Most banks will be closed the day after Thanksgiving
The day after Thanksgiving — the Friday after the fourth Thursday in November — is a federal holiday called Thanksgiving Day (the day itself) and the following day is not federally observed, but most major banks treat it as a holiday anyway. Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank close their branches on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Some credit unions and smaller regional banks do the same, though a few stay open.
If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or handle a transaction in person, plan ahead. ATMs and online banking will work normally, but you won't reach a teller or speak to someone at a branch.
Key Takeaways
- Most major national banks close branches the day after Thanksgiving, though ATMs and online banking remain available.
- Credit unions and smaller regional banks vary — some close, some stay open — so check with your bank directly.
- Wire transfers, ACH transfers, and bill payments initiated online will process, but may not clear until the following business day.
- If you need cash or a teller service, withdraw money before Thanksgiving or use an ATM on the Friday after.
Which banks close and which stay open
The major national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank, and PNC — all close their branches the day after Thanksgiving. If you bank with one of these, assume your local branch will be closed.
Credit unions are less consistent. Many close on the day after Thanksgiving, but some operate on their own holiday schedule. Call your credit union or check their website to confirm. Smaller regional banks and community banks also vary — some treat it as a regular business day, others close.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no physical branches, so the holiday does not affect them. You can transfer money, pay bills, and check your balance at any time.
What you can and cannot do on the day after Thanksgiving
You can: Use ATMs to withdraw cash or deposit checks (though mobile check deposit through your bank's app works instantly). Pay bills online. Transfer money between your own accounts. Check your balance. Make purchases with your debit or credit card. Initiate wire transfers or ACH transfers online.
You cannot: Visit a branch and speak to a teller. Get a cashier's check or money order in person. Open a new account at a branch. Dispute a transaction face-to-face. Get a replacement debit card issued immediately. Speak to customer service by phone (though some banks staff phone lines on holidays — check your bank's website).
Wire transfers and ACH transfers you start online on the day after Thanksgiving will be queued and process the next business day. They do not clear instantly just because you initiated them on a holiday.
How to prepare before the Thanksgiving holiday
If you know you will need cash or a teller service between Thanksgiving and the following Monday, withdraw money and handle transactions before Wednesday of that week. ATMs can run out of cash during heavy holiday periods, so do not wait until Thursday.
If you need a cashier's check, money order, or any service that requires a teller, complete it before the holiday. The same applies if you need to deposit a physical check and want it to clear quickly — deposit it before Thanksgiving so it posts by Friday.
If you are expecting a direct deposit or payment that normally arrives on Friday, check whether your employer or the paying organization observes the day after Thanksgiving as a holiday. Some do, some do not. A direct deposit scheduled for Friday after Thanksgiving may arrive Thursday instead, or may not arrive until Monday.
What happens to direct deposits and automatic payments
Direct deposits scheduled for the day after Thanksgiving usually arrive the day before (Thursday) instead, because the bank's processing system advances them. Check with your employer or the organization sending the deposit to confirm the exact timing for your situation.
Automatic bill payments you have set up will process normally. If a payment is scheduled for the day after Thanksgiving and the receiving organization is also closed, the payment may clear on the following business day instead. This rarely causes a problem, but if you are cutting it close on a due date, schedule the payment for the day before Thanksgiving to be safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my bank's ATM on the day after Thanksgiving?
Yes. ATMs operate 24/7 regardless of bank holidays. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks through the ATM, and check your balance. Mobile check deposit through your bank's app also works anytime.
Will my direct deposit arrive on time if it is scheduled for the day after Thanksgiving?
Usually yes, but it may arrive Thursday instead. Direct deposit systems often process ahead of federal holidays. Contact your employer or the paying organization to confirm when your specific deposit will arrive.
What if I need cash and the ATM is out of money?
ATMs occasionally run low during heavy holiday periods. If one machine is empty, try another ATM at a different branch or location. Withdraw what you need before the holiday to avoid this problem.
Do online banks close on the day after Thanksgiving?
No. Banks with no physical branches, like Ally or Discover, operate normally. You can transfer money, pay bills, and manage your account anytime. Phone support may be limited, so check your bank's website for holiday hours.
If I wire money on the day after Thanksgiving, when will it arrive?
Wire transfers initiated online will be processed the next business day (Monday). They do not clear instantly just because you sent them on a holiday. If the receiving bank is also closed, the money may not arrive until Tuesday.