Most banks are closed on Black Friday, but some branches open for limited hours
Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving, which is a federal holiday. Because Thanksgiving is a federal holiday, the following day is not — but most banks treat Black Friday as a business-as-usual day and keep their branches closed anyway. This is a choice individual banks make, not a legal requirement.
The reality: your bank's Black Friday hours depend entirely on that bank's policy. Some large national banks close all branches. Others open select branches for a few hours in the morning or afternoon. A handful stay open with normal hours. You cannot assume your branch will be open based on what another bank does.
The safest move is to check your specific bank's website or call your branch directly before you go. Most banks publish holiday hours online by mid-November, and you can usually find them under "Locations" or "Hours" on the main site.
Key Takeaways
- Black Friday is not a federal holiday, so banks are not legally required to close, but most do anyway.
- Hours vary by bank and sometimes by individual branch, so calling ahead is the only way to know for certain.
- If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash on Black Friday, ATMs and mobile deposit work 24/7 regardless of branch hours.
- Online banking, bill pay, and transfers all function normally on Black Friday even when branches are closed.
How to find your bank's Black Friday hours
Go to your bank's website and search for "holiday hours" or "Black Friday hours." Most banks post this information in November. If you cannot find it online, call your branch directly — the phone line will either tell you the hours or connect you to someone who can.
If your bank has multiple branches near you, hours may differ between locations. A downtown branch might open for a few hours while a suburban one stays closed. Check the specific branch you plan to visit, not just the bank's general policy.
Some banks also send email or text notifications about holiday hours to customers who have opted in. Check your email in early November if you are unsure.
What you can do on Black Friday even if your branch is closed
ATMs work 24/7, including on Black Friday. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has mobile deposit), and check your balance at any time. ATM transactions process the same way they do on any other day.
Mobile deposit lets you photograph a check and deposit it through your bank's app. This works on Black Friday just like any other day. The check will clear according to your bank's normal deposit timeline, which is usually one to two business days.
Online banking and transfers function normally on Black Friday. You can pay bills, transfer money between accounts, or send money to another person through your bank's website or app. These transactions may not post until the next business day, but you can initiate them anytime.
Phone banking is often available even when branches are closed. Call the number on the back of your debit card to speak with someone about your account, though response times may be longer on a holiday.
When Black Friday closures affect you most
Branch closures matter most if you need to do something that requires a teller or banker in person: opening a new account, getting a cashier's check, discussing a loan, or resolving a dispute that requires a signature. These tasks cannot be done through an ATM or app.
If you know you will need in-person banking around Thanksgiving, plan ahead. Visit your branch the week before Black Friday to handle anything that requires a teller. This also gives you time to ask about the bank's Black Friday hours directly.
If you discover on Black Friday that you need something only a branch can provide, you will have to wait until Saturday or Monday (depending on whether your bank opens on Saturday). Plan accordingly if you have time-sensitive needs.
Black Friday hours at major national banks
Large national banks typically follow one of three patterns: all branches closed, select branches open with limited hours, or normal hours at some locations. Here is what to expect from the biggest players, though individual branches may vary:
Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank usually close all branches on Black Friday. Some locations may open for a few hours in the afternoon, but this is not standard. Check your specific branch.
Credit unions vary widely. Some close on Black Friday; others keep normal hours. Call your credit union directly — there is no industry standard.
Online-only banks (like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Discover) do not have physical branches, so Black Friday does not affect them. You can use their apps and websites normally, and customer service may be available by phone or chat.
Do not rely on this information for your bank. Hours change year to year and branch to branch. Verify with your bank directly.
What happens if you need cash or a deposit on Black Friday
If your branch is closed and you need cash, use an ATM. If it is your bank's ATM, the withdrawal is free. If it is another bank's ATM, you may pay a fee (usually $2 to $3), depending on your bank's policy and the ATM operator's policy.
If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit through your app if your bank offers it. Photograph the front and back of the check, enter the amount, and submit. The deposit will be held in your account pending the bank's normal processing time, which is usually one to two business days.
If you need cash urgently and do not have an ATM card, ask a friend or family member to transfer money to you through a peer payment app like Venmo, PayPal, or your bank's own transfer service. These work on Black Friday and the money can arrive within minutes to a few hours.
Planning ahead for the Thanksgiving and Black Friday period
The week before Thanksgiving is busy at banks. If you know you will need to do anything in person — deposit a large check, open an account, get a cashier's check — go earlier in the week or the week before. Do not wait until the day before Thanksgiving.
If you are traveling for Thanksgiving, locate a branch or ATM of your bank (or a partner bank if you use a credit union) near where you will be. This prevents you from being stuck without access to cash or banking services.
Set up mobile deposit and online bill pay before the holiday period if you have not already. These tools mean you will not be stranded if a branch is closed when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card to buy things on Black Friday if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at stores, gas stations, and online regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The bank's computer systems run 24/7. Branch closures only affect in-person banking at that specific location.
Will my paycheck deposit be delayed if it arrives on Black Friday?
It depends on how your paycheck is deposited. If your employer uses direct deposit, the money goes into your account automatically and is not affected by branch hours. If you deposit a paper check on Black Friday using mobile deposit or an ATM, it will process according to your bank's normal timeline, usually one to two business days.
What if I need to dispute a transaction on Black Friday?
Call your bank's customer service line (the number on the back of your card). You can report fraud or dispute a charge over the phone even if branches are closed. The bank will document your claim and investigate it. You do not need to visit a branch to start the process.
Do online banks have different hours on Black Friday?
Online banks do not have physical branches, so Black Friday does not change their hours. You can access your account, transfer money, and use their services 24/7. Customer service availability may vary by bank, so check their website if you need to speak with someone.
Can I get a cashier's check on Black Friday if the branch is closed?
No. Cashier's checks require a teller and can only be obtained at a branch during business hours. If you need one for a closing or payment, plan to get it the business day before Black Friday or the day after.