Most banks close on Black Friday, but some branches stay open with reduced hours
Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving, and most major banks treat it as a holiday. Your bank will likely be closed, meaning you cannot visit a branch, use a teller, or conduct in-person business. However, some banks keep select branches open with shorter hours, and online banking and ATMs work regardless of whether the branch is staffed.
The exact status depends on your bank, your location, and whether your branch is in a mall or shopping center (those are more likely to open). Call your specific branch or check your bank's website before you plan to go in person.
Key Takeaways
- Most bank branches close entirely on Black Friday, though ATMs and online banking remain available 24/7.
- Some banks open select branches with reduced hours, particularly those in shopping centers, so you need to check your bank's schedule directly.
- If you need cash or to deposit a check, plan ahead by withdrawing money Thursday or using an ATM on Friday.
- Wire transfers, bill payments, and account changes can be done online or through mobile apps on Black Friday without waiting for Monday.
How to learn about your specific branch is open
Do not assume your bank follows a standard schedule. Call the branch directly or visit your bank's website and search for "Black Friday hours" or "holiday hours." Most banks post their Black Friday schedule in late October or early November.
If you use a large national bank like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, check their official website first—they usually have a branch locator tool where you can enter your zip code and see that branch's hours. Regional and local banks often post hours on their homepage or require a phone call to confirm.
If you cannot reach anyone by phone on Black Friday itself, remember that you can handle most banking needs online or through your mobile app, even if the branch is closed.
What you can and cannot do on Black Friday if your branch is closed
You can do these things without visiting a branch: Transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills online, deposit checks using mobile check deposit (if your bank offers it), send wire transfers, change your PIN, freeze or unfreeze your credit, dispute a charge, and check your balance or transaction history. All of these work through online banking or your bank's mobile app, 24 hours a day.
You cannot do these things without a branch: Withdraw cash if you do not have an ATM card or if your ATM limit is too low for what you need, deposit cash (ATMs accept checks but not cash), open a new account, get a cashier's check or money order, report a lost debit card in person, or speak to a banker about a loan or investment. If you need any of these, plan ahead for Thursday or wait until Saturday.
ATM access on Black Friday
ATMs operate on Black Friday regardless of whether the branch is open. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, and check your balance at any ATM that accepts your card—including ATMs at other banks, grocery stores, and convenience stores, though you may pay a fee for out-of-network use.
If you know you will need cash on Black Friday, withdraw it Thursday evening or early Friday morning. ATM limits vary by bank and account type, so if you need more than your daily limit allows, withdraw Thursday instead.
Planning ahead for common Black Friday banking needs
If you plan to shop on Black Friday and need cash, withdraw it Thursday. If you are expecting a check to arrive, deposit it using your bank's mobile app before Friday if possible, or wait until Saturday. If you need to dispute a charge or report fraud, you can start the process online or by phone on Black Friday—you do not need to visit a branch.
If you are traveling for Thanksgiving and need to access money, confirm Thursday that your debit card works at ATMs in the area you are visiting. Some banks charge fees for out-of-network ATM use, so check your account terms or call ahead if you want to avoid that cost.
If you need a cashier's check or money order for a purchase or payment, get it Thursday. These cannot be obtained online and require a teller, so plan accordingly.
What happens if you need banking services and your branch is closed
Call your bank's customer service line. Most banks staff their phone lines on Black Friday even if branches are closed, and you can handle many issues by phone: report fraud, dispute a charge, ask about your account, request a wire transfer, or get help with online banking problems.
If your issue requires a signature or in-person verification, ask whether you can handle it online first or whether it must wait until Saturday. Some banks can email you forms to sign electronically, or they can schedule an appointment for Saturday morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Black Friday if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and at any store on Black Friday, regardless of whether your bank branch is open. You can also use it for online purchases and bill payments through your bank's website or app.
Will I be able to deposit a check on Black Friday?
If your bank offers mobile check deposit through its app, you can deposit checks on Black Friday without visiting a branch. If not, you can deposit checks at an ATM if your bank's ATMs accept deposits, or you can wait until Saturday. Cash deposits require a teller and cannot be done on Black Friday if the branch is closed.
What if I need cash and do not have an ATM card?
Contact your bank's customer service line on Black Friday and ask about options. Some banks can arrange for you to pick up cash at a branch on Saturday, or they may be able to help you get a temporary ATM card. Plan ahead if possible.
Do credit unions close on Black Friday?
Most credit unions close on Black Friday, but policies vary. Call your credit union directly or check its website for Black Friday hours. Credit union ATMs and online banking work the same way as bank ATMs and online banking on the holiday.
Can I open a new bank account on Black Friday?
Not in person. Some banks allow you to open accounts online, so check your bank's website. If online account opening is not available, you will need to wait until Saturday or the following Monday to open an account at a branch.