Most U.S. banks close on Good Friday, but some branches stay open
Good Friday is a federal holiday in the United States, and most banks observe it by closing all branches for the day. However, not every bank follows the same schedule. Some regional banks, credit unions, and online-only banks may operate on a modified schedule or stay open entirely. The safest approach is to check with your specific bank before Good Friday arrives, rather than assuming your branch will be closed.
If you need cash or have banking tasks that cannot wait, plan ahead. ATMs remain available 24/7 at most banks, even when branches are closed, so you can withdraw money or deposit checks at a machine. Online banking also continues to work, though any transactions you submit on Good Friday may not process until the following business day.
Key Takeaways
- Most major U.S. banks close all branches on Good Friday because it is a federal holiday, though ATMs stay available around the clock.
- Credit unions and regional banks may have different schedules, so contact your institution directly to confirm closure status.
- Online banking and mobile apps work on Good Friday, but transfers and payments submitted that day typically process on Monday.
- If you need cash, use an ATM before Good Friday or plan to visit on Thursday afternoon.
Which banks close on Good Friday
The major national banks—Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and U.S. Bank—all close on Good Friday. Regional banks like PNC, TD Bank, and KeyBank also close. If you bank with one of these institutions, assume your local branch will be shut and plan accordingly.
Credit unions vary by location and affiliation. Some credit unions observe Good Friday as a holiday and close; others remain open. Call your credit union's main line or check their website to confirm. Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover do not have physical branches, so there is no branch closure, but customer service phone lines may have reduced hours or be closed entirely.
How to check your bank's Good Friday schedule
The fastest way to confirm is to call your branch directly or visit your bank's website. Most banks post holiday schedules on their homepage or in the FAQ section. You can also use your mobile banking app—many apps display branch hours and holiday closures under a "Locations" or "Find a Branch" tab.
If you cannot find the information online, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card. A representative can tell you whether your specific branch is open or closed on Good Friday and direct you to the nearest ATM if you need one.
What you can and cannot do on Good Friday
| Service | Available on Good Friday? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ATM withdrawals and deposits | Yes | Available 24/7 at most banks, even when branches are closed. |
| Online transfers and bill pay | Yes, but delayed | You can submit transactions, but they process on Monday. |
| Mobile banking and app access | Yes | Check balances, view transactions, and manage accounts normally. |
| In-person deposits or withdrawals | No | Teller services are unavailable; use ATM instead. |
| Customer service phone support | Limited or closed | Varies by bank; some offer reduced hours, others close entirely. |
| Wire transfers | No | Cannot be initiated on Good Friday; process on Monday at earliest. |
Planning ahead for Good Friday banking needs
If you know you will need cash or services on Good Friday, handle them on Thursday instead. Withdraw extra cash Thursday afternoon, deposit checks at an ATM, and submit any time-sensitive payments or transfers before the holiday. This prevents you from being caught without access to funds or unable to complete a transaction.
If you have a wire transfer that needs to go out, initiate it Thursday or earlier. Wire transfers submitted on Good Friday will not process until Monday, which can matter if you have a deadline. The same applies to bill payments—submit them Thursday to ensure they post on time.
What happens to deposits made on Good Friday
Deposits made at an ATM on Good Friday are received by the bank, but they do not post to your account until Monday. This means if you deposit a check on Good Friday, the funds will not be available until at least Monday, and possibly Tuesday depending on the check amount and your bank's policy. The deposit itself is timestamped as received on Good Friday, but processing does not begin until the bank reopens.
If you need the money from a check urgently, deposit it Thursday instead. Some banks offer next-business-day processing for certain deposits, but that benefit does not apply when the next business day is a holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Good Friday if the bank is closed?
Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs and at any merchant that accepts them, regardless of whether your bank branch is open. You can also make purchases online. The only thing you cannot do is visit a teller or speak to a representative in person.
Will my direct deposit go through on Good Friday?
Direct deposits scheduled for Good Friday may arrive on that day or may be delayed until Monday, depending on your employer's payroll system and your bank's processing schedule. Contact your employer's payroll department if you need to know the exact timing. Some employers adjust payroll dates to avoid holiday delays.
What if I need cash and forgot to withdraw before Good Friday?
Use an ATM. Every major bank has ATMs available 24/7, even when branches are closed. If your bank's ATM is not nearby, you can often withdraw cash at a different bank's ATM, though you may be charged a fee. Some grocery stores and convenience stores also allow cash-back withdrawals with a debit card purchase.
Do online banks close on Good Friday?
Online banks do not have physical branches, so there is no branch closure. However, customer service phone lines may have reduced hours or be unavailable. Online banking and mobile apps continue to work normally, though any transactions submitted on Good Friday process on Monday.
Can I still pay my bills on Good Friday?
You can submit bill payments through online banking or your bank's mobile app on Good Friday, but they will not process until Monday. If a bill is due on Good Friday or over the weekend, submit the payment Thursday to ensure it posts on time and avoids a late fee.