Most banks are open on Friday after Thanksgiving, but hours are often shorter than normal
The day after Thanksgiving—known as the Friday after Thanksgiving—is not a federal holiday, so most banks operate on that day. However, many banks reduce their hours or close branches entirely. Some open at 10 a.m. instead of 9 a.m., or close at 4 p.m. instead of 5 p.m. A few large banks stay closed on this day even though it is not required.
The safest approach is to check your specific bank's hours before you go. Most banks post holiday schedules on their websites or mobile apps weeks in advance. You can also call your branch directly or use the branch locator tool on your bank's site to see the hours for your location.
Key Takeaways
- Friday after Thanksgiving is a business day, not a federal holiday, so most banks are open.
- Many banks run on reduced hours that day—opening later or closing earlier than usual.
- Check your bank's website, mobile app, or call your branch to confirm hours before you visit.
- ATMs and mobile banking work the same way on Friday after Thanksgiving as any other day.
- If your bank is closed, you can still deposit checks or transfer money through your phone or ATM.
How to find your bank's Friday hours
Your bank's website usually has a holiday hours section or a branch locator tool. Search for "holiday hours" on the main site, or go to the branch locator, enter your zip code, and click on your branch to see that location's schedule. The hours listed there are the most reliable source.
If you cannot find the information online, call your branch directly. The phone number is on your debit card, your bank statements, or in a quick online search. Staff can tell you whether they are open Friday after Thanksgiving and what time they close.
Which large banks close on Friday after Thanksgiving
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank typically remain open on Friday after Thanksgiving, though many individual branches may have reduced hours. Some regional and smaller banks close that day entirely. Credit unions vary by institution—some close, others stay open with shorter hours.
Do not assume your bank follows the pattern of a larger competitor. A small local bank or credit union may have different policies. Always check your own bank's schedule rather than guessing based on what you know about another institution.
What you can do if your bank is closed
If your branch is closed on Friday after Thanksgiving, you have several options that work any day of the week. You can deposit checks through your mobile app by taking photos of the front and back. You can transfer money between accounts or to other people through online banking or your bank's mobile app. You can withdraw cash from any ATM that accepts your card, even if it belongs to a different bank (though you may pay a fee).
If you need to speak to someone, most banks offer phone support on Friday after Thanksgiving even if branches are closed. The number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website under "customer service."
ATM and online banking on Friday after Thanksgiving
ATMs work the same way on Friday after Thanksgiving as they do on any other day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, transfer money, and check your balance 24 hours a day. Online banking and mobile apps also work normally—you can log in and conduct transactions whenever you want.
Transactions you make through ATMs or online banking on Friday after Thanksgiving may not post to your account until the following Monday, since banks do not process transactions on weekends. If you need the money to clear by a specific date, plan accordingly.
Planning ahead for the Thanksgiving weekend
If you know you will need cash or need to handle banking during the Thanksgiving weekend, withdraw money on Wednesday or Thursday before the holiday. This way you are not dependent on Friday hours or ATM availability. If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit through your app on Thursday or Friday—it will process when the bank reopens.
For any transaction that requires speaking to a person—a dispute, a wire transfer, a loan question—plan to handle it before Wednesday or wait until Monday. Friday after Thanksgiving is not the best day to call customer service, since lines are often longer than usual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Friday after Thanksgiving a federal holiday?
No. Thanksgiving Day itself is a federal holiday, but the Friday after is a regular business day. Banks are not required to close, though some choose to anyway.
Can I use my debit card on Friday after Thanksgiving if my bank is closed?
Yes. You can use your debit card at ATMs, online stores, and other retailers. You can also use your bank's mobile app to transfer money or deposit checks. The only thing you cannot do is visit a physical branch.
Will a check I deposit on Friday after Thanksgiving clear by Monday?
Not usually. Checks deposited on Friday after Thanksgiving typically clear on Tuesday, since banks do not process deposits on weekends. If you use mobile deposit through your app, the same timeline applies.
What if I need to wire money on Friday after Thanksgiving?
Call your bank's customer service line before 5 p.m. on Friday. Many banks can process wire transfers by phone even if branches are closed. If you wait until after hours, the wire will not go out until Monday.
Do credit unions have different hours than banks on Friday after Thanksgiving?
Yes, each credit union sets its own schedule. Some close on Friday after Thanksgiving, others stay open with reduced hours, and some operate normally. Check your credit union's website or call your branch to confirm.