Most banks are closed on Good Friday
Good Friday is a federal holiday in the United States, and most banks observe it by closing their physical branches for the day. This includes the major national banks—Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others—as well as most regional and community banks. If you need to visit a branch, you will not be able to go in person on Good Friday.
However, you can still access your money through other channels. ATMs remain open and functional on Good Friday, so you can withdraw cash, check your balance, and make deposits at ATM machines. Online banking, mobile apps, and phone banking also stay available 24/7, regardless of whether branches are closed.
Some credit unions may have different schedules, so if you bank with a credit union, check your institution's website or call ahead to confirm. A small number of banks in certain states may operate on Good Friday, but this is rare and depends on state law and individual bank policy.
Key Takeaways
- Physical bank branches close on Good Friday because it is a federal holiday, but ATMs and online banking remain open.
- You can withdraw cash, transfer money, and pay bills through ATMs and mobile apps on Good Friday without visiting a branch.
- Credit unions may have different hours, so contact your credit union directly if you are unsure about their Good Friday schedule.
- If you need to speak to a banker or conduct business that requires a teller, plan to visit on Thursday or the following Monday.
What you can and cannot do on Good Friday
ATMs work normally on Good Friday, and you can use them to withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your bank has mobile deposit or ATM deposit), transfer money between your own accounts, and check your balance. These functions do not require a bank employee and operate independently of branch hours.
Online and mobile banking also function normally. You can pay bills, transfer money to other people or accounts, set up direct deposits, and review your transaction history through your bank's website or app. Wire transfers initiated online may process on Good Friday, though some banks delay wire processing until the next business day depending on the time you submit the request.
What you cannot do is visit a branch to speak with a teller, open a new account, apply for a loan, dispute a transaction in person, or conduct any service that requires a bank employee. If you need these services, you will need to wait until the branch reopens on Saturday (if your bank is open Saturdays) or Monday.
When banks reopen after Good Friday
Most banks reopen on Saturday morning, though hours vary by location and bank. Some branches open at 9 a.m., others at 10 a.m. Check your bank's website or call your local branch to confirm Saturday hours, as not all branches operate on Saturdays.
If your bank does not open on Saturday, the next business day is Monday, when full hours resume. Plan accordingly if you need to deposit a check in person, open an account, or handle any transaction that requires a teller. Depositing by mail or through mobile deposit can avoid the wait if those options are available to you.
How to handle banking needs on Good Friday
If you need cash, use an ATM. Most ATMs are free to use if they are owned by your bank, and you can withdraw as much as your daily limit allows. If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit through your bank's app if available—most banks process mobile deposits within one business day.
If you need to pay a bill, use online bill pay through your bank's website or app, or pay the company directly through their website. Many utilities, credit card companies, and other billers accept online payments on weekends and holidays.
If you need to transfer money to someone else, use your bank's online transfer service, a money transfer app like Venmo or PayPal, or a wire transfer service. Online transfers between your own accounts usually process immediately or within one business day.
If your need cannot wait until Monday and cannot be handled through ATM or online banking, call your bank's customer service line. Most banks maintain phone support on holidays, and a representative can help with some issues or direct you to the right solution.
Federal holiday closures and your account
Good Friday is recognized as a federal holiday by the U.S. government, which means federal offices close and the stock market does not trade. Banks treat it the same way they treat other federal holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. If a transaction is scheduled to post on Good Friday—such as a direct deposit or automatic bill payment—it may post on Good Friday or may be delayed until the next business day, depending on the bank and the type of transaction.
Automatic bill payments and direct deposits usually process on schedule even when banks are closed, because these are handled by automated systems. However, if a payment is due on Good Friday and you have not yet sent it, sending it on Good Friday through online bill pay will likely not deliver it to the recipient until the next business day.
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, ATM, or online retailer on Good Friday. The bank being closed does not affect your ability to use your card for purchases or ATM withdrawals. The only thing you cannot do is visit a physical branch.
Will my direct deposit post on Good Friday?
Direct deposits are usually processed by automated systems and post on schedule, even on federal holidays. However, some employers or payroll processors may delay deposits that would normally post on Good Friday until the next business day. Check with your employer if you are unsure.
What if I need to dispute a charge on Good Friday?
You can report a fraudulent or incorrect charge by calling your bank's customer service line on Good Friday. Most banks maintain phone support on holidays. You can also report it through your online banking app or website. The bank will begin investigating, though the formal dispute process may not start until the next business day.
Are credit unions open on Good Friday?
Most credit unions close on Good Friday, but policies vary by institution. Some credit unions may have limited hours or remain open. Contact your credit union directly or check their website to confirm their Good Friday schedule before you need to visit.
Can I deposit a check at an ATM on Good Friday?
If your bank's ATM accepts check deposits, yes. The check will be scanned and held until the next business day, when it will be processed and the funds will post to your account. Mobile deposit through your bank's app is another option that works on Good Friday.