Good Friday is not a federal bank holiday in the United States
Good Friday is a religious observance, not an official federal holiday. The U.S. federal government does not recognize it as a day when banks, post offices, or federal offices must close. However, some individual banks, credit unions, and financial institutions choose to close on Good Friday anyway, and a few states observe it as a paid holiday for state employees.
The distinction matters because it affects what services you can access that day. If you need to deposit a check, transfer money, or visit a bank branch, you should check with your specific bank rather than assume it will be closed. The same applies to other financial services—some will operate normally, others will not.
Key Takeaways
- Good Friday is not a federal bank holiday, so most banks remain open, though some individual banks and credit unions close by choice.
- A handful of states—including Connecticut, Delaware, and New Jersey—observe Good Friday as a paid holiday for state employees, but this does not close federal banks.
- The New York Stock Exchange closes on Good Friday, so stock trading does not happen that day.
- To know whether your bank will be open, contact your bank directly or check their holiday schedule online rather than assuming closure.
Which banks and financial institutions close on Good Friday
Most major national banks stay open on Good Friday. Banks including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank operate on their normal schedule. However, some regional banks, credit unions, and smaller financial institutions do close. Catholic-owned banks and credit unions are more likely to close, as are some community banks in areas with large Catholic populations.
The only reliable way to know is to contact your bank directly. Call the customer service number on the back of your card, visit your branch's website, or check the bank's holiday schedule page. Most banks publish their holiday closures online by late winter, well before Good Friday arrives.
What federal offices and services close on Good Friday
Federal offices do not close on Good Friday. The IRS, Social Security Administration, and other federal agencies operate normally. Post offices remain open on their regular schedule. Federal courts stay open. If you need to reach a federal agency or visit a federal office, Good Friday is a normal business day.
The one major exception is the stock market. The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ both close on Good Friday, so you cannot trade stocks that day. If you use a brokerage app or online trading platform, you will not be able to execute trades, though you can usually place orders that will execute when the market reopens on Monday.
State-level Good Friday observances
Connecticut, Delaware, and New Jersey observe Good Friday as a paid holiday for state employees. This means state office buildings in those states may have reduced staffing or be closed entirely. However, this does not affect federal banks or federal offices located in those states—only state government operations.
If you live in one of these states and need to conduct business with a state agency on Good Friday, call ahead to confirm hours. State-chartered banks in these states may also close, though federally chartered banks will not.
How to learn about your bank will be open
The fastest method is to search your bank's name plus "holiday hours" or "Good Friday hours" online. Most banks maintain a holiday schedule page that lists closures for the entire year. You can also call your branch directly or use your bank's mobile app, which often displays holiday information.
If you plan to deposit checks, withdraw cash, or conduct other banking business on Good Friday, check this information at least a day or two before. If your bank closes, you can use ATMs (which operate 24/7 at most banks) or plan your banking for Thursday or Monday instead.
What happens to payments and transfers on Good Friday
If you send a wire transfer, ACH transfer, or check deposit on Good Friday, timing depends on your bank's processing schedule, not on whether the bank is physically open. Most banks process transfers that are submitted before a certain cutoff time (often 2 or 3 p.m.) the same business day. If you submit after the cutoff or on a weekend, processing typically begins the next business day.
Because Good Friday is not a federal holiday, it counts as a business day for payment processing purposes. A transfer submitted on Good Friday morning will usually process the same day, even if your bank's branch is closed. However, if your bank does close on Good Friday, it may not process transfers submitted that day until the following business day—so call your bank to confirm their specific policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my direct deposit arrive on Good Friday if it's scheduled for that day?
Yes, in most cases. Direct deposits process on schedule because they move through the federal banking system, which does not close on Good Friday. However, if your employer's payroll system closes on Good Friday, they may process payroll a day early or late. Check with your employer's payroll department if you are unsure.
Can I use my debit card or ATM on Good Friday?
Yes. ATMs operate 24/7 at most banks regardless of branch hours, and debit cards work at merchants and ATMs nationwide. Even if your bank branch is closed, you can withdraw cash and make purchases normally.
Does the IRS close on Good Friday?
No. The IRS operates on a normal schedule on Good Friday. You can call the IRS, file documents, or conduct business as usual. However, if Good Friday falls close to the tax filing deadline, confirm the exact deadline date because the IRS may extend it if a holiday falls on a filing day.
What if I need to wire money on Good Friday and my bank is closed?
Call your bank before Good Friday to ask whether you can submit wire requests by phone or online even if the branch is closed. Many banks allow wire requests through their website or app, or by phone with customer service, even on days when the physical branch is not staffed.
Is Good Friday a holiday in other countries?
Yes, Good Friday is a public holiday in many countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland, where banks and government offices close. If you are sending money internationally or dealing with a foreign bank, check that bank's holiday schedule for Good Friday.