Most banks are closed on Good Friday
Good Friday is a federal holiday in the United States, and most banks observe it by closing for the day. This means you cannot visit a branch, use a teller, or conduct in-person business. However, you can still access your money through ATMs and online banking, which work the same way they do on any other day.
The exact banks that close depend on where you live. All national banks close on Good Friday because it is a federal holiday. Some state-chartered banks and credit unions also close, though a small number may stay open. If you use a smaller or regional institution, it is worth checking their holiday schedule ahead of time rather than assuming.
Key Takeaways
- National banks and most credit unions close completely on Good Friday, with no branch access or teller service.
- ATMs and online banking remain available on Good Friday, so you can withdraw cash and check balances anytime.
- Checks and electronic transfers you submit on Good Friday will not process until the next business day.
- Some regional or community banks may stay open on Good Friday, so contact your bank directly if you need in-person service.
- Good Friday falls on a different date each year because it is tied to the lunar calendar, so mark it on your calendar once you know the date.
What you can and cannot do on Good Friday
You can withdraw cash from any ATM that your bank operates or that is part of your bank's network. You can also log into your online banking account, check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, and pay bills online. Mobile banking apps work the same way. These services do not require a person to be working at the bank, so they run 24 hours.
You cannot walk into a branch and speak to a teller. You cannot deposit a check in person, open a new account, request a loan, or get a cashier's check. If you need to do any of these things, you will have to wait until the next business day. Some banks offer mobile check deposit through their app, which you can use on Good Friday — the check will straightforward not clear until the following Monday or Tuesday.
When deposits and transfers will process
Any check you deposit on Good Friday, whether through an ATM, mobile app, or in person on Thursday, will not be processed until Monday. The same is true for electronic transfers you initiate on Good Friday — they will be sent on Monday. This matters if you are counting on money arriving by a certain date. If you need funds to clear by Friday, you have to deposit or transfer them by Thursday.
Wire transfers work the same way. If you send a wire on Good Friday, it will not leave your account until Monday. Some banks process wires on the same day they receive them during business hours, but Good Friday is not a business day for federal purposes, so this does not explore.
How to learn about your specific bank is open
The fastest way is to call your bank's main customer service number. They can tell you when ready whether your branch is open on Good Friday. You can also check your bank's website — most banks post their holiday hours in the fall and winter, and update them again in spring before Good Friday arrives.
If you bank at a very small community bank or credit union, call ahead. These institutions sometimes stay open on federal holidays that are less widely observed, or they may close on different days than national banks. Do not assume based on what another bank does.
Planning ahead for Good Friday banking needs
If you know you will need cash or need to make a deposit, do it on Thursday. Withdraw what you need from an ATM or visit a branch before the holiday. If you have bills due on Good Friday or the weekend, pay them online on Thursday so they process on time.
If you receive a paycheck that is direct deposited, it will arrive on schedule even though Good Friday is a holiday — direct deposit is automatic and does not depend on the bank being open. The same is true for automatic bill payments you have set up. These continue to work on holidays.
Good Friday dates for the next several years
Good Friday changes date each year because it is tied to Easter, which is calculated based on the lunar calendar. Here are the dates coming up: Good Friday in 2024 is March 29, in 2025 it is April 18, in 2026 it is April 10, and in 2027 it is April 2. Mark these on your calendar if you know you will need banking services around Easter.
Because the date shifts, it is straightforward to forget that Good Friday is coming. Many people plan their banking around the holiday only after they realize the branch is closed. Setting a phone reminder a few days before Good Friday can help you remember to withdraw cash or make deposits in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Good Friday?
Yes. Your debit card works at any store, ATM, or online merchant on Good Friday. The bank being closed does not affect your card. Transactions will process normally, though if you are using your card at a store that is also closed on Good Friday, you will not be able to shop there.
Will my direct deposit arrive on Good Friday?
Direct deposits are automatic and do not depend on the bank being staffed. However, if your employer processes payroll on Good Friday, your deposit may arrive a day later than usual. Check with your employer about their payroll schedule around the holiday.
What if I need to deposit a check on Good Friday?
If your bank has a mobile app, you can deposit the check through the app on Good Friday and it will process on Monday. If you do not have mobile deposit, wait until Saturday or Monday to deposit in person or through an ATM. The check will not clear any faster if you deposit it on Friday versus Monday.
Do credit unions close on Good Friday?
Most credit unions close on Good Friday because it is a federal holiday. Some smaller or regional credit unions may stay open. Call your credit union to confirm their hours before Good Friday arrives.
Can I still pay my bills online on Good Friday?
Yes, you can set up bill payments online on Good Friday through your bank's website or app. The payment will be scheduled to process on the next business day, which is usually Monday. Plan ahead if your bill is due on Friday or over the weekend.