Most banks will be closed on Black Friday, but some branches may open for limited hours
Black Friday falls the day after Thanksgiving, and most major banks treat it as a holiday. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional banks close their physical branches on Black Friday. However, the rules vary: some banks open for a few hours in the afternoon, some stay closed all day, and a small number of branches in high-traffic areas may operate on a modified schedule.
Your best move is to check your specific bank's website or call your branch directly, because holiday hours are set by individual locations, not by a single company-wide rule. A Chase branch in one city might close at noon while another stays shut all day. If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash on Black Friday, plan to use an ATM instead—those run 24/7 at most banks.
Key Takeaways
- Most bank branches close entirely on Black Friday, though some may open for a few hours in the afternoon.
- Holiday hours vary by location and bank, so calling your branch or checking online is the only way to know for certain.
- ATMs and mobile banking apps work on Black Friday regardless of branch hours, so you can deposit checks or transfer money without visiting a branch.
- If you need cash or a service that requires a teller, plan to visit your bank on Thursday or Saturday instead.
- Wire transfers and bill payments can usually be done through your bank's website or app on Black Friday with no delay.
How to find your bank's Black Friday hours
Start by logging into your bank's website or mobile app and looking for a "branch locator" or "hours" section. Most banks list holiday hours there starting in late October. If the information is not online, call your branch directly—the phone number is usually on your debit card or bank statement.
When you call, ask specifically whether the branch will be open on Black Friday and, if so, what time it opens and closes. Some banks have a main customer service line that can tell you about all branches in your area, which saves time if you are willing to visit a different location.
What you can do on Black Friday without visiting a branch
ATMs work on Black Friday just like any other day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks using mobile deposit (if your bank offers it), and check your balance. Most banks let you transfer money between your own accounts through an ATM or their mobile app.
Online banking and mobile apps have no holiday closures. You can pay bills, send money to other people, set up automatic payments, and review transactions at any time on Black Friday. Wire transfers initiated through your bank's website or app usually process the same day if you send them before the bank's cutoff time (often 2 or 3 p.m. Eastern), though some banks hold wire transfers initiated on holidays until the next business day.
Banks that typically stay closed versus those that may open
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank close most or all of their branches on Black Friday. Credit unions often follow the same pattern, though some smaller credit unions may have different policies—check with yours directly.
A few banks, particularly those in retail-heavy areas or shopping centers, may open for limited hours (often 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or similar). Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no physical branches, so the question does not apply to them, but their customer service lines may have reduced staffing.
What to do if you need cash or a service before Black Friday
If you know you will need cash or a teller service on Black Friday, visit your bank on Thursday before Thanksgiving or wait until Saturday. Thursday is usually busier than normal because people are preparing for the holiday, but branches are still open during regular hours.
If you absolutely must handle something on Black Friday and your branch is closed, look for another branch in your area that might have different hours, or use an ATM for basic transactions. For services that require a teller—such as cashing a check, opening a new account, or getting a cashier's check—you will need to wait until the branch reopens.
Planning ahead for holiday banking
The week before Thanksgiving is the best time to handle any banking you know you will need. Deposit checks, withdraw cash, and complete any transfers or account changes then. This removes the stress of finding an open branch on Black Friday itself.
If you are expecting a direct deposit or payment on Black Friday, remember that most banks do not process deposits on holidays. A payment scheduled to arrive on Black Friday may not show up in your account until Saturday or Monday, depending on your bank and the type of payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card at stores on Black Friday if my bank is closed?
Yes. Your bank being closed does not affect your ability to use your debit card at stores, restaurants, or ATMs. The card works through the payment network, not through your branch. You can swipe, insert, or tap your card normally.
Will my direct deposit go through on Black Friday?
Most direct deposits scheduled for Black Friday will not post until Saturday or the following Monday, because banks do not process deposits on federal holidays. Check with your employer or the organization sending the payment to confirm the exact timing.
Can I deposit a check using my phone on Black Friday?
Yes. Mobile check deposit works on Black Friday through your bank's app. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, submit it through the app, and the deposit will be processed when the bank reopens, usually by the next business day.
What if I need to wire money on Black Friday?
You can initiate a wire transfer through your bank's website or app on Black Friday. If you send it before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 or 3 p.m. Eastern), it may process the same day. If you send it after the cutoff or through a closed branch, it will process on Saturday or Monday.
Are online banks open on Black Friday?
Online banks have no physical branches, so they are not "open" or "closed" in the traditional sense. You can access your account and move money through their website or app on Black Friday. Customer service phone lines may have reduced staffing or longer wait times.