Most banks are open on Friday after Thanksgiving, but hours vary by location and institution
The day after Thanksgiving—known as the Friday of Thanksgiving weekend—is not a federal holiday, so most banks operate on their regular schedule. However, some banks close or run shortened hours, and a few stay closed entirely. The safest approach is to check your specific bank's website or call the branch before you go, because hours differ between banks and sometimes between branches of the same bank.
If you need cash or want to deposit a check over the weekend, knowing whether your bank is open matters. Some banks open later or close earlier on this Friday than they do on a typical Friday. A few regional banks and credit unions treat it as a holiday and remain closed.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks are open on the Friday after Thanksgiving, but many operate on reduced hours—often opening later or closing earlier than usual.
- Your bank's website or mobile app will show the exact hours for your branch; calling ahead takes two minutes and removes doubt.
- If your bank is closed, ATMs remain available 24/7 for withdrawals and deposits at most institutions.
- Credit unions and smaller regional banks are more likely to close on this Friday, so check before making a trip.
- If you need to conduct business in person and your branch is closed, plan to visit on Monday or use online banking and ATMs over the weekend.
How to find your bank's Friday hours
The fastest way is to open your bank's mobile app or website and search for your branch location. Most banks display hours prominently on the branch locator page. If you see "Holiday Hours" listed, that usually means the branch has adjusted its schedule for the day after Thanksgiving.
If the website does not show hours clearly, call the branch directly. The phone number is on the bank's website or on your debit card. A staff member can tell you whether the branch is open, what time it opens and closes, and whether drive-through service is available if you prefer not to go inside.
Do not assume all branches of the same bank have the same hours. A downtown branch might close at 3 p.m. while a suburban one stays open until 6 p.m. Check the specific location you plan to visit.
What major banks typically do on the Friday after Thanksgiving
Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank usually stay open on this Friday, though hours are often shorter than on a regular Friday. Many open at 9 or 10 a.m. instead of 8 a.m., and close at 4 or 5 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. Some branches may close for part of the day or operate drive-through only.
Smaller regional banks and credit unions are more likely to close entirely or operate limited hours. If you bank with a local institution, checking ahead is especially important. Some credit unions close for the entire Thanksgiving weekend.
Even if your branch is closed, your bank's ATM network remains available around the clock. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has mobile deposit or an envelope slot), and check your balance at any ATM branded with your bank's logo.
Using ATMs and online banking if your branch is closed
If your bank is closed on Friday, ATMs let you handle most routine needs without visiting a branch. You can withdraw cash, transfer money between accounts, and check your balance. Many modern ATMs accept check deposits—you insert the check, the machine scans it, and the funds post within one or two business days.
Online banking works the same way on Friday as any other day. You can pay bills, transfer money, send wire transfers, and set up payments from your computer or phone. These transactions process immediately or on the next business day depending on the type of transfer.
If you need to speak to someone and the branch is closed, most banks offer phone support on Friday. The number is usually on your debit card or the bank's website. Response times may be longer than on a regular business day.
Planning ahead for the Thanksgiving weekend
If you know you will need cash or need to deposit a check before the weekend, handle it on Thursday or earlier in the week. This removes the uncertainty about Friday hours and ensures your deposit posts before Monday.
If you are traveling for Thanksgiving, locate a branch or ATM of your bank (or a partner bank if you use a credit union) in the area where you will be. Most banks belong to ATM networks that let you use other banks' machines without a fee, though some charge a small surcharge. Check your bank's website for its ATM network partners.
For time-sensitive transactions—large deposits, wire transfers, or account issues—plan to complete them on Thursday or wait until Monday. Friday after Thanksgiving is not the best day for urgent banking needs.
What counts as a federal banking holiday
The Friday after Thanksgiving is not a federal holiday, which is why most banks remain open. Federal banking holidays are set by the Federal Reserve and include New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day itself, and Christmas Day. Banks must close on these days.
Some banks also observe additional holidays based on state law or company policy. A few banks close on the day after Thanksgiving as a courtesy to staff, even though they are not required to. This is why checking your specific bank matters rather than assuming all banks follow the same rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check at an ATM on Friday after Thanksgiving?
Most ATMs accept check deposits if they have a deposit slot or mobile deposit capability. The check will be scanned and the funds typically post within one or two business days. If your ATM does not accept deposits, you will need to visit a branch or use mobile deposit through your bank's app if available.
What if I need to wire money and the branch is closed?
Many banks let you send wire transfers through online banking or their mobile app without visiting a branch. If your bank does not offer this, you may need to wait until Monday or call the bank's phone line to arrange the transfer. Time-sensitive wire transfers are best handled on Thursday.
Do credit unions have different hours than banks on this Friday?
Credit unions vary widely. Some stay open with regular or reduced hours, while others close entirely for the Thanksgiving weekend. Check your credit union's website or call the branch directly. If closed, you can usually access ATMs and online banking as normal.
Will my debit card work at other banks' ATMs if mine is closed?
Yes, most debit cards work at ATMs outside your bank's network, though you may pay a small fee ($1 to $3). Check your bank's website to see which ATM networks it partners with—many offer surcharge-free access to thousands of machines nationwide.
What if I need cash and cannot find an ATM?
Many grocery stores and retail shops offer cash back when you use your debit card to make a purchase. This is free and available whenever the store is open. You can also ask a friend or family member for cash if you are in a pinch.