Most banks are closed the day after Thanksgiving
The day after Thanksgiving — the Friday after the fourth Thursday in November — is a federal holiday called Thanksgiving Day observed by banks. This means nearly all major banks, credit unions, and the Federal Reserve are closed. You cannot visit a branch, speak to a teller, or conduct in-person business.
Some smaller regional banks or credit unions may have different holiday schedules, so check your specific institution's website or call ahead if you are unsure. A few banks in certain states may operate on a modified schedule, but this is rare.
The closure affects branch locations only. ATMs and online banking remain available 24/7, so you can withdraw cash, check balances, transfer money between your own accounts, and pay bills from home.
Key Takeaways
- The day after Thanksgiving is a federal holiday when nearly all bank branches close, though ATMs and online banking stay open.
- You can withdraw cash from ATMs, check your balance, and move money between your own accounts without visiting a branch.
- Checks deposited on the day after Thanksgiving will not clear until the following business day, even if you use mobile deposit.
- Wire transfers and bill payments sent online on the day after Thanksgiving typically process the next business day.
- Call or visit your bank's website before the holiday to confirm hours, as some smaller institutions may have different schedules.
What you can and cannot do without a branch
ATMs work normally on the day after Thanksgiving. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks using mobile deposit (through your bank's app), and check your account balance. Most banks' mobile apps and websites function without interruption.
You cannot speak to a banker, open a new account in person, get a cashier's check, or conduct transactions that require a teller. If you need a cashier's check or a signature may provide, you will have to wait until the following Monday (or the next business day your bank is open).
If you are locked out of your online account or your card is declined, you cannot reach customer service by phone at a branch. Many banks operate a separate customer service line that may be staffed on holidays — check your bank's website for a holiday phone number before Thanksgiving.
How the holiday affects deposits and transfers
Checks you deposit using mobile deposit on the day after Thanksgiving will not clear until the following business day. The bank does not process deposits on federal holidays, so the clock on the standard one- to two-business-day clearing period does not start until the next day the bank is open.
Wire transfers you initiate online on the day after Thanksgiving will also process the next business day. If you need money to move urgently, send it before the holiday closes or wait until the following Monday.
ACH transfers (the standard way to move money between banks) sent on the day after Thanksgiving will process on the next business day. Payments scheduled to go out on that date will go out as planned if you set them up before the holiday.
Which banks are definitely closed
All major national banks close on the day after Thanksgiving, including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank, and PNC. The Federal Reserve is also closed, which affects wire transfers and other interbank transactions.
Most credit unions follow the same federal holiday schedule and close on the day after Thanksgiving. However, some credit unions operate on different schedules depending on their charter and location. If you bank at a smaller or regional credit union, check their website or call their main line before the holiday.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover do not have physical branches, so the holiday does not affect their operations. You can still use their apps and websites normally.
How to plan ahead before the holiday
If you need cash, withdraw it before Thanksgiving Day. ATMs will work on the day after Thanksgiving, but if your card is lost or your account is frozen, you will not be able to reach a banker until the following business day.
If you need a cashier's check, get it before the holiday. Banks do not issue cashier's checks on federal holidays, and you cannot get one from an ATM.
If you are expecting a deposit or need to send money urgently, do it before Thanksgiving. Deposits and transfers initiated on the day after Thanksgiving will not process until the next business day, which could be Monday if the holiday falls on a Friday.
Check your bank's website or call before Thanksgiving to confirm their specific holiday hours. Some banks may open at reduced hours on the Friday after Thanksgiving, though this is uncommon.
What happens if you need emergency banking
If your card is lost or stolen on the day after Thanksgiving, call the customer service number on the back of your card. Many banks operate a 24/7 fraud line even on holidays. They can freeze your card and order a replacement.
If your account is compromised or you notice unauthorized charges, the same 24/7 fraud line can help. Document the unauthorized transaction and report it as soon as you notice it, even if it is a holiday.
If you have a true emergency — such as a payment that must go out immediately — some banks may have a holiday customer service line. Check your bank's website before Thanksgiving for a holiday contact number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on the day after Thanksgiving?
Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM or merchant on the day after Thanksgiving. The bank holiday only affects branch locations and the processing of certain transactions like deposits and wire transfers.
Will my direct deposit come through on the day after Thanksgiving?
Direct deposits scheduled for the day after Thanksgiving will not process until the next business day. If your employer normally deposits on Friday and the day after Thanksgiving is a Friday, your deposit will arrive on Monday instead.
Can I deposit a check using my phone on the day after Thanksgiving?
You can take the photo and submit it through your bank's app, but the bank will not process it until the next business day. The clearing period does not start until the bank processes the deposit.
What if I need to pay a bill on the day after Thanksgiving?
You can pay bills online through your bank's website or app on the day after Thanksgiving. The payment will process on the next business day. If the bill is due that day, pay it before Thanksgiving to avoid a late fee.
Are ATMs open on the day after Thanksgiving?
Yes. ATMs operate 24/7, including on federal holidays. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks using mobile deposit on the day after Thanksgiving.