Most banks close on Thanksgiving, but some branches may have limited hours
Nearly all U.S. banks close on Thanksgiving Day itself. The Federal Reserve designates Thanksgiving as a federal holiday, which means banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System (almost all of them) must close. This includes Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional and local banks.
The day before Thanksgiving and the day after may have different hours than usual. Some branches stay open until noon or 1 p.m. on Wednesday before Thanksgiving, while others close at their normal time. The Friday after Thanksgiving is typically a regular business day with standard hours, though some banks choose to close as a courtesy to employees.
ATMs and online banking remain available on Thanksgiving, so you can withdraw cash, check balances, and transfer money without visiting a branch. Mobile apps work the same way they do any other day.
Key Takeaways
- All major U.S. banks close on Thanksgiving Day itself because it is a federal holiday recognized by the Federal Reserve.
- Wednesday before Thanksgiving may have reduced hours (closing at noon or 1 p.m.) rather than full closure, depending on the bank and branch.
- ATMs and online banking services work normally on Thanksgiving, so you can handle routine transactions without a branch visit.
- The Friday after Thanksgiving is usually a regular business day, though some banks close as an optional holiday observance.
- Call your specific branch or check your bank's website to confirm hours for the Wednesday before and Friday after Thanksgiving, as these vary by location.
How to find your bank's Thanksgiving hours
The fastest way is to search "[Your Bank Name] hours" plus your city or zip code. Most banks display holiday hours on their website homepage or in a dedicated holiday schedule section. You can also call your branch directly — the phone line usually lists holiday closures in the greeting message.
If you use a smaller regional bank or credit union, hours may differ from the major chains. Some credit unions stay open on days when larger banks close, so it is worth checking. Your bank's mobile app often shows branch hours and holiday schedules under a "Locations" or "Find a Branch" tab.
What you can do on Thanksgiving without a branch
ATMs work 24/7 on Thanksgiving, so you can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), and check your balance at any time. Most banks process ATM deposits by the next business day.
Online banking and mobile apps let you transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, send money to other people, and review transactions. These services do not stop on holidays. If you need to send money to someone else, services like Venmo, PayPal, and your bank's own transfer tools all work on Thanksgiving, though the recipient may not see the money until Friday.
Wire transfers initiated on Thanksgiving typically process the next business day (Friday), not immediately. If you need same-day movement of money, that is not possible on a federal holiday.
Planning ahead for Thanksgiving banking needs
If you need cash, withdraw it on Wednesday before Thanksgiving. ATMs work on the holiday itself, but if you prefer to get cash from a teller or need a cashier's check, you must go before Wednesday closes.
If you need to deposit a check, you can use an ATM with a deposit slot on Thanksgiving, but the bank will not process it until Friday. If the check is time-sensitive, deposit it on Wednesday instead.
For bill payments, use your bank's online bill pay system or pay through the biller's website directly. These transactions can be scheduled in advance and will process on the date you choose, even if that date is after Thanksgiving.
What happens if you need a bank service on Thanksgiving
If you have a banking emergency on Thanksgiving — a fraudulent charge, a locked account, or a critical payment issue — call your bank's customer service line. Most banks maintain a 24/7 phone line for fraud and account security issues, even on holidays. You will not reach a branch, but you can report the problem and get guidance on next steps.
For non-emergency issues, wait until Friday. Most problems that feel urgent on a holiday can be handled during regular business hours without serious consequence.
Friday after Thanksgiving hours
The day after Thanksgiving (the Friday) is not a federal holiday, so most banks open at their normal time with normal hours. However, some banks choose to close on this day as a courtesy to staff, even though they are not required to. Check your bank's website or call ahead if you have a transaction planned for that Friday.
If your bank is closed on Friday, you can still use ATMs and online services. Any deposits made at an ATM on Friday will process normally since it is a business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Thanksgiving?
Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs and in stores on Thanksgiving just like any other day. You can make purchases, withdraw cash, and check your balance without visiting a bank branch.
Will my check deposit process if I deposit it on Thanksgiving?
If you deposit a check at an ATM on Thanksgiving, the bank will process it on Friday (the next business day). If you need it processed sooner, deposit it on Wednesday before Thanksgiving closes.
Do credit unions close on Thanksgiving?
Most credit unions close on Thanksgiving because it is a federal holiday, but some stay open with reduced hours. Call your credit union or check their website to confirm, as policies vary by institution.
Can I pay bills on Thanksgiving?
Yes, through online banking or your bank's bill pay system. Payments scheduled for Thanksgiving will process on that date or the next business day depending on when you schedule them. Payments made in person at a branch cannot happen because branches are closed.
What if I need a wire transfer on Thanksgiving?
Wire transfers initiated on Thanksgiving will not process until Friday. If you need money moved urgently, initiate the transfer on Wednesday before the bank closes.