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 a federal holiday. Because Thanksgiving is a federal holiday, most banks treat the following day as an unofficial holiday as well and close their branches. However, the rules vary by bank and by location — some larger banks open a few branches for a few hours in the afternoon, and some credit unions or smaller regional banks may operate on their own schedule.
The safest approach is to check your specific bank's website or call your local branch directly. Banks post their Black Friday hours online, usually by mid-November. If you need to handle banking on that day, plan ahead: use ATMs (which run 24/7), set up transfers online, or visit on Thursday or Saturday instead.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks close entirely on Black Friday because it follows Thanksgiving, a federal holiday.
- Some large banks open select branches for a few hours in the afternoon, but this varies by location and year.
- ATMs and online banking work on Black Friday even when branches are closed.
- Your bank's website or a phone call to your local branch is the only reliable way to confirm hours before you go.
Why banks close on Black Friday
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving. While Black Friday itself is not a federal holiday, Thanksgiving is — and most banks observe the day after Thanksgiving as an unofficial holiday as well. This means branch staff are not scheduled, the building may not be staffed, and you cannot expect to walk in and conduct business.
The federal holiday status of Thanksgiving means that any banking services tied to the Federal Reserve — like wire transfers, ACH transfers, and check clearing — do not process on Black Friday. Even if a branch were open, those services would be delayed until Saturday or Monday.
Which banks might be open on Black Friday
Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank sometimes open a limited number of branches on Black Friday afternoon, usually from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. or 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. This is not standard across all locations — a Chase branch in one city might be open while another Chase branch 20 miles away is closed. Credit unions and smaller regional banks are more likely to close entirely.
Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no physical branches, so the question of hours does not apply to them. Their customer service lines may have reduced staffing, but your account remains accessible online.
How to find your bank's Black Friday hours
Visit your bank's website and look for a branch locator or hours page. Most banks update this information by mid-November. Enter your zip code or address to see the hours for your specific location. If the website does not show Black Friday hours clearly, call your branch directly — the phone number is usually listed on the locator page.
Do not assume that because one branch is open, yours will be. Hours vary significantly by location, and smaller branches are more likely to be closed. A five-minute phone call to confirm is faster than driving there and finding the door locked.
What you can do on Black Friday when branches are closed
ATMs work on Black Friday and every other day of the year. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (at ATMs that accept deposits), and check your balance. Online banking platforms are also available 24/7 — you can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and review transactions.
If you need to send money to someone else, you can set up a transfer online or through your bank's mobile app. ACH transfers and wire transfers will not process until the next business day, but you can schedule them in advance. If you need cash urgently and your bank is closed, ATMs at grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retailers can provide withdrawals, though you may pay an out-of-network fee.
Planning ahead for Black Friday banking
If you know you will need to handle banking on or around Black Friday, take care of it on Thursday before Thanksgiving or on Saturday. Deposit checks, withdraw cash, or make transfers while branches are open and the Federal Reserve is processing transactions normally.
If you are traveling for Thanksgiving and need cash, withdraw it before you leave home. If you need to deposit a check while traveling, most banks let you deposit checks through their mobile app by taking a photo — no branch visit required. Set up any bill payments or transfers online before the holiday so they process on schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card or ATM on Black Friday?
Yes. ATMs and debit cards work on Black Friday just like any other day. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and make purchases at stores. The only thing that does not work is processing through the Federal Reserve, which affects wire transfers and ACH transfers between banks.
Will my direct deposit or paycheck hit my account on Black Friday?
If your paycheck is scheduled to deposit on Black Friday, it will likely be delayed until Saturday or Monday because the Federal Reserve does not process ACH transfers on federal holidays. Check with your employer about the exact timing. If payday falls on Thanksgiving week, ask whether your deposit is scheduled for Thursday or the following Monday.
What if I need to wire money on Black Friday?
Wire transfers do not process on Black Friday because the Federal Reserve is closed. If you need to send money urgently, use a third-party service like Western Union or MoneyGram, which operate independently of the Federal Reserve. Otherwise, schedule the wire for Saturday or Monday and it will process then.
Are credit unions open on Black Friday?
Most credit unions close on Black Friday, but some may have limited hours. Call your credit union directly to confirm. Credit unions are not required to follow the same holiday schedule as banks, so policies vary widely by institution.
Can I still pay my bills on Black Friday?
Yes, if you pay through online banking or your biller's website. The payment will be scheduled and process on the next business day. If you need to pay by phone or in person at a branch, wait until Saturday or the following Monday.