Most banks close on the day before Thanksgiving, but some branches stay open
Whether your bank is open the day before Thanksgiving depends on which bank you use and whether your branch treats it as a holiday. Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank typically close on Thanksgiving Day itself, but many keep branches open on Wednesday, the day before. Credit unions and smaller regional banks vary widely — some close both days, others close only Thanksgiving Day.
The safest move is to call your specific branch or check your bank's website for its holiday schedule. Banks post their Thanksgiving hours weeks in advance, usually in a dedicated holiday schedule section or by searching "[Bank Name] Thanksgiving hours." If you need cash or want to deposit a check before the holiday, Wednesday morning is your best bet, but arriving early matters — some branches close earlier than usual on the day before a holiday.
ATMs stay open 24/7 at nearly every bank, so you can withdraw cash or deposit checks at a machine even if the branch is closed. Mobile banking apps and online transfers work around the clock as well, though transfers to other banks may not process until Friday.
Key Takeaways
- Call your branch directly or check your bank's website to confirm Wednesday hours — they vary by bank and location.
- Most large national banks stay open Wednesday but close on Thanksgiving Day itself.
- ATMs and mobile apps work 24/7, so you can withdraw cash or move money without visiting a branch.
- If you need to deposit a physical check, go Wednesday morning rather than waiting until the last minute.
- Wire transfers and payments to other banks may not process until Friday even if you submit them Wednesday.
How to find your bank's specific Wednesday hours
The fastest way is to search "[Your Bank Name] Thanksgiving hours" or "[Your Bank Name] holiday schedule" in Google. Most banks display this information on their homepage during November, often with a banner or link. If you cannot find it online, call your branch directly — the phone number is on your debit card or bank statement.
When you call, ask specifically about Wednesday hours, not just Thanksgiving Day. Some branches open at 9 or 10 a.m. on Wednesday but close at 2 or 3 p.m. instead of their usual 5 or 6 p.m. closing time. Knowing the exact hours prevents a wasted trip.
What you can do without visiting a branch
If your branch is closed or you cannot get there Wednesday, you have several options that work around the clock. ATMs let you withdraw cash, deposit checks (at most banks), and transfer money between your own accounts. Mobile banking apps let you pay bills, send money to other people through services like Zelle or Venmo, and check your balance.
Online bill pay through your bank's website works 24/7, though the payment may not reach the recipient until Friday or Monday. If you need to send money to someone else's bank account, Zelle transfers usually land within minutes, even on Wednesday night. Wire transfers take longer and may not process until Friday.
Deposits and checks on Wednesday
If you have a check to deposit, Wednesday is the day to do it. Checks deposited Wednesday morning will post to your account by Friday in most cases. If you wait until Thursday or Friday, the deposit may not post until Monday because the bank is closed Thursday and Friday is a banking holiday for federal purposes.
Mobile check deposit through your bank's app works Wednesday evening and overnight — you photograph the check and submit it through the app, and it posts by Friday. This is often faster and more convenient than visiting a branch, especially if you are busy with holiday preparations.
Wire transfers and payments to other banks
If you need to send money to another person's bank account, the timing depends on the method. Zelle transfers between U.S. banks usually land within minutes, even on Wednesday evening. ACH transfers (the standard way to move money between banks) initiated Wednesday may not process until Friday or Monday because of the holiday.
Wire transfers initiated Wednesday morning may process the same day, but wire transfers initiated Wednesday afternoon or evening typically do not process until Friday. If the money is urgent, ask the recipient whether they can wait until Friday, or use Zelle if both of you have accounts at banks that support it.
Credit unions and smaller banks
Credit unions often close on both Thanksgiving Day and the day before, especially if they are small or member-owned. Check your credit union's website or call ahead — do not assume they follow the same schedule as large national banks. Some credit unions stay open Wednesday but close Thursday and Friday.
Online credit unions and banks that operate only through apps and websites do not have branch closures, so you can transfer money and pay bills normally on Wednesday. If you bank with an online-only institution, the holiday does not affect you.
Planning ahead to avoid Wednesday rush
If you know you will need cash or need to deposit a check, do it earlier in the week rather than waiting until Wednesday. Tuesday is usually quieter than Wednesday, and you avoid the risk of your branch closing early or running out of time before closing.
If you are traveling for Thanksgiving, withdraw cash Tuesday or earlier. This prevents the stress of finding an ATM or open branch on Wednesday when you are packing or heading out of town. If you are staying home, Wednesday morning is still your best window — branches are less crowded early in the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my bank be open Wednesday before Thanksgiving?
Most large national banks stay open Wednesday but close Thursday. Call your branch or check your bank's website to confirm, because hours vary by location and some branches close early on Wednesday.
Can I deposit a check on Wednesday if the branch is closed?
Yes, use mobile check deposit through your bank's app — photograph the check and submit it anytime Wednesday. It will post to your account by Friday. ATMs at some banks also accept check deposits.
Will a wire transfer I send Wednesday go through the same day?
Wire transfers sent Wednesday morning may process the same day, but those sent Wednesday afternoon or evening typically do not process until Friday. If the money is urgent, use Zelle instead — it usually lands within minutes.
Can I withdraw cash from an ATM on Thanksgiving Day?
Yes, ATMs work 24/7 even when the branch is closed. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, and transfer money between your own accounts anytime.
Do online banks close for Thanksgiving?
Online-only banks and credit unions do not have branch closures, so you can transfer money and pay bills normally on Wednesday and Thursday. The holiday does not affect your access to your account.