Most U.S. banks will be open on Good Friday
Good Friday is not a federal holiday, so banks are not required to close. Most major banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank — stay open on Good Friday and operate on their normal business hours. Some smaller regional banks or credit unions may close, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
If you need to visit a branch or conduct business in person on Good Friday, call your bank ahead of time to confirm their hours. A five-minute call saves a wasted trip. You can also check your bank's website, which usually lists holiday closures under a "Locations" or "Hours" section.
Online banking, ATM access, and mobile apps work the same on Good Friday as any other day. You can transfer money, check balances, and pay bills without interruption, regardless of whether your bank's physical branches are open.
Key Takeaways
- Good Friday is not a federal holiday, so banks have no legal requirement to close their doors.
- Most large national banks remain open on Good Friday during regular business hours.
- Some smaller credit unions or regional banks may choose to close, so calling ahead is the safest approach.
- ATMs and online banking services operate normally on Good Friday even if branches are closed.
- If you need cash or in-person service, plan ahead and confirm your bank's schedule before Good Friday arrives.
Which banks typically close on Good Friday
Banks that do close on Good Friday are usually smaller institutions with religious ties or credit unions that observe Christian holidays. Some community banks and faith-based credit unions treat Good Friday as a paid holiday for staff. However, even among these, the practice is not universal — many choose to stay open anyway.
If your bank is a smaller regional institution, a credit union, or a bank with a religious affiliation, check their website or call the branch directly. Do not assume closure based on size alone. The only way to know for certain is to ask.
What you can still do on Good Friday if your branch is closed
Bank branches may close, but the bank itself does not stop working. You can deposit checks through mobile deposit (photograph the check with your phone and submit it through the app). You can transfer money between your own accounts or to other people using online banking or your mobile app. You can pay bills, check your balance, and dispute charges.
ATMs work 24/7 regardless of branch hours, so you can withdraw cash, deposit cash (at machines that accept deposits), and check your balance. If you need to speak to someone, most banks offer phone support during business hours even on holidays — call the number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website.
Wire transfers, cashier's checks, and other services that require a teller may be delayed until the next business day if your branch is closed. If you need one of these services, plan ahead and complete the transaction before Good Friday.
How to learn about your specific bank is closed
Visit your bank's official website and look for a "Holiday Hours" or "Locations" page. Most banks publish their Good Friday schedule weeks in advance. If you cannot find it online, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or visit your local branch in person a few days before Good Friday.
Do not rely on Google Maps or third-party websites for holiday hours — these are often outdated. Go directly to your bank's own website or call them. It takes two minutes and removes all doubt.
Planning ahead for Good Friday banking needs
If you know you will need cash, a cashier's check, or in-person service on Good Friday, handle it on Thursday instead. Withdraw extra cash from an ATM on Thursday evening. If you need a cashier's check, request it Thursday morning so it is ready by afternoon. If you need to deposit a large check, use mobile deposit on Thursday or Friday morning — it will post by Monday.
For bill payments and transfers, complete them by Thursday if the deadline falls on Friday or the following Monday. Banks process transactions that are submitted before the cutoff time on the last business day before a holiday, but do not count on same-day posting if you wait until Friday.
Federal holidays versus bank holidays
Good Friday is observed by many people and some businesses, but it is not a federal holiday. Federal holidays are the days when all federal offices, courts, and many government services close. Banks are not required to close on days that are not federal holidays.
The federal holidays when banks must close are: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Good Friday does not appear on this list, which is why banks can choose whether to close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my ATM on Good Friday if the branch is closed?
Yes. ATMs operate 24/7 regardless of branch hours. You can withdraw cash, deposit cash (if your ATM accepts deposits), and check your balance on Good Friday even if the branch is closed. The only limitation is that some deposits may not post until the next business day.
Will my direct deposit or automatic bill payment process on Good Friday?
Direct deposits and automatic payments scheduled for Good Friday will process normally if Good Friday is not a federal holiday. Your bank's systems run continuously. However, if Good Friday falls on a day when the federal government is closed for a different reason, some processing may be delayed — call your bank to confirm.
What if I need a cashier's check on Good Friday?
If your branch is open, you can get one. If your branch is closed, you will have to wait until the next business day. Cashier's checks require a teller, so they cannot be obtained through ATMs or online banking. Plan ahead and request it on Thursday if you know you will need one.
Do credit unions close on Good Friday?
Some do, some do not. Credit unions are not required to close on Good Friday because it is not a federal holiday. Call your credit union directly or check their website to find out their specific schedule. Do not assume all credit unions follow the same policy.
Will my bank's customer service line be open on Good Friday?
Most large banks keep customer service phone lines open on Good Friday even if branches are closed. However, wait times may be longer. Check your bank's website or call ahead to confirm hours. Smaller banks and credit unions may have limited phone support on Good Friday.