Good Friday is a bank holiday in most of the United States, but not all banks and businesses close
Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday, is a federal holiday. This means federal offices, courts, and most banks close. However, the rule is not absolute—some banks stay open, some states treat it differently, and many businesses operate normally. Whether your bank closes depends on which bank you use and where you live.
The federal government observes Good Friday as a holiday. Federal Reserve banks close, and federal employees get the day off. Most major national banks (Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank) close their branches on Good Friday. But regional banks, credit unions, and online-only banks may stay open. If you need to visit a branch or conduct business in person, call your bank directly the day before to confirm.
Key Takeaways
- Federal offices and federal Reserve banks close on Good Friday, but not every bank does—call yours to confirm before the holiday.
- Most major national banks close their branches on Good Friday, though online banking and ATMs usually work regardless.
- Stock markets (NYSE and NASDAQ) close on Good Friday, so you cannot trade that day.
- Businesses like grocery stores, restaurants, and retail shops typically stay open on Good Friday unless they choose to close for religious reasons.
- If you need cash or banking services on Good Friday, plan ahead by withdrawing money or handling transfers the day before.
Which banks close on Good Friday
The major national banks—Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, PNC, and US Bank—close their physical branches on Good Friday. Their websites and mobile apps continue to work, and ATMs remain available. Transfers, bill payments, and account access through digital channels do not stop.
Regional and community banks vary. Some close, some stay open. Credit unions are split the same way. Online banks (Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover) typically do not close because they have no physical branches, though some may delay processing times for certain transactions. Call your bank or check their website for their specific Good Friday hours.
What government offices close on Good Friday
All federal offices close on Good Friday. This includes the IRS, Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs, and all federal courts. If you need to reach a federal agency, you will have to wait until Monday. Online services (like IRS.gov or SSA.gov) remain available, but phone lines and in-person offices are closed.
State and local government offices vary by location. Some states observe Good Friday as a holiday and close all state offices. Others do not. Check your state government's website or call ahead if you need to visit a state office, courthouse, or local agency on Good Friday.
Stock markets and financial trading on Good Friday
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ both close on Good Friday. You cannot trade stocks, bonds, or ETFs that day. Futures markets also close. If you use a brokerage app or trading platform, you will see that orders cannot be placed on Good Friday.
This closure affects not just individual traders but also mutual fund transactions. If you try to buy or sell a mutual fund on Good Friday, the transaction will be processed on the next business day (Monday) at that day's closing price. Plan any trades for Thursday if you want them to execute before the weekend.
Businesses and services that usually stay open
Most retail stores, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and pharmacies stay open on Good Friday. Some may have reduced hours or close for part of the day for religious observance, but this is the business's choice, not a legal requirement. Call ahead if you are unsure about a specific store or restaurant.
Post offices close on Good Friday because it is a federal holiday. UPS and FedEx locations vary—some close, some stay open with modified hours. Schools are typically closed, though this depends on the school district. Some districts observe Good Friday; others do not. Check your school's calendar.
How to plan around Good Friday closures
If you need banking services on Good Friday, withdraw cash and handle any necessary transfers on Thursday. Pay bills online before the holiday if your bank processes them slowly. If you use a credit union or regional bank, call Thursday to confirm their Good Friday hours.
If you have a court appearance or need to visit a federal office, make sure it is not scheduled for Good Friday. If you need to trade stocks or manage investments, do so before the market closes on Thursday. For state and local services, check your state or county government website to see which offices close.
Good Friday closures by state
Most states observe Good Friday as a holiday and close state offices. However, a few states do not. Hawaii, Illinois, and some others do not officially recognize Good Friday as a state holiday, though some state employees may still have the day off. If you live in one of these states and need a state office, call ahead to confirm they are open.
Even in states that do not officially observe Good Friday, federal offices still close. The difference matters only if you need to visit a state courthouse, DMV, or state agency office. Local government closures also vary by city and county, so check your local government's website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my bank be open on Good Friday?
Most major banks close their branches on Good Friday, but some regional banks and credit unions stay open. Call your bank or check their website for their specific hours. Online banking and ATMs work regardless of whether branches are open.
Can I withdraw money from an ATM on Good Friday?
Yes. ATMs work on Good Friday even when bank branches are closed. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts using an ATM or mobile app.
Will the stock market be open on Good Friday?
No. The NYSE and NASDAQ close on Good Friday. You cannot trade stocks, bonds, ETFs, or mutual funds that day. Any orders placed will be processed on Monday at the next day's closing price.
Do I have to work on Good Friday?
Good Friday is a federal holiday, so federal employees get the day off. Private employers are not required to close or give employees the day off. Some businesses close for religious reasons; others operate normally. Check with your employer about their Good Friday policy.
Will the post office be open on Good Friday?
No. The U.S. Postal Service closes on Good Friday. UPS and FedEx locations vary—some close, some stay open with reduced hours. Check their websites or call ahead to confirm.