buffer in case something goes wrong and you need to return.
If you are traveling for Thanksgiving, withdraw cash before you leave. This avoids the risk of needing an ATM in an unfamiliar area or running into a machine that is out of service.
For bills that are due around Thanksgiving, pay them online or by phone before the holiday. Do not wait until Thanksgiving Day itself, because any payment you make that day will not process until Friday at the earliest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Thanksgiving if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at stores, restaurants, and ATMs on Thanksgiving even though the bank branch is closed. The transaction will process normally, though it may not show in your account until Friday.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on Thanksgiving?
You cannot reach anyone at a branch on Thanksgiving. Some banks have customer service phone lines open on holidays, but most do not. Check your bank's website or call ahead to see if they offer holiday phone support.
Will my paycheck deposit on time if Thanksgiving falls on a Thursday?
If your employer deposits your paycheck on Thursday (Thanksgiving), it will not clear until Friday because banks do not process deposits on the holiday. If your paycheck normally arrives on Thursday, it may arrive Friday instead during Thanksgiving week.
Can I get a cashier's check on Thanksgiving?
No. Cashier's checks require a bank employee to issue them, and all branches are closed on Thanksgiving. You will need to get one on Wednesday or wait until Friday.
Do online banks close on Thanksgiving?
Online banks like Ally or Charles Schwab do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to "close." You can access your account and use their services on Thanksgiving, but any transaction requiring processing by the Federal Reserve (like a wire transfer) will not complete until Friday.