Most U.S. banks close on Good Friday, but some branches stay open
Good Friday is a federal holiday, so most major banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others — close their physical branches for the day. ATMs and online banking remain available 24/7, so you can still withdraw cash and check balances. However, any transaction that requires a teller or banker (deposits, wire transfers, loan applications, account changes) will have to wait until Saturday or Monday.
Some smaller regional banks and credit unions may have different schedules. A few branches in certain areas stay open on Good Friday even though it is a federal holiday. The only way to know for certain is to call your specific branch or check your bank's website the day before.
If you need cash before Good Friday, withdraw it Thursday. If you need to make a deposit or handle something that requires staff, plan to do it Thursday afternoon or wait until the following Monday (since most banks are also closed Saturday and Sunday).
Key Takeaways
- Physical bank branches close on Good Friday because it is a federal holiday, but ATMs work normally.
- Online banking, mobile apps, and phone banking all remain available on Good Friday.
- Deposits, wire transfers, and other teller services will not be processed until the next business day.
- Some credit unions and regional banks may have different hours, so check with your bank directly.
- Withdrawing cash on Thursday or Friday morning before your branch closes is the safest approach if you need money over the weekend.
What you can and cannot do on Good Friday
You can use ATMs to withdraw cash, transfer money between your own accounts, and check your balance. You can also log into online banking, pay bills through your bank's website or app, and set up automatic transfers. Mobile check deposit (if your bank offers it) typically works on Good Friday as well, though the check may not clear until the following business day.
You cannot visit a branch to make a cash deposit, deposit a check in person, apply for a loan, open a new account, or speak to a banker about account issues. Wire transfers initiated on Good Friday will not process until Monday. If you need to dispute a transaction or report a lost card, you can usually call your bank's customer service line — many banks staff these lines even on holidays — but the actual resolution may be delayed.
Planning ahead for Good Friday banking
If you know you will need cash or need to handle banking tasks over the Good Friday weekend, do it Thursday. Withdraw enough cash to cover Friday and the weekend. If you have checks to deposit, deposit them Thursday or wait until Monday. If you are expecting a wire transfer or ACH payment, it will not arrive on Good Friday even if sent Thursday afternoon.
For time-sensitive matters like reporting fraud or a lost card, call your bank's customer service line on Good Friday itself. Most large banks maintain phone support on federal holidays. Write down your issue and any reference numbers so you can explain it clearly. Ask the representative when you can expect the issue to be resolved — usually by the next business day, but sometimes longer depending on the problem.
Credit unions and smaller banks may have different hours
Credit unions are not required to close on federal holidays the way banks are, so some stay open on Good Friday. Check your credit union's website or call ahead. The same applies to smaller regional banks and online-only banks — their policies vary.
Online banks (those with no physical branches) typically do not close on Good Friday because there are no branches to close. You can still use their website and app normally. However, customer service phone lines may have reduced hours or longer wait times.
How to find your bank's Good Friday hours
The fastest way is to search "[Your Bank Name] Good Friday hours" or visit your bank's website and look for a holiday hours section. Most banks post their holiday schedule weeks in advance. You can also call your specific branch directly — the phone line will usually have a recorded message about holiday hours, or you can speak to someone Thursday.
If you use a smaller bank or credit union, do not assume they follow the same schedule as Chase or Bank of America. Call or check their website to be sure. Many credit unions and regional banks have their own holiday policies.
What to do if you need banking services on Good Friday
If your branch is closed and you need cash, use an ATM. If you need to deposit a check, wait until Monday or use mobile check deposit if your bank offers it. If you have an urgent account issue, call your bank's customer service line — the number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website.
For wire transfers or other time-sensitive transactions, initiate them Thursday afternoon if possible. If you miss Thursday, they will process Monday morning. If you are expecting a payment on Good Friday, it may arrive Monday instead depending on who is sending it and how they are sending it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Good Friday if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs and stores on Good Friday regardless of whether your branch is open. You can withdraw cash, make purchases, and check your balance. The bank being closed only affects in-person services at the branch.
Will my direct deposit arrive on Good Friday?
Direct deposits scheduled for Good Friday may arrive Thursday evening or may be delayed until Monday, depending on your employer and your bank. Contact your employer's payroll department if you are unsure when they process payroll around holidays.
What if I need to deposit a check on Good Friday?
If your bank offers mobile check deposit through its app, you can deposit it Friday and it will usually clear by Monday. Otherwise, wait until Monday to deposit it in person or at an ATM (if your bank has deposit-enabled ATMs).
Do online banks close on Good Friday?
Online banks with no physical branches do not close on Good Friday. You can use their website and app normally. Customer service phone lines may have reduced staffing, but your account remains accessible.
Can I transfer money between accounts on Good Friday?
Yes, you can transfer money between your own accounts using online banking or an ATM on Good Friday. Transfers between accounts at different banks may take longer to process, but you can initiate them on Friday.