Most banks close on Thanksgiving Day and reopen the day after
Banks treat Thanksgiving as a federal holiday, so branches nationwide close on Thanksgiving Day itself. The day after Thanksgiving — the Friday — most banks open on their normal schedule, usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., depending on the branch. Some branches may open later or close earlier on the Friday after Thanksgiving, so calling ahead is worth the minute if you need to deposit something or withdraw cash.
ATMs stay open 24/7 regardless of the holiday, so you can withdraw cash, check your balance, or transfer money between your own accounts anytime. Mobile banking apps and online banking work the same way — the bank's website and app do not close for holidays.
If you need to reach customer service by phone on Thanksgiving Day, you will reach an automated system or a message telling you the bank is closed. Most banks staff their phone lines on the Friday after Thanksgiving, though wait times are often longer than usual because of the volume.
Key Takeaways
- Thanksgiving Day itself: all bank branches closed nationwide; ATMs and online banking remain open.
- Friday after Thanksgiving: branches reopen on regular hours, though some may open later or close earlier than usual.
- Call your specific branch before you go if you need a service that requires a teller, because hours vary by location.
- ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking work around the clock, including Thanksgiving Day.
- Phone customer service resumes on Friday, but expect longer hold times than normal.
How to find your bank's exact hours after Thanksgiving
The fastest way is to search "[Your Bank Name] hours" on Google Maps or your bank's website. Google Maps shows holiday hours automatically once you search, and most banks update their hours there before the holiday week. You can also call your branch directly — the voicemail message will tell you when it reopens.
Some banks post holiday schedules on their homepage or in the mobile app a week or two before Thanksgiving. If you bank with a large national chain like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, hours are usually consistent across branches, but regional and smaller banks vary more. A five-minute call to your branch saves a wasted trip.
What you can and cannot do on Thanksgiving Day
You can: withdraw cash from an ATM, check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills online, deposit checks using mobile deposit (if your bank offers it), and access your account through the mobile app or website.
You cannot: speak to a teller, open a new account, get a cashier's check, apply for a loan, dispute a transaction in person, or reach a human on the phone. If you need any of these, wait until Friday or handle what you can online.
Mobile deposit and online banking on Thanksgiving
Mobile deposit — photographing a check with your phone and submitting it through the app — works on Thanksgiving Day. The check will not clear until the next business day (Friday), but you can submit it anytime. The same goes for paying bills online, transferring money, or checking your balance through the app or website.
If you submit a mobile deposit on Thanksgiving, the bank processes it on Friday morning. Funds usually appear in your account by Friday afternoon or Saturday, depending on the bank and the amount. Large deposits sometimes take longer.
What happens if you need cash before the banks reopen
Use an ATM. Every bank's ATM network works 24/7, and most ATMs accept deposits as well as withdrawals. If you need to deposit cash or a check, you can use your bank's ATM on Thanksgiving Day, and the deposit will be processed on Friday morning.
If your bank charges a fee for out-of-network ATM use, you will pay it if you use a competitor's ATM. Most banks waive the fee for the first one or two out-of-network transactions per month, so check your account terms. Credit unions often have surcharge-free ATM networks you can use even if you do not bank there.
Planning ahead for the Thanksgiving weekend
If you know you will need cash or a specific service over Thanksgiving weekend, handle it on Wednesday or earlier. Withdraw extra cash Wednesday if you think you will need it Thursday or Friday. If you need a cashier's check, certified funds, or a loan decision, do not wait until Wednesday — banks are busier than usual the day before the holiday.
If you are traveling for Thanksgiving, locate ATMs near where you will be staying. Most banks participate in nationwide ATM networks, so you can withdraw from an ATM belonging to a different bank without traveling to your own branch. Search your bank's website for "ATM locator" to find participating machines in the area you are visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check on Thanksgiving Day?
Yes, using mobile deposit through the app or by depositing it in an ATM that accepts deposits. The check will not clear until Friday, but you can submit it anytime on Thursday. If your bank's ATM does not accept deposits, mobile deposit is your option.
Will my bill payment go through if I submit it on Thanksgiving?
It depends on when you submit it and who you are paying. If you pay through your bank's online bill pay on Thanksgiving, the bank processes it on Friday morning. If the payment is scheduled for a future date, it will go out on that date. If you are paying a credit card or loan due on Friday, submit it by Wednesday to be safe.
What if I need to dispute a charge on Thanksgiving?
You cannot speak to someone in person or by phone on Thanksgiving Day. Most banks let you start a dispute through the mobile app or website, and a representative will follow up on Friday. If it is urgent, check your app — many banks have a "report fraud" or "dispute transaction" option available 24/7.
Are credit unions open after Thanksgiving?
Most credit unions close on Thanksgiving Day and reopen Friday on regular hours, just like banks. Some credit unions have different holiday schedules, so call your branch or check their website. Credit union ATMs work 24/7 regardless of branch hours.
Can I open a new account on Friday after Thanksgiving?
Yes, but expect longer wait times. Many people handle banking on the Friday after Thanksgiving, so branches are busier than usual. If opening an account is not urgent, waiting until the following week means shorter lines and faster service.