Most banks close on Thanksgiving Day and reopen the Friday after
Banks observe Thanksgiving as a federal holiday, so branches will be closed on Thanksgiving Day itself. The Friday after Thanksgiving is a regular business day — most banks open at their normal time, usually between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., depending on the branch. If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash over the Thanksgiving weekend, plan to visit Friday or later in the week.
The day after Thanksgiving (Friday) is not a federal holiday, even though many employers give it off. Banks treat it as a normal operating day. If your bank has extended hours on Fridays, those hours will apply. ATMs and mobile banking work around the clock, so you can move money or check balances at any time, even when the branch is closed.
Key Takeaways
- Banks close on Thanksgiving Day but reopen Friday at regular hours, typically 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- The Friday after Thanksgiving is a normal business day for banks, not a holiday.
- ATMs and mobile banking are available 24/7 during the Thanksgiving weekend.
- Some banks may have reduced hours on the Saturday or Sunday after Thanksgiving, so check your branch's schedule online.
- Wire transfers and ACH transfers may take longer if submitted on Thanksgiving or the day after, depending on your bank's processing schedule.
How to find your bank's exact hours
The easiest way to confirm your bank's hours is to search for the branch name and location on Google Maps or your bank's website. Most banks list holiday hours separately from regular hours. Call the branch directly if you cannot find the information online — the phone number is usually on the bank's website or your debit card.
If you bank with a large national chain like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, or Citibank, you can also log into your online account and find branch hours there. Regional banks and credit unions may have different holiday schedules, so do not assume your branch follows the same pattern as a neighboring bank.
What you can do without visiting a branch
ATMs work 24/7 during Thanksgiving weekend. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has mobile deposit or a check slot), transfer money between your own accounts, and check your balance at any time. Mobile banking apps let you pay bills, send money to other people, and view transactions without leaving home.
If you need to deposit a check and your ATM does not have a check slot, most banks let you photograph the check using their mobile app and submit it that way. The deposit usually posts within one or two business days. This method works over the holiday weekend and does not require a branch visit.
Wire transfers and ACH payments over the holiday
Wire transfers submitted on Thanksgiving Day or Friday after Thanksgiving may not process until the following Monday, depending on your bank. Most banks do not process wires on federal holidays. If you need money to move urgently, ask your bank whether they process wires on the Friday after Thanksgiving — some do, some do not.
ACH transfers (the standard way to move money between bank accounts) submitted on Thanksgiving or Friday may post on Monday or Tuesday instead of the next business day. If the transfer is time-sensitive, submit it earlier in the week or call your bank to ask about their specific holiday processing schedule.
Credit unions and smaller banks
Credit unions and regional banks often have different holiday schedules than large national chains. Some close on both Thanksgiving and the Friday after. Others stay open Friday but close Saturday and Sunday. Check your institution's website or call ahead — do not assume the schedule matches a big bank.
If your credit union or bank is part of a shared branching network, you may be able to visit a different branch in the network over the weekend. Ask your bank whether this option is available and whether the other branch will be open on Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Planning ahead for the Thanksgiving weekend
If you know you will need cash or need to make a deposit over Thanksgiving weekend, visit your bank on Wednesday or earlier in the week. This avoids the rush on Friday and gives you a buffer if something goes wrong. Withdraw extra cash if you think you might need it — ATMs have daily withdrawal limits, usually between $300 and $1,000 depending on your account type.
If you are traveling for Thanksgiving, locate ATMs near where you will be staying. Use your bank's ATM locator tool on their website or app. If your bank does not have branches where you are going, find out whether they reimburse out-of-network ATM fees — some do, some charge you $2 to $3 per transaction.
What happens if you need to reach customer service
Most banks have phone lines open on Friday after Thanksgiving, even if branches are closed. The number is usually on your debit card or bank statement. Some banks also offer chat support or email support through their website or app, which may be available 24/7.
If you have an urgent problem — a fraudulent charge, a card that was declined, or a transfer that did not go through — call the customer service number on the back of your card. Banks staff their fraud and customer service lines on holidays because these issues cannot wait until Monday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check at an ATM on Thanksgiving?
Yes, if your ATM has a check deposit slot or if your bank offers mobile check deposit through its app. The check will not post until Friday at the earliest, but you can submit it anytime. Mobile deposit usually posts within one or two business days.
Will my direct deposit post on Friday after Thanksgiving?
Most direct deposits post on schedule on Friday after Thanksgiving because employers and payroll processors submit them before the holiday. However, if your employer's payroll system is closed on Friday, the deposit may post on Monday instead. Check with your employer if you are unsure.
Can I get a cashier's check on Friday after Thanksgiving?
Yes, if the branch is open. Cashier's checks are issued at the teller window, so you will need to visit in person during business hours. Call ahead to confirm the branch is open and to ask how long it takes — some banks issue them on the spot, others need a few minutes.
What if I need to dispute a charge over the Thanksgiving weekend?
Call the customer service number on the back of your card. Banks staff their fraud lines on holidays. Report the charge and the bank will start an investigation. You do not have to wait until Monday, and reporting it sooner protects you under federal law.
Do online banks have different hours on Thanksgiving?
Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Marcus do not have physical branches, so they do not close on Thanksgiving. You can transfer money, check balances, and manage your account 24/7. However, transfers to other banks may take longer if submitted on Thanksgiving or Friday.