Most banks are closed the day after Thanksgiving, but some branches and services stay open

The day after Thanksgiving — the Friday after the fourth Thursday in November — is not a federal holiday, so banks are not required to close. However, most major banks do close their physical branches that day as a courtesy to employees. This means you cannot walk into a Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or Citibank branch on that Friday and conduct business in person.

What matters for your money: ATMs and online banking work normally. Mobile apps, website transfers, bill pay, and ATM withdrawals all function as usual. If you need cash before the weekend or have a question that requires talking to a person, you need to plan ahead.

Some smaller regional banks and credit unions stay open on the day after Thanksgiving. Call your specific branch the week before to confirm their schedule — do not assume based on what a larger bank does.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major bank branches close on the day after Thanksgiving, but ATMs and online services remain available.
  • You can withdraw cash from ATMs, transfer money online, and pay bills through your app or website without visiting a branch.
  • Regional banks and credit unions may have different hours, so contact your branch directly to confirm.
  • If you need to speak with a banker in person, visit on Thursday before Thanksgiving or wait until the following Monday.

Which banks close and which stay open

The major national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank, PNC, and TD Bank — all close their branches on the day after Thanksgiving. This is a company-wide policy, not a branch-by-branch decision. If you have an account at one of these banks, assume your local branch is closed that Friday.

Credit unions and smaller regional banks vary. Some close, some stay open with reduced hours, and some operate normally. Your best move is to call your branch or check your bank's website for holiday hours. Many banks post their Thanksgiving schedule online in late October or early November.

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no physical branches, so the day after Thanksgiving makes no difference to them. You can still log in, transfer money, and manage your account as usual.

What you can do without visiting a branch

ATMs work 24/7, including the day after Thanksgiving. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has mobile deposit or a check slot), and check your balance. If you need cash for the weekend, get it Thursday or use an ATM Friday morning.

Online banking and mobile apps function normally. You can transfer money between your own accounts, send money to other people through Zelle or similar services, pay bills, and deposit checks by phone camera. These services do not depend on branch hours.

If you have a question that requires speaking to a person, call your bank's customer service line. Most banks staff their phone lines even when branches are closed. You will not be able to visit in person, but you can often resolve issues by phone.

What you cannot do on the day after Thanksgiving

You cannot visit a branch in person to open a new account, apply for a loan, get a cashier's check, or speak face-to-face with a banker. If you need any of these services, do them Thursday or wait until Monday.

Some banks offer cashier's checks through ATMs or mobile apps, but not all. If you need a cashier's check and your bank does not offer it digitally, you will have to wait until the branch reopens.

Safe deposit boxes are not accessible when the branch is closed. If you need something from your box, plan ahead.

How to prepare before Thanksgiving

Withdraw cash Thursday if you think you will need it Friday through Sunday. ATMs work all weekend, but if you prefer to get cash from a teller or need a large amount, do it before the branch closes Thursday.

Check your bank's website or call ahead to confirm your branch's hours. Do not assume — some smaller banks stay open, and some branches in busy areas may have different policies.

If you need a cashier's check, loan approval, or account change, handle it Thursday. If you wait until Friday, you will have to wait until Monday.

What happens if you need help on Friday

Call your bank's customer service number. Most major banks staff their phone lines during normal business hours even on the day after Thanksgiving. You can ask questions, report fraud, or resolve account issues by phone.

If your issue is urgent and cannot wait until Monday, some banks offer 24/7 fraud reporting lines. Check the back of your debit card or your bank's website for the number to call.

If you have a credit union, call their main line to see if a representative is available. Smaller institutions may not staff phones on that day, but it is worth asking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card at stores on the day after Thanksgiving if the bank is closed?

Yes. Your debit card works at stores, gas stations, and restaurants regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The bank's computer systems run 24/7. The branch closure only affects in-person services.

Will my direct deposit or bill payments process on the day after Thanksgiving?

Yes. Automatic payments, direct deposits, and scheduled transfers process normally. The day after Thanksgiving is not a federal holiday, so the banking system operates as usual behind the scenes.

What if I need to deposit a check on Friday?

Use mobile deposit through your bank's app if you have it — you can photograph the check and deposit it instantly. If your ATM has a check deposit slot, you can use that too. Otherwise, wait until Monday or use an ATM that accepts checks.

Are banks closed on Thanksgiving Day itself?

Yes. Thanksgiving Day (the fourth Thursday in November) is a federal holiday, so all banks close. The day after — Friday — is not a federal holiday, which is why policies vary by bank.

Do wire transfers go through on the day after Thanksgiving?

Domestic wire transfers may be delayed because many banks do not process them on non-federal holidays. International wires typically take longer anyway. If you need to send money urgently, do it Thursday or ask your bank when they will process Friday transfers.