Most U.S. banks close on Good Friday
Good Friday is a federal holiday, so most banks in the United States close for the day. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or handle other banking business, you will not be able to do it in person at a branch on Good Friday. Online banking, ATMs, and mobile apps continue to work, but teller services and loan officers are not available.
The exact date of Good Friday changes each year because it is tied to Easter, which follows the lunar calendar. In 2024, Good Friday falls on March 29. In 2025, it is April 18. Check your bank's website or call ahead if you are unsure whether a specific date is a holiday closure for your institution.
Some credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different holiday schedules, so it is worth confirming with your bank directly rather than assuming all branches follow the federal holiday calendar.
Key Takeaways
- Most U.S. banks close their physical branches on Good Friday because it is a federal holiday, though the exact date shifts each year.
- ATMs and online banking remain available on Good Friday, so you can withdraw cash and transfer money without visiting a branch.
- Checks deposited through mobile apps or ATMs on Good Friday may not clear until the following business day or later, depending on your bank's processing schedule.
- Credit unions and regional banks may observe different holiday schedules, so contact your financial institution to confirm closure before Good Friday.
What you can and cannot do on Good Friday
You can use your bank's ATM to withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts. Mobile banking apps work the same way they do on any other day. If your bank offers online bill pay, that continues to function. Debit cards work at merchants and other ATMs.
You cannot visit a teller, speak to a loan officer, open a new account, or resolve issues that require a person on the other end of the phone. If you need to dispute a transaction, report a lost card, or ask questions about your account, you will have to wait until the bank reopens on the next business day, which is usually Saturday or Monday depending on the year.
Checks you deposit through an ATM or mobile app on Good Friday will be processed, but the funds may not be available until the following business day or later. The exact timing depends on your bank's processing schedule and the type of check.
When banks reopen after Good Friday
Most banks reopen on the business day after Good Friday. Because Good Friday falls on a Friday, banks typically reopen on Monday. However, if your bank is also closed on Easter Monday (which is not a federal holiday in the United States but some institutions observe it), confirm the reopening date with your bank.
If you have urgent banking needs over the Good Friday weekend, plan ahead. Deposit checks or withdraw cash before Good Friday, or use your ATM and online banking to handle what you can remotely. If you need to speak to someone, call on Thursday to resolve issues before the closure.
How to prepare before Good Friday
If you know you will need cash or need to make a deposit, handle it on Thursday or earlier in the week. Withdraw enough cash to cover the weekend and any Monday needs if you think you might need it. If you have a check to deposit, use your bank's mobile app or ATM rather than waiting for a teller, since those methods work on the holiday.
If you are expecting a wire transfer, ACH payment, or other electronic deposit, check with your bank about timing. Some transfers initiated on Thursday may not arrive until Tuesday if the holiday interrupts the processing cycle. If the money is urgent, initiate the transfer earlier in the week.
Set a reminder on your phone or calendar the day before Good Friday if you tend to forget about holiday closures. This is especially useful if you have bills due or regular banking tasks you normally do on Friday.
Banks that may have different Good Friday hours
Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank close on Good Friday. Credit unions vary by institution and location. Some credit unions close on Good Friday, while others remain open. Call your credit union or check their website to confirm.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover do not have physical branches, so there is no branch closure to worry about. However, customer service phone lines may have reduced hours or be closed on Good Friday, so if you need to speak to someone, call on Thursday.
If you bank with a smaller regional or community bank, contact them directly. Some regional institutions do not observe all federal holidays, and a few may have partial hours on Good Friday rather than a full closure.
What to do if you have an urgent banking need on Good Friday
If you absolutely need cash and your bank is closed, use an ATM at your bank or a network ATM (like Allpoint or MoneyPass) to withdraw funds. Most ATMs work 24/7 regardless of branch hours. If you need to deposit a check, use your mobile app or an ATM that accepts deposits.
If you need to dispute a transaction or report fraud, call your bank's customer service line. Many banks have 24/7 fraud lines even on holidays. The dispute may not be fully resolved until the next business day, but you can report it and start the process.
If your debit card is lost or stolen, call the number on the back of your card or your bank's main customer service line. Most banks have 24/7 support for card issues and can issue a replacement or temporary card number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my direct deposit arrive on Good Friday if my employer pays on Friday?
It depends on when your employer initiates the deposit. If they send it Thursday or earlier, it may arrive Friday morning. If they send it Friday, it will likely arrive Monday or Tuesday because the banking system does not process ACH transfers on federal holidays. Contact your employer's payroll department if you are unsure when they initiate deposits.
Can I use my debit card at stores on Good Friday?
Yes. Your debit card works at merchants and ATMs regardless of whether your bank branch is open. The transaction will process normally, and the money will be deducted from your account.
What if I need to cash a check on Good Friday?
You cannot cash a check at your bank branch on Good Friday. Some grocery stores and check-cashing services may cash checks, though they typically charge a fee. Alternatively, deposit the check through your mobile app or ATM and withdraw the cash once it clears, usually by the next business day.
Do all banks close on Good Friday?
Most U.S. banks close on Good Friday because it is a federal holiday. However, some credit unions and online banks may have different policies. Contact your bank directly to confirm whether they are closed on the specific Good Friday date you are asking about.
If Good Friday is March 29, when does my bank reopen?
Most banks reopen on Monday, March 31. However, some institutions may have different schedules, so check your bank's holiday calendar or call ahead to confirm the exact reopening date and time.