Most major U.S. banks close on Good Friday, but not all of them
Good Friday is a federal holiday in the United States, which means the Federal Reserve, the Treasury Department, and most national banks shut down for the day. If your bank is part of the Federal Reserve system—which includes most large institutions like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank—your local branch will be closed on Good Friday. You will not be able to visit a branch, speak to a teller, or conduct in-person transactions.
However, some banks remain open on Good Friday. Credit unions, smaller regional banks, and some online-only banks do not always observe the holiday. A few large banks have chosen to stay open in certain locations. The only way to know for certain whether your specific bank is open is to check directly with your branch or log into your online banking portal, which usually displays holiday hours.
Online banking and ATM access typically continue even when branches are closed. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills online, and withdraw cash from ATMs on Good Friday. Mobile apps work normally. The restriction is on in-person services only.
Key Takeaways
- Federal Reserve member banks close on Good Friday, which includes most major national banks, but credit unions and some regional banks may stay open.
- You cannot visit a branch or speak to a teller on Good Friday at a closed bank, but online banking, bill pay, and ATM withdrawals continue normally.
- Check your bank's website or call your local branch directly to confirm whether it will be open, since policies vary by institution and sometimes by location.
- Checks deposited on Good Friday will not clear until the following business day, just as they would on any other holiday.
- Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated on Good Friday may not process until Monday, depending on your bank's system.
Which banks typically close on Good Friday
The Federal Reserve observes Good Friday as a holiday, which means the central banking system does not process payments or clear checks on that day. All banks that are members of the Federal Reserve system must close their branches on Good Friday. This includes the largest banks in the country: Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, U.S. Bank, PNC, and TD Bank.
Some smaller regional banks also close on Good Friday, even if they are not Federal Reserve members. However, not all of them do. Regional banks like USAA, Ally Bank, and some community banks have made the decision to remain open or to operate on limited schedules. The safest assumption is that if your bank is a household name with branches in most states, it will be closed.
Which banks stay open on Good Friday
Most credit unions remain open on Good Friday because they are not part of the Federal Reserve system and do not observe federal holidays in the same way. However, individual credit unions set their own holiday schedules, so some do close. Call your credit union ahead of time to confirm.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and others typically stay open on Good Friday because they have no physical branches to close. You can still log in, transfer money, and manage your account. Some online banks do pause certain services like wire transfers, but basic account access continues.
A small number of large banks have chosen to keep certain branches open on Good Friday, particularly in areas with high customer demand. This is rare and varies by location. Your best approach is to check your bank's website or call the specific branch you plan to visit.
What you can and cannot do on Good Friday
What you cannot do: Visit a closed branch, speak to a banker in person, deposit checks at a teller window, or conduct transactions that require a bank employee. If you need a cashier's check, a notary, or help with a loan process, you will need to wait until Monday.
What you can do: Use online banking to transfer money between your accounts, pay bills, check your balance, and view recent transactions. ATMs work normally and dispense cash. Mobile banking apps function as usual. You can also initiate wire transfers or ACH transfers online, though they may not process until the next business day.
What happens to deposits: If you deposit a check at an ATM or through mobile deposit on Good Friday, it will be processed on the next business day (Saturday or Monday, depending on your bank). The funds may not be available until Tuesday or Wednesday. Deposits made after hours on Thursday will follow the same timeline.
How to learn about your specific bank is open
The most reliable way to know is to visit your bank's website and look for holiday hours. Most banks publish their Good Friday schedule weeks in advance. Search for "holiday hours" or "Good Friday hours" on the site. If your bank has a mobile app, it may also display branch hours there.
You can also call your local branch directly. The phone number is usually on your bank card or on the bank's website. A recorded message will tell you the branch's hours for Good Friday. If you call during business hours on Thursday, a staff member can confirm the schedule.
If you use online banking, log in and look for a "branch locator" or "find a branch" tool. Most of these tools show holiday hours when you select a specific location. This is faster than calling and gives you the information when ready.
Wire transfers and ACH payments on Good Friday
Wire transfers initiated on Good Friday will not be processed until Monday. The Federal Reserve does not process wire transfers on holidays, so even if you send one through your bank's online system on Friday, it will sit in the queue until the banking system reopens. This is true for all banks, whether they are open or closed on Good Friday itself.
ACH transfers (the system used for direct deposits, bill payments, and transfers between banks) also pause on Good Friday. If you schedule an ACH payment to go out on Friday, it will actually process on Monday. If you need money to reach someone by Friday, you must initiate the transfer on Thursday.
when ready transfers between accounts at the same bank may work on Good Friday if the bank's systems are running, but this varies. Check with your bank if you need to move money urgently on that day.
Planning ahead for Good Friday banking needs
If you know you will need cash, withdraw it on Thursday. If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit or an ATM on Thursday evening. If you need to pay a bill by a specific date, submit the payment on Thursday to avoid delays.
If you have a time-sensitive banking need—such as a wire transfer for a real estate closing or a large payment—contact your bank on Thursday to ask about options. Some banks can process urgent requests manually, though this is not may provide and may incur a fee.
For payroll purposes, if your employer processes payroll on Good Friday, the direct deposit will still hit your account on Friday even though the Federal Reserve is closed. The deposit was likely initiated on Thursday, so it will go through as scheduled. However, if your employer processes payroll on Monday, you will receive your deposit on Monday as usual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Good Friday if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs and at stores on Good Friday regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. ATMs are available 24/7, and point-of-sale transactions process normally. The closure only affects in-person branch services.
Will my direct deposit go through on Good Friday?
If your employer processes payroll on Thursday, your direct deposit will hit your account on Friday as scheduled. If payroll is processed on Monday, you will receive your deposit on Monday. The Federal Reserve closure does not affect deposits that were already initiated before the holiday.
What if I need to deposit a check on Good Friday?
Use mobile deposit through your bank's app if you have a smartphone. Most banks allow mobile check deposits 24/7. The check will be processed on the next business day. If you do not have mobile deposit, you can deposit at an ATM on Thursday evening instead.
Do credit unions close on Good Friday?
Most credit unions stay open on Good Friday, but some do close. Call your credit union directly to confirm. Credit unions are not part of the Federal Reserve system, so they set their own holiday schedules.
Can I get a cashier's check on Good Friday?
No. Cashier's checks require a bank employee to issue, so you cannot get one when the branch is closed. If you need a cashier's check by Friday, visit your bank on Thursday. If you need one for Monday, you can wait until then.