Most banks are closed on Black Friday, but some branches may open for limited hours
Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving, which is a federal holiday. Because Thanksgiving is a federal holiday, most banks treat the following Friday as a regular business day and open on their normal schedule. However, some individual branches choose to stay closed or operate with reduced hours, especially if they are located in shopping centers or malls that close for the holiday.
The safest approach is to contact your specific bank branch directly before you go. Call the branch phone number or check your bank's website — most banks publish holiday hours online a week or two before Black Friday. Do not assume all branches of the same bank follow the same schedule; hours vary by location.
Key Takeaways
- Black Friday is not a federal holiday, so most bank branches operate on their regular weekday schedule.
- Some branches in shopping malls or retail centers may close or reduce hours if their location closes for the day.
- Your bank's website or a phone call to your branch is the only reliable way to confirm hours before you visit.
- ATMs and online banking remain available 24/7 regardless of branch hours.
- If you need cash or services on Black Friday, plan ahead by visiting your branch the day before or using an ATM.
How to find your bank's Black Friday hours
Start with your bank's official website. Most large banks — Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, and others — post holiday hours prominently on their homepage or in a dedicated section. Search for "holiday hours" or "Black Friday hours" on the site, or look for a branch locator tool that shows hours for your specific location.
If you cannot find the information online, call your branch directly. The phone number is usually on your debit card, on your bank statements, or in your online banking portal. Ask specifically whether the branch will be open on Black Friday and what time it opens and closes. This takes two minutes and removes all doubt.
Credit unions follow the same pattern as banks — most are open on Black Friday, but hours vary by location. Contact your credit union's main office or check their website for branch-specific hours.
When banks actually close on Black Friday
A branch is most likely to close on Black Friday if it is located inside a shopping mall or a retail center that closes for the holiday. Some malls shut down entirely on Thanksgiving and reopen the next day, but a few close on both days. If your bank is in a mall, check the mall's holiday schedule first — if the mall is closed, the bank inside it will be too.
Banks in smaller towns or rural areas sometimes close on Black Friday if the town itself observes a local holiday or if the branch decides to give staff the day off. This is less common than it used to be, but it happens. Again, a phone call to your branch is the quickest way to know.
ATMs and online banking work regardless of branch hours
Even if your bank branch is closed on Black Friday, you can withdraw cash from any ATM owned by your bank or in your bank's network. ATMs operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also transfer money, check balances, pay bills, and deposit checks using your bank's mobile app or website.
If you need to speak to a person — to dispute a transaction, report a lost card, or ask a question — most banks offer phone support on Black Friday. The number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Wait times may be longer than usual because fewer staff are working.
Planning ahead to avoid Black Friday banking problems
If you know you will need cash or banking services on Black Friday, visit your branch on Thursday before Thanksgiving. Withdraw what you need, deposit any checks, and handle any transactions that require a teller. This eliminates the risk of finding your branch closed or having to wait in a long line.
If you are traveling on Black Friday or over the Thanksgiving weekend, locate a branch or ATM of your bank (or a partner bank in your network) at your destination before you leave home. Use your bank's branch locator tool or call ahead to confirm it will be open.
What to do if you need banking services and your branch is closed
If your branch is closed and you need cash, use an ATM. If you need to speak to someone, call your bank's customer service line — the number is on your card or website. Most banks staff their phone lines on Black Friday, even if branches are closed.
If you need to deposit a check or handle a transaction that requires a teller, wait until Saturday or Monday. Most banks are open on Saturday morning, though hours are shorter than on weekdays. If Saturday is not an option, Monday will work — just be aware that deposits made on Monday may not post to your account until Tuesday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black Friday a bank holiday?
No. Thanksgiving is a federal holiday, but Black Friday is not. Most banks are open on Black Friday with regular weekday hours. Some branches may have reduced hours or close if they are located in a shopping center that closes for the day.
Can I use my ATM on Black Friday?
Yes. ATMs operate 24 hours a day, every day, including Black Friday. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money using your bank's ATM network anytime.
What if I need to deposit a check on Black Friday?
If your branch is open, you can deposit it in person. If your branch is closed, use mobile check deposit through your bank's app — most banks offer this feature and deposits usually post within one business day. You can also mail the check or deposit it at an ATM if your bank offers that service.
Do credit unions have different Black Friday hours than banks?
Credit unions follow the same pattern as banks — most are open on Black Friday, but hours vary by location. Contact your credit union directly to confirm whether your branch will be open and what time it closes.
Will my bank be open if it's in a shopping mall?
It depends on whether the mall is open. Call the mall's main number or check its website for Black Friday hours, then call your bank branch to confirm. Some malls close on Black Friday, which means the bank inside will be closed too.