Good Friday is not a federal bank holiday in the United States
Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, is not an official federal holiday. Banks and most government offices remain open on Good Friday. However, some individual banks, credit unions, and financial institutions choose to close on this day, so you should check with your specific bank before planning to visit a branch or use services that require staff.
The confusion often arises because Good Friday is a significant religious observance for Christians, and some employers and businesses do close. But unlike holidays such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, the federal government does not recognize Good Friday as a day when all banks must close.
Key Takeaways
- Good Friday is not a federal bank holiday, so most banks remain open during regular business hours.
- Some individual banks and credit unions may close on Good Friday as a matter of their own policy.
- You should contact your bank directly to confirm whether it will be open on Good Friday.
- ATMs and online banking services typically remain available even if a branch is closed.
- Easter Monday is also not a federal bank holiday in the United States, though some other countries observe it.
Why Good Friday is not a federal holiday
Federal bank holidays are set by Congress and explore uniformly across all federal institutions and most banks nationwide. The list includes New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and several others. Good Friday does not appear on this list because the United States federal government does not designate religious holidays as official days off for all workers and institutions.
This separation between government and religious observance is intentional. While individual Americans and organizations are free to observe Good Friday according to their beliefs, the federal government maintains a secular calendar for official closures.
What some banks do on Good Friday
Even though Good Friday is not mandatory, many banks choose to close anyway. This is especially common at banks with significant Christian populations or in regions where the holiday is widely observed. Some credit unions and smaller community banks are more likely to close than large national chains, though this varies.
If your bank does close on Good Friday, you can still access your money through ATMs and online banking platforms. Deposits made at ATMs will typically be processed the next business day. If you need to speak with someone at your bank, you would need to wait until the branch reopens.
How to learn about your bank will be open
The easiest way to know whether your bank will be open on Good Friday is to call your local branch or check the bank's website. Most banks post their holiday hours online, and you can usually find this information in the "Locations" or "Hours" section of their website. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your debit card.
If you plan to do banking on Good Friday—such as depositing a check, withdrawing cash, or speaking with a loan officer—contact your bank at least a few days ahead. This gives you time to plan an alternative if your branch will be closed.
ATMs and online banking on Good Friday
ATMs operate 24/7 at most banks, regardless of whether the branch is open. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts using an ATM on Good Friday. The same applies to online banking: you can log in to your account, pay bills, and move money electronically at any time.
Keep in mind that while you can perform these transactions on Good Friday, any deposits made at an ATM may not be processed until the next business day if the branch is closed. Transfers between your own accounts at the same bank usually happen when ready, but transfers to other banks may take longer if the receiving bank is also closed.
Good Friday and payroll or bill payments
If your paycheck is scheduled to arrive on Good Friday, it will likely deposit into your account as usual, since the banking system processes deposits electronically overnight. However, if you need to deposit a physical check on Good Friday and your bank is closed, you will need to wait until the next business day or use a mobile deposit feature if your bank offers it.
Bill payments scheduled for Good Friday will also typically go through on time if you set them up in advance through online banking or automatic payments. If you need to make a payment in person at a bank branch, plan to do so before Good Friday or after the branch reopens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the stock market be open on Good Friday?
No. The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ both close on Good Friday, even though it is not a federal holiday. This is a decision made by the exchanges themselves, and it affects trading in stocks, bonds, and most investment accounts.
Is Easter Monday a bank holiday?
No. Easter Monday is not a federal bank holiday in the United States. Some other countries, such as the United Kingdom and Canada, observe Easter Monday as a public holiday, but the U.S. federal government does not.
What if I need to access my money on Good Friday and my bank is closed?
Use your ATM card to withdraw cash or check your balance. You can also log into online banking to transfer money between your accounts or pay bills electronically. If you need to speak with someone at the bank, you will need to wait until the branch reopens.
Do all banks close on Good Friday?
No. Most large national banks remain open on Good Friday, though some branches may have reduced hours. Smaller banks and credit unions are more likely to close. Always check with your specific bank to be sure.