Most banks close on Thanksgiving Day
The vast majority of banks in the United States close on Thanksgiving Day and do not process transactions. This includes all major national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others — as well as most regional and local banks. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or handle banking business, you will need to do it before Thursday or wait until Friday.
Some banks may open on the Friday after Thanksgiving, though hours are often reduced. A few smaller credit unions or online-only banks may operate differently, but you should not assume this without checking your specific institution first.
Key Takeaways
- Nearly all U.S. banks close completely on Thanksgiving Day and do not process deposits, withdrawals, or transfers.
- ATMs remain available 24/7 at most banks, so you can withdraw cash or check your balance even when the branch is closed.
- The day after Thanksgiving (Friday) many banks reopen, though some branches may have reduced hours or stay closed.
- Online banking and mobile apps work normally on Thanksgiving, so you can transfer money between your own accounts or pay bills from home.
- Checks deposited on Thanksgiving through mobile deposit or ATM may not clear until the following business day or later.
ATMs work on Thanksgiving even when branches close
Your bank's ATM network operates 24 hours a day, including Thanksgiving Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks using mobile deposit or an ATM envelope, transfer money between accounts, and check your balance without stepping into a branch.
Keep in mind that deposits made through an ATM on Thanksgiving may not post to your account until Friday or later, depending on your bank's processing schedule. If you need the money to clear by a specific date, plan ahead and deposit earlier in the week.
Online and mobile banking runs normally on Thanksgiving
Your bank's website and mobile app do not close on Thanksgiving. You can log in, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, send money to other people, and check your balance at any time. These transactions process normally, though they may not settle until the next business day.
If you need to send money to someone else or move funds between accounts, online banking is your best option on Thanksgiving Day. Wire transfers and external transfers may take longer to complete because the receiving bank may also be closed, but you can initiate the transaction immediately.
Friday after Thanksgiving — hours vary by bank and branch
Most banks reopen on Friday after Thanksgiving, but hours differ. Some branches open at their normal time; others open late or close early. A handful of branches may remain closed on Friday as well, particularly in smaller towns or rural areas.
Before Friday, call your branch or check your bank's website to confirm hours. Many banks post holiday schedules online weeks in advance. If you have a specific transaction you need to complete, calling ahead prevents a wasted trip.
Credit unions and online banks may have different schedules
Most credit unions follow the same holiday schedule as traditional banks and close on Thanksgiving. However, some smaller credit unions operate on different schedules, and a few may stay open with reduced hours. Call your credit union directly to confirm.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Discover do not have physical branches, so there are no branch closures. However, customer service phone lines may have reduced staffing or longer wait times on Thanksgiving. Online transactions and ATM access continue normally.
Plan ahead for holiday banking needs
If you know you will need cash or need to deposit a check before Thanksgiving, handle it on Wednesday or earlier in the week. Withdrawing money on Wednesday ensures you have what you need without relying on ATMs or mobile deposit.
If you are expecting a direct deposit or payment on Thanksgiving, remember that banks do not process transactions that day. Deposits scheduled for Thanksgiving may not post until Friday or the following Monday, depending on when they were initiated and your bank's processing schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Thanksgiving if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online retailer on Thanksgiving regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The transaction processes through the card network, not through a physical branch.
Will a check I deposit on Thanksgiving clear by Friday?
Probably not. Checks deposited on Thanksgiving through an ATM or mobile deposit typically do not clear until Friday at the earliest, and often not until Monday. If you need the money to clear quickly, deposit it on Wednesday instead.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on Thanksgiving?
Most banks do not staff phone lines on Thanksgiving. If you have an urgent issue, try calling your branch or the customer service number on the back of your card, but expect to reach an automated system or voicemail. Save non-urgent questions for Friday.
Do wire transfers process on Thanksgiving?
You can initiate a wire transfer through online banking on Thanksgiving, but it will not actually move until Friday at the earliest, because the receiving bank is also closed. If you need money to arrive by Thanksgiving, send it on Wednesday.
Are bank holidays the same everywhere in the United States?
Yes, Thanksgiving is a federal holiday, so all banks that observe federal holidays close on the same day. Some very small local banks or credit unions may operate differently, but this is rare. Check with your specific institution if you are unsure.