Most banks are closed the day after Thanksgiving
The day after Thanksgiving — the Friday after the fourth Thursday in November — is not a federal banking holiday, so most banks operate on their regular Friday schedule. However, some banks choose to close on this day as a courtesy to employees, and a small number of branches may have reduced hours. The safest approach is to check your specific bank's website or call ahead rather than assume normal hours.
If you need to handle banking on that Friday, plan to visit in the morning or early afternoon. Many branches that do stay open report higher traffic than usual because customers are catching up after the holiday. If your bank is closed or you cannot reach a branch, you can still access your money through ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps — these services run 24/7 regardless of branch hours.
Key Takeaways
- The day after Thanksgiving is not a federal banking holiday, so most banks keep regular Friday hours, though some branches may close.
- Check your bank's website or call your local branch before you go, because closure decisions vary by bank and location.
- ATMs, online transfers, and mobile banking work around the clock, even if your branch is closed.
- If you need cash or in-person service, visit early in the day to avoid the post-holiday rush.
Which banks typically close the day after Thanksgiving
Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank generally keep their branches open on the day after Thanksgiving, though individual locations may vary. Regional and community banks are more likely to close, especially smaller branches. Credit unions often close as well, particularly those that operate limited hours on Fridays year-round.
The decision to close is left to each bank and sometimes to individual branch managers. Some institutions close to give staff a long weekend; others stay open because they expect customer demand. There is no single rule, which is why calling or checking online is the only reliable way to know your branch's status.
How to find your bank's hours for that Friday
Visit your bank's website and use the branch locator tool. Enter your zip code or address, select your branch, and the hours for that specific location will appear — usually including holiday hours. Most banks update this information by mid-November.
If the website does not show holiday hours clearly, call your branch directly. The phone number is listed in the branch locator. Ask whether they will be open on the day after Thanksgiving and what their hours are. If you bank at a credit union, check their website the same way or call the main office.
What you can do if your branch is closed
You can withdraw cash from any ATM that bears your bank's logo or is part of your bank's network. Most ATMs dispense cash 24 hours a day, and you will not pay a fee if you use your bank's own machines. If you need to use an out-of-network ATM, expect a fee of $2 to $5 depending on the ATM operator.
Online banking and mobile apps let you transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and deposit checks by photograph — all without visiting a branch. If you need to send money to someone else, you can use your bank's online transfer service, Venmo, PayPal, or other digital payment platforms. These services work regardless of whether your branch is open.
Deposits and checks on the day after Thanksgiving
If you deposit a check at an ATM on Friday, it will be processed when the bank reopens on Monday. The funds may not show in your account until Monday or Tuesday, depending on your bank's processing schedule. Mobile check deposit through your bank's app works the same way — you photograph the check and submit it, and the bank processes it during business hours.
If you need the money sooner, you cannot speed up the process by visiting a branch on Friday if it is closed. Plan ahead and deposit checks earlier in the week when you know the branch will be open.
Wire transfers and urgent transactions
Wire transfers initiated through online banking or a mobile app may process on the day after Thanksgiving if your bank processes them continuously, but most banks do not execute wires on non-business days. If you need to send a wire transfer urgently, call your bank's wire department before Friday to ask whether they accept wires on that day and what time the cutoff is.
For most routine transactions — paying bills, moving money between accounts, or checking your balance — you do not need a branch to be open. For anything that requires a person to handle it, assume it will not happen until Monday unless your bank explicitly tells you otherwise.
Planning ahead for the holiday weekend
If you know you will need cash over the Thanksgiving weekend, withdraw it on Wednesday or Thursday before the holiday. If you need to make a deposit, do it before Thursday. If you have bills due on Friday or over the weekend, pay them online a day or two early so the payment reaches on time.
Many people forget that the day after Thanksgiving is still a business day for most purposes — it is just that some banks choose not to staff branches. By checking your bank's hours now and planning your transactions in advance, you avoid the frustration of showing up to a closed branch on Friday afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the day after Thanksgiving a federal holiday?
No. Thanksgiving Day itself is a federal holiday, but the day after is not. Banks are not required to close, though some choose to. Federal offices, post offices, and courts are closed on Thanksgiving Day but reopen on Friday.
Can I use my debit card if my bank is closed?
Yes. Debit cards work at any merchant or ATM regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. You can also use your card for online purchases and bill payments through your bank's website or app.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on Friday?
Call your bank's customer service number — most large banks staff phone lines even when branches are closed. You can also use online chat or messaging through your bank's app if available. For urgent issues, some banks have Saturday hours or a 24-hour customer service line.
Will my paycheck deposit on Friday if the bank is closed?
Yes. Direct deposits process automatically regardless of whether the branch is open. The funds will appear in your account on the scheduled deposit day, usually Friday morning, even if no employees are working at the branch.
Can I get a cashier's check on the day after Thanksgiving?
Only if your branch is open. Cashier's checks require a teller to issue, so you cannot get one through an ATM or online. If you need a cashier's check for a transaction scheduled after the holiday, get it on Thursday or earlier in the week.