Good Friday is not a federal bank holiday, so most banks stay open

Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, is a religious observance but not an official federal bank holiday in the United States. This means most banks operate on their normal schedule that day. However, some individual banks and credit unions may choose to close, and a few states recognize it as a state holiday, which can affect local branches.

The confusion happens because Good Friday feels like a major holiday — many people have the day off work, schools close, and it is widely observed across Christian communities. But the federal government does not list it among the official bank holidays, so you cannot count on your bank being closed.

Key Takeaways

  • Good Friday is not a federal bank holiday, so most banks remain open during regular business hours.
  • Some states (including Connecticut, Delaware, and New Jersey) recognize Good Friday as a state holiday, which may close state-chartered banks in those areas.
  • Individual banks and credit unions can choose to close on Good Friday even though it is not required, so calling ahead is the safest approach.
  • If you need to deposit checks or withdraw cash on Good Friday, plan to use an ATM or mobile banking if your branch is closed.

Which banks close on Good Friday

The major national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others — typically stay open on Good Friday. They follow the federal holiday calendar, and Good Friday is not on it. However, some regional and community banks do close, particularly in states where Good Friday is a state holiday.

Credit unions vary widely. Some close on Good Friday as a matter of policy, while others stay open. The best approach is to check your specific bank's or credit union's website or call the branch directly. Most banks post their holiday hours online, and you can usually find them by searching "[Your Bank Name] Good Friday hours" or looking in the mobile app.

State holidays that affect banking

A handful of states treat Good Friday as an official state holiday. In Connecticut, Delaware, and New Jersey, state-chartered banks may be required to close on Good Friday. If your bank is chartered in one of these states, it is more likely to close, though national banks operating in those states may still remain open.

The distinction between state-chartered and nationally chartered banks matters here. A state-chartered bank is regulated primarily by its state; a nationally chartered bank is regulated by the federal government. If you are unsure which type you use, your bank's website or a quick phone call will tell you.

How to handle banking on Good Friday

If your bank is closed on Good Friday and you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash, use your bank's ATM. Most ATMs work 24/7 and let you deposit checks through the mobile app or the machine itself. You can also transfer money between your own accounts, check your balance, or withdraw cash.

If you need to speak with someone at the bank — to dispute a charge, open an account, or get a loan decision — you will need to wait until the next business day. Plan ahead if Good Friday falls before a long weekend, because the bank may not reopen until Tuesday.

Planning around Good Friday banking needs

Good Friday falls on different dates each year because Easter is calculated based on the lunar calendar. In 2024, it was March 29; in 2025, it will be April 18. If you have time-sensitive banking needs that week, handle them on Thursday or wait until Monday.

If you are expecting a deposit or payment that might arrive on Good Friday, remember that it may not post to your account until the following business day anyway. Banks process most electronic transfers overnight, so a deposit made on Friday might not show up until Monday regardless of whether the bank is open.

What counts as a federal bank holiday

The federal bank holidays are set by law and include New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Banks must close on these days. Good Friday is not among them, even though many people have it off.

Some banks also close on the day after Thanksgiving (sometimes called Black Friday), but that is a choice, not a requirement. The same is true for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve — some banks close early or stay open depending on their policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my direct deposit process on Good Friday?

Yes. Direct deposits are processed by the Federal Reserve and automated clearing houses, not by your bank's branch staff. Your employer's payroll will likely process on schedule, and the money should appear in your account by the next business day, whether or not your bank is physically open.

Can I use my debit card on Good Friday if the bank is closed?

Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and any merchant, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. You can also use mobile banking to transfer money, pay bills, or check your balance anytime.

What if I need a cashier's check on Good Friday?

If your bank is closed, you will not be able to get a cashier's check that day. Some credit unions and banks offer them through ATMs, but most require you to visit a branch or call ahead. Plan to get one on Thursday if you know you will need it.

Does Good Friday affect wire transfers?

Wire transfers sent on Good Friday may not process until Monday if your bank is closed. The Federal Reserve does not process wires on federal holidays, but Good Friday is not one. However, some banks may delay processing on Good Friday as a matter of policy, so call ahead if timing is important.

Is Good Friday a holiday for credit unions?

Some credit unions close on Good Friday, but it is not required. Credit unions are not bound by federal bank holiday rules the same way banks are. Check with your specific credit union about their Good Friday hours.