Most banks close on the day before Thanksgiving
The day before Thanksgiving — the Wednesday before the fourth Thursday in November — is not a federal holiday, so banks are not legally required to close. However, most major banks do close that day anyway, treating it as an unofficial holiday. This means you will not be able to visit a branch, use a teller, or conduct in-person business.
The banks that typically close include Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional and community banks. A few smaller institutions stay open, but this is uncommon. If you bank with a credit union, call ahead — some close and some stay open.
Your best move is to contact your bank directly or check their website for their specific Wednesday hours. Do not assume based on what another bank does. Hours vary by location even within the same bank, so calling your branch is faster than guessing.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks close the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, even though it is not a federal holiday.
- ATMs and online banking stay available even when branches are closed, so you can withdraw cash and transfer money remotely.
- If you need cash or in-person service, plan to visit your bank on Tuesday or earlier in the week.
- Call your specific branch or check your bank's website to confirm Wednesday hours rather than assuming they are closed.
What you can still do when the branch is closed
Even if your bank's physical location is closed on Wednesday, you retain access to most banking services. ATMs work 24/7 regardless of branch hours, so you can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks using the machine.
Online banking and mobile apps function normally. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, send money to other people, and check transactions. Phone banking — calling the customer service number on the back of your card — also remains open at most banks, even on days when branches close.
If you need to deposit a check and do not have mobile check deposit through your app, you can use an ATM that accepts deposits, or wait until Thursday or Friday. Most banks process deposits made at ATMs on the same day or the next business day.
Planning ahead for the Thanksgiving week
If you know you will need cash, a cashier's check, or help from a teller, do your banking on Tuesday or earlier. Wednesday closures mean that anything requiring a person — notarization, wire transfers, account disputes, or opening a new account — will have to wait until Thursday or later.
Thanksgiving Day itself (Thursday) is a federal holiday, so all banks close. Friday after Thanksgiving is a business day at most banks, though some choose to remain closed. Check your bank's holiday schedule on their website or call to confirm Friday hours if you need to bank that day.
If you are traveling for the holiday, locate a branch or ATM of your bank (or a partner network) at your destination before you leave. This prevents the frustration of needing cash on a day when your bank is closed.
What happens to payments and transfers on Wednesday
Payments you schedule online or through your app will process on their scheduled date, regardless of whether the branch is open. If you set a bill payment for Wednesday, it will go through. The same applies to automatic transfers and recurring payments.
Deposits made at ATMs on Wednesday will be processed, but the timing depends on when you deposit. Most banks process ATM deposits overnight, so a Wednesday deposit may not show as available until Thursday or Friday, depending on the bank and the type of deposit.
If you send money to someone else using a peer-to-peer service like Venmo, PayPal, or your bank's own transfer tool, it will send immediately. The recipient's bank may not process it until Thursday if they are also closed on Wednesday, but the money will be on its way.
Banks that may stay open on Wednesday
Some smaller banks and credit unions remain open the day before Thanksgiving. Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover do not have physical branches, so the concept of "closed" does not apply — you can bank online anytime.
If you use a community bank or credit union, call your branch directly. Do not assume they follow the same schedule as Chase or Bank of America. Some stay open specifically because they want to serve customers who need banking services that week.
Military banks (like USAA) and some federal credit unions may have different holiday schedules. Check your institution's website or call the number on your card to confirm.
If you need emergency cash or a wire transfer
If you absolutely need cash on Wednesday and your bank is closed, use an ATM. If you need a wire transfer or cashier's check and cannot wait until Thursday, some banks offer limited services through their customer service line, though this is rare and not may provide.
Your other option is to visit a different bank's branch if they are open. Some banks will cash a check for you even if you do not have an account there, though they may charge a fee. Call ahead to confirm the fee and whether they will accept your check.
If you are in a true emergency — such as needing to pay for a hotel or rental car — a credit card, debit card, or peer-to-peer payment app will work even if banks are closed. These do not require a physical branch to function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Wednesday if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online retailer regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The closure only affects in-person services at the physical location.
Will my direct deposit hit my account on Wednesday if the bank is closed?
Direct deposits are processed by the Federal Reserve and your employer's bank, not by your bank's branch. If your employer sends payroll on Wednesday, it will deposit on schedule. However, if your employer's payroll date is Thursday (Thanksgiving), the deposit may be delayed to Friday.
Can I deposit a check at an ATM on Wednesday?
Yes. ATMs that accept deposits work 24/7. The check will be processed, though it may not show as available until Thursday or Friday depending on your bank's processing schedule.
What if I need a cashier's check before Thanksgiving?
Order it on Tuesday or earlier. Cashier's checks require a teller, so you cannot get one on Wednesday if the branch is closed. Some banks offer next-day delivery of cashier's checks ordered online, but this varies by institution.
Do online banks close on the day before Thanksgiving?
Online banks have no physical branches, so they do not close. You can bank with them anytime. However, if you need to transfer money to or from a traditional bank, that bank's closure may delay processing.