Most U.S. banks close on Good Friday, but not all of them
Good Friday is a federal holiday, which means the Federal Reserve and most national banks shut down that day. If your bank is part of the Federal Reserve system—which includes most major banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank—your local branch will be closed on Good Friday. ATMs and online banking remain available, but you cannot visit a teller, deposit checks at the counter, or conduct business in person.
Some smaller regional banks and credit unions do stay open on Good Friday. This varies by institution and by state, since not every state observes Good Friday as a paid holiday for all businesses. The only way to know for certain is to contact your specific bank directly or check their website before that day.
Key Takeaways
- Federal Reserve member banks close on Good Friday, including all major national banks.
- ATMs work on Good Friday even when branches are closed, so you can withdraw cash if you need it.
- Credit unions and smaller regional banks may stay open, so check with your institution directly.
- Online banking and mobile apps function normally on Good Friday regardless of branch closures.
- If you need to deposit checks or handle transactions requiring a teller, plan ahead by doing so the day before.
What stays open when your bank closes
ATM access does not stop on Good Friday. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts using any ATM in your bank's network, even if every physical branch is locked. This applies to all banks, whether they close on Good Friday or not.
Online banking and mobile apps work normally on Good Friday. You can pay bills, transfer money between accounts, deposit checks using mobile check deposit (if your bank offers it), and review your account history. The only limitation is that transactions initiated after hours may not process until the next business day.
Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated on Good Friday typically process on the next business day, since the Federal Reserve does not process these transactions on federal holidays. If you need money to move urgently, initiate the transfer before Good Friday closes.
Banks that typically close versus those that may stay open
| Bank Type | Good Friday Status | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| National banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, etc.) | Closed | All branches closed; ATMs and online banking work |
| Regional banks | Varies by bank and state | Call your branch or check the bank's website |
| Credit unions | Varies by credit union | Contact your credit union directly |
| Online-only banks | No physical branches | Online banking and customer service may be limited |
How to learn about your specific bank is open
The fastest way is to visit your bank's website and search for "holiday hours" or "Good Friday hours." Most banks post this information in their FAQ section or under a "Locations" or "Hours" page. You will find either a statement that all branches are closed or a list of branches that remain open.
Call your local branch directly. The phone line will either tell you the branch is closed on Good Friday or connect you to someone who can confirm. If you call after hours, the voicemail message usually states holiday closures.
Use your bank's mobile app or online banking portal. Many banks display branch hours and holiday closures right in the app under "Find a Branch" or "Locations."
Planning ahead if you need banking services on Good Friday
If you need to deposit a check, withdraw a large amount of cash, or handle any transaction that requires a teller, do it on Thursday before Good Friday. Do not wait until Friday morning to realize your bank is closed.
If you use mobile check deposit, you can photograph and submit checks on Good Friday through your app, though the funds may not appear in your account until the following business day. This is a good backup option if you forget to deposit before the holiday.
For bill payments and transfers, initiate them before Good Friday if the money needs to move by a specific date. Transactions submitted on Good Friday will not process until Monday, which could cause timing issues if you are paying a bill due on Friday.
What happens to direct deposits and automatic payments on Good Friday
Direct deposits scheduled for Good Friday may arrive late. If your paycheck or benefit payment is set to deposit on Good Friday, it may not hit your account until Monday. Check with your employer or the agency sending the payment to confirm their schedule.
Automatic bill payments scheduled for Good Friday typically process on that day, even though the bank is closed. The payment leaves your account as scheduled, but the receiving organization may not process it until the next business day. If you are concerned about timing, reschedule the payment for Thursday or Monday instead.
Recurring transfers between your own accounts usually process on schedule, since these are handled by the bank's automated system rather than by tellers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Good Friday if my bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online retailer on Good Friday regardless of whether your bank's branches are open. The only limitation is that some transactions may not post to your account until the next business day.
Will my paycheck deposit on Good Friday if it is scheduled for that day?
Possibly not. Many employers and government agencies do not process payroll on federal holidays, so your direct deposit may arrive on Monday instead. Contact your employer or the agency sending the payment to confirm their Good Friday schedule.
What if I need cash on Good Friday and forgot to withdraw it?
Use an ATM. Every bank's ATM network operates on Good Friday, so you can withdraw cash 24 hours a day. If your bank's ATM is out of service, use an ATM from another bank (you may pay a small out-of-network fee).
Do online banks close on Good Friday?
Online banks have no physical branches, so there is nothing to close. However, customer service phone lines may have reduced hours or be closed entirely on Good Friday. Online banking and app access typically remain available.
If I deposit a check on Good Friday using mobile deposit, when will it clear?
The check will likely not clear until Monday or Tuesday, since the Federal Reserve does not process check clearing on federal holidays. Mobile deposit works on Good Friday, but the processing timeline extends by one business day.