Most banks close on Good Friday, but some branches and services stay open
Good Friday is a federal holiday in the United States, which means most traditional bank branches close for the day. However, the picture is more complicated than a simple yes or no. Some banks operate limited hours, ATMs and online banking continue to work, and a few regional banks or credit unions may stay open depending on their own policies.
The safest assumption is that your local branch will be closed on Good Friday. If you need to handle banking that day, plan to use an ATM, mobile app, or online banking instead. For anything that requires speaking to a person, you will need to wait until Saturday or Monday — though Saturday hours vary widely by bank and location.
Key Takeaways
- Federal holiday status means most bank branches close on Good Friday, though ATMs and online banking remain available.
- Some banks offer Saturday hours, but these vary by location and are not may provide at every branch.
- Credit unions and smaller regional banks sometimes stay open on Good Friday, so calling ahead is the only way to know for certain.
- Wire transfers, bill payments, and account transfers can usually be done through your bank's app or website on Good Friday.
- If you need cash, ATMs work on Good Friday, but deposits made at ATMs may not process until the following business day.
Which banks close and which might stay open
The major national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — close all their branches on Good Friday. This is consistent across the country. However, smaller regional banks and credit unions make their own decisions. Some stay open on Good Friday because they do not observe all federal holidays, while others close.
Your best move is to call your specific branch the day before Good Friday or check your bank's website for holiday hours. Many banks post their Good Friday schedule online by late March. If you bank with a credit union, contact your local branch directly — credit union policies vary significantly by institution.
What you can still do on Good Friday
Even if your branch is closed, you can handle most banking tasks without walking into a physical location. ATMs work on Good Friday and allow you to withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts. Deposits made at ATMs will be processed, though the funds may not show up in your account until the next business day.
Mobile banking apps and online banking portals stay open on Good Friday. You can pay bills, transfer money between accounts, deposit checks using mobile deposit, and send money to other people through services like Zelle or your bank's own transfer system. These transactions process on Good Friday, though some may not settle until the following business day depending on the type of transaction.
If you need to wire money, most banks allow you to initiate wire transfers through their online platform on Good Friday. However, the receiving bank may not process the wire until the next business day since banks are closed.
Saturday banking after Good Friday
If you need to speak to someone in person, Saturday might be an option, but do not assume your branch is open. Many banks operate Saturday hours at select locations only, and hours are usually shorter than weekday hours — often 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 9 a.m. to noon.
Check your bank's website or call ahead to confirm Saturday hours at your specific branch. Some branches in busy areas or shopping centers have Saturday service, while branches in quieter neighborhoods may not. If your branch is not open Saturday, you will need to wait until Monday.
Planning ahead for Good Friday banking
If you know you will need cash or in-person banking on or around Good Friday, withdraw money from an ATM on Thursday. This avoids the rush and ensures you have what you need. If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit through your app on Good Friday — it is faster and does not depend on branch hours.
For time-sensitive transactions like wire transfers or large payments, complete them on Thursday if possible. If you must do them on Good Friday, use your online banking platform and be aware that the receiving institution may not process the transaction until Monday.
What happens to deposits and checks on Good Friday
Checks deposited at an ATM or through mobile deposit on Good Friday will be processed, but the funds typically will not be available until the next business day — which is Saturday. Since banks are closed Saturday, the funds may not actually show up in your account until Monday morning.
Cash deposits made at ATMs on Good Friday are usually available immediately or within a few hours, depending on your bank's system. However, if you need the money to be available the same day, deposit it on Thursday instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Good Friday if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant or ATM on Good Friday, regardless of whether your bank branch is open. You can make purchases, withdraw cash, and check your balance without visiting a branch.
Will my direct deposit process on Good Friday?
Direct deposits scheduled for Good Friday may arrive on Good Friday or may be delayed until Monday, depending on your employer's payroll system and your bank's processing schedule. Contact your employer's payroll department if you are unsure when your deposit will arrive.
Can I get a cashier's check on Good Friday?
No. Cashier's checks require a teller and can only be obtained at a branch during business hours. If you need a cashier's check, get it on Thursday or wait until Monday. Some banks may issue them on Saturday if your branch is open.
What if I need to report fraud on Good Friday?
Call your bank's fraud line. Most banks operate a 24/7 fraud hotline even when branches are closed. The number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website.
Do online banks close on Good Friday?
No. Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and others do not have physical branches, so they do not close on Good Friday. You can access your account and conduct transactions normally, though transfers to other banks may process more slowly due to the federal holiday.