Most banks are closed on Black Friday, but some branches may open
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 observed holiday and close their branches. However, the rules vary by bank and by state, and a small number of branches do stay open.
Your best move is to check your specific bank's website or call your local branch directly. Banks post their holiday hours online, usually under a "Locations" or "Hours" section, and you can search by zip code. If you need cash or banking services on Black Friday, you have options that don't require a branch to be open.
Key Takeaways
- Most bank branches close on Black Friday because it follows Thanksgiving, a federal holiday, though some banks may open select locations.
- ATMs and mobile banking apps work on Black Friday regardless of branch hours, so you can withdraw cash or transfer money without visiting a branch.
- Online banks and credit unions sometimes have different holiday schedules than large national banks, so check your institution's specific policy.
- If you need to deposit a check or speak to a banker on Black Friday, plan ahead by visiting your branch the day before or the day after.
Which banks stay open and which close
The major national banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others—typically close all or nearly all branches on Black Friday. However, some regional banks and credit unions operate on different schedules. A few banks may open a limited number of branches in high-traffic areas, but this is not standard.
Online banks like Charles Schwab Bank, Ally Bank, and Marcus have no physical branches, so the concept of "closed" does not apply to them. You can conduct any transaction online or through their app. Credit unions vary widely; some close on Black Friday, others stay open with normal hours. Check your credit union's website or call ahead.
How to access your money on Black Friday
If your bank branch is closed, you have several ways to get cash or move money without stepping into a building. ATMs work 24/7 at most banks, including on Black Friday. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and sometimes transfer money between your own accounts using the ATM.
Mobile banking apps let you transfer money, pay bills, deposit checks by photograph, and check balances from your phone. These services run around the clock on Black Friday just as they do any other day. If you need to send money to someone else, you can use your bank's app or a service like Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal, all of which operate on holidays.
What you cannot do without a branch open
Some transactions require a banker or teller and cannot be done at an ATM or through an app. If you need to open a new account, apply for a loan, get a cashier's check, or discuss a problem with your account, you will need a branch to be open. If any of these apply to you, plan to visit on Thursday before Thanksgiving or on Saturday after Black Friday.
Depositing cash also typically requires a branch or an ATM that accepts cash deposits—not all ATMs do. Check whether your bank's ATMs accept deposits before you rely on this option. If you have a check to deposit, most banks let you photograph it through the app, which works on Black Friday.
How to find your bank's Black Friday hours
Visit your bank's official website and look for a "Locations" or "Find a Branch" tool. Enter your zip code and you will see a list of nearby branches with their hours. Most banks clearly mark holiday closures on this page. You can also call your local branch directly—the phone number is usually listed on the website.
If you bank with a credit union, check its website the same way. If you use an online bank, look for a "Help" or "Contact Us" section that explains their holiday schedule. Many online banks post holiday hours in their FAQ or in an email sent to customers before the holiday.
Planning ahead for Black Friday banking
If you know you will need cash or banking services on Black Friday, withdraw money on Thursday or use an ATM on Friday morning. If you need to deposit a check, do it Thursday or wait until Saturday. If you need to speak with a banker, call Thursday to schedule an appointment for Friday if your branch is open, or plan for Saturday.
Black Friday is also a busy shopping day, so even branches that are open may have longer wait times than usual. If you can handle your banking before or after Black Friday, you will likely have a faster experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card at stores on Black Friday if my bank is closed?
Yes. Your bank being closed does not affect your ability to use your debit card or credit card to make purchases. Stores process card payments through electronic networks that run 24/7, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open.
Will my direct deposit go through on Black Friday?
Direct deposits scheduled for Black Friday may arrive a day late because the banking system observes the federal holiday. If your paycheck is normally deposited on Friday and Black Friday falls on a Friday, it may arrive on Saturday or Monday instead. Check with your employer about their payroll schedule.
Can I transfer money between banks on Black Friday?
Yes, you can initiate transfers through your bank's app or website on Black Friday. However, the transfer may not complete until the next business day because the receiving bank's systems may not process it until Saturday or Monday.
What if I need cash and my bank is closed?
Use an ATM at your bank or at another bank's ATM network. Most ATMs work on Black Friday. If you do not have access to an ATM, some grocery stores and retailers offer cash back when you make a purchase with your debit card.