Most banks are closed on Black Friday, but some branches may open for limited hours
Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving, which is not a federal holiday. However, most major banks treat it as a holiday and close their branches for the day. This means you cannot visit a branch, use the drive-through, or speak to a teller in person on Black Friday.
Some regional banks and credit unions stay open on Black Friday with reduced hours — typically 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or similar short windows. Your bank's specific policy depends on the institution and the individual branch. The only way to know for certain is to check directly with your bank or look at their website.
Online banking, mobile apps, ATMs, and phone lines remain available on Black Friday at most institutions, even when physical branches are closed. You can transfer money, check balances, pay bills, and deposit checks remotely without waiting for the branch to reopen.
Key Takeaways
- Major national banks including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank close all branches on Black Friday.
- Some smaller regional banks and credit unions open for a few hours on Black Friday, but you must confirm with your specific branch.
- ATMs work 24/7 on Black Friday, and you can use online banking and mobile apps to handle most transactions without visiting a branch.
- If you need cash or a service that requires a teller, plan ahead and visit your bank on Thursday or the following Monday.
How to check your bank's Black Friday hours
Visit your bank's official website and look for a branch locator or hours page. Enter your zip code or city to see the hours for your specific branch. Most banks display holiday hours prominently during November.
Call your branch directly at the number on your bank card or on the website. A staff member can confirm whether they will be open and for how long. This is the fastest way to get a definitive answer, especially for smaller institutions that may not update their website in real time.
Check your bank's mobile app. Many apps show branch hours and holiday schedules in the branch finder section. Some apps also send notifications about holiday closures in advance.
What you can and cannot do on Black Friday when branches are closed
You can use ATMs to withdraw cash, deposit checks (at machines that accept deposits), and check your balance. ATMs operate around the clock on Black Friday at most banks. You can also transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills online, send money to other people through your bank's app or website, and deposit checks using mobile check deposit if your bank offers it.
You cannot visit a teller to deposit cash, get a cashier's check, open a new account, apply for a loan, or resolve account problems that require staff assistance. You also cannot use the drive-through window. If you need any of these services, you must wait until the branch reopens.
Phone banking lines are sometimes staffed on Black Friday even when branches are closed, though wait times may be longer. Check your bank's website to see if phone support is available.
Banks that typically close on Black Friday
Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, U.S. Bank, PNC Bank, and TD Bank all close branches on Black Friday. These are the largest national banks, and their closure is consistent year to year. If you bank with one of these institutions, assume your branch is closed unless you confirm otherwise.
Credit unions vary widely. Some close on Black Friday, others stay open with reduced hours, and a few maintain normal hours. Your credit union's policy depends on its size and local practices. Contact your credit union directly to confirm.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no physical branches, so Black Friday closure does not affect them. You can access your account and conduct transactions at any time.
Planning ahead to avoid Black Friday banking problems
If you need cash, withdraw it on Thursday before Thanksgiving or on Saturday after Black Friday. ATMs work on Black Friday, but if you need large amounts or prefer to speak to a teller, plan your withdrawal in advance.
If you need a cashier's check, certified check, or other teller service, request it before Thursday. Many banks can prepare these documents in advance if you ask.
If you are expecting a deposit or payment on Black Friday, remember that it may not post until the following business day. Banks do not process transactions on holidays, so timing your money movement around Black Friday requires planning.
What happens if you need emergency banking on Black Friday
If you have a genuine emergency — a fraudulent charge, a locked account, or a critical issue — call your bank's customer service line. Most banks staff phone support on Black Friday even when branches are closed, though wait times are typically longer than on regular business days.
If your card is lost or stolen, call the number on the back of your card or your bank's website to report it immediately. This can be done 24/7 and does not depend on branch hours.
If you need to dispute a transaction or report fraud, you can often start the process online or by phone on Black Friday. The bank will follow up with you on the next business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card at stores on Black Friday if my bank is closed?
Yes. Your bank being closed does not affect your ability to use your debit card or credit card at stores, restaurants, or online. The card works through the payment network, not through your branch. You can shop normally on Black Friday regardless of bank hours.
Will my direct deposit post on Black Friday?
No. Black Friday is not a business day for banking purposes, so direct deposits scheduled for that day will post on Monday instead. If your paycheck normally arrives on Friday, it will arrive on Monday after Black Friday.
Can I deposit a check using my phone on Black Friday?
Yes, if your bank offers mobile check deposit. You can photograph the check and submit it through your app on Black Friday. The bank will process it on the next business day, which is Saturday or Monday depending on the bank's schedule.
Are credit unions open on Black Friday?
Some are, some are not. Credit union hours vary by institution and location. Contact your credit union directly or check their website to see if your branch will be open and for how long.
What if I need to withdraw cash but the ATM is out of money on Black Friday?
ATMs occasionally run low on cash during heavy shopping days, but most banks refill them regularly. If an ATM is empty, try another ATM at a different branch or a different bank. You can also wait until Saturday morning when the bank has restocked machines.