Most banks are closed the day after Thanksgiving
The day after Thanksgiving—the Friday after the fourth Thursday in November—is a federal holiday called Thanksgiving Day observed by banks. This means most traditional banks will not be open for in-person service that day. However, you can still move money and check balances through ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking platforms.
The closure applies to national banks, regional banks, and most credit unions. Some smaller community banks or credit unions may have different holiday schedules, so checking your specific institution matters before you need cash or need to visit a branch.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks close on the Friday after Thanksgiving, but ATMs and online banking stay available 24/7.
- Deposits made at ATMs or through mobile apps on Friday will typically post to your account on Monday, not Friday.
- Wire transfers and ACH payments initiated on Friday usually process on Monday instead of the same day.
- Credit unions and smaller banks may have different holiday schedules, so contact yours directly if you need to be certain.
- Checks deposited on Friday will not clear until at least Monday, sometimes later depending on the check's origin.
What you can do without visiting a branch
ATMs work on Friday the day after Thanksgiving just like any other day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, transfer money between your own accounts, and check your balance. ATM deposits are processed by the bank's system, but the funds typically do not post until the next business day—Monday in this case.
Mobile banking apps and online banking portals stay open around the clock. You can pay bills, transfer money between accounts at the same bank, set up future payments, and view your transaction history. Any transfers you initiate on Friday between accounts at the same institution may post immediately or on Monday, depending on the bank's system.
When payments and deposits actually post
Timing matters if you are counting on money arriving by a specific date. Checks deposited at an ATM or through mobile deposit on Friday will not clear until Monday at the earliest, and often not until Tuesday or later if the check is from another bank or another state. The bank does not process checks on the holiday.
ACH transfers (the system used for most bill payments and direct deposits) initiated on Friday will not process until Monday. Wire transfers also wait until Monday. If you need money to arrive by Friday, you must initiate the transfer on Thursday or earlier. If you need it Monday, Friday is too late.
Credit unions and smaller banks may have different hours
Some credit unions and community banks do not observe the Friday after Thanksgiving as a holiday. A few stay open with reduced hours. The only way to know for certain is to contact your institution directly—call the number on the back of your card, check their website, or look at their branch locator tool.
If you bank at a large national chain like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, you can assume the branches are closed on Friday. If you use a smaller or regional bank, do not assume—verify before you need to visit.
Planning ahead for the holiday weekend
If you need cash, withdraw it on Thursday. If you need to deposit a check and want it to clear by Monday, deposit it on Thursday at an ATM or through mobile deposit. If you need to send money to someone, initiate the transfer on Thursday.
For bills due on Monday or Tuesday, set up the payment on Thursday so it processes on Friday or Monday. Most bill payment systems let you schedule payments in advance, so you do not have to wait until the last minute. Check your bank's cutoff times—some require payments to be scheduled by 5 p.m. or earlier to process the next business day.
What happens if you need emergency cash
ATMs are your only option on Friday if you need cash and your bank is closed. Make sure you know where ATMs are located near you—your bank's website or app usually shows nearby machines. If you use a bank that is part of a shared ATM network, you may be able to use other banks' ATMs without a fee.
If your bank charges a fee for out-of-network ATM use and you do not have enough cash on hand, consider withdrawing extra cash on Thursday. A single out-of-network fee is usually $2 to $3, but it adds up if you use multiple ATMs over the weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check on Friday and have it clear by Friday?
No. Even if you deposit at an ATM on Friday morning, the bank does not process deposits on the holiday. The check will post to your account on Monday at the earliest, and may take longer if it is from another bank or state.
Will my direct deposit hit my account on Friday?
No. Direct deposits scheduled for Friday the day after Thanksgiving will not process until Monday. If your paycheck is due Friday, it will arrive Monday instead. Contact your employer's payroll department if you need to confirm the timing.
Can I use my debit card to buy things on Friday?
Yes. Debit card transactions work normally on Friday because the payment networks stay open. The transaction will post to your account, though the timing depends on the merchant and your bank's processing schedule.
What if I need to wire money on Friday?
Wire transfers initiated on Friday will not process until Monday. If you need money to arrive Friday, you must send it on Thursday. Some banks have cutoff times in the afternoon, so call ahead if you are cutting it close.
Are online-only banks closed on Friday?
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Marcus do not have physical branches, so there is no "closed" in the traditional sense. You can access your account and move money 24/7. However, ACH transfers and wire transfers still follow the same processing schedule—Friday transfers do not process until Monday.