Good Friday is a bank holiday in the United States, but not a federal holiday
Good Friday closes most banks and financial institutions, but it is not an official federal holiday. The distinction matters: a federal holiday means government offices, post offices, and courts shut down. A bank holiday means banks and the stock market close, but most other businesses stay open and most federal employees still work.
Good Friday falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday, which means the date changes each year. In 2024 it was March 29. In 2025 it will be April 18. The date depends on the lunar calendar, so it can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25.
Because Good Friday is not a federal holiday, federal employees are not automatically given the day off. Some federal agencies close or run on reduced staff as a courtesy, but there is no government-wide shutdown. If you need to visit a federal office—the IRS, Social Security Administration, or a federal courthouse—call ahead to confirm whether that specific location will be open.
Key Takeaways
- Banks and the stock market close on Good Friday, so you cannot conduct in-person banking or trade stocks that day.
- Good Friday is not a federal holiday, so government offices, courts, and post offices may be open depending on the agency.
- Most private businesses, schools, and retail stores remain open on Good Friday unless they choose to close for religious reasons.
- If you need to reach a specific government office on Good Friday, contact them directly rather than assuming they are closed.
- The date of Good Friday changes each year because it is tied to the lunar calendar and Easter.
Which banks and financial services close on Good Friday
All major U.S. banks close on Good Friday, including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and regional banks. You cannot visit a branch, use ATMs at bank locations, or conduct transactions through a bank teller. Online banking platforms usually remain accessible, but transfers and payments may not process until the following business day.
The stock market—both the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ—closes on Good Friday. If you hold investments or trade stocks, you cannot buy or sell that day. Brokerages like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and E-Trade will not execute trades, though their websites and apps remain available for viewing your account.
Credit unions typically follow the same schedule as banks and close on Good Friday. If you need cash, withdraw it on Thursday or use an ATM that is not located at a bank branch—many grocery stores, convenience stores, and independent ATM networks operate on Good Friday.
What government offices do and do not close on Good Friday
The federal government does not mandate closure on Good Friday, so individual agencies decide whether to close, stay open, or reduce hours. The Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, and Department of Motor Vehicles may be open or closed depending on your state and local office. Federal courts vary by district—some close, others stay open with limited staff.
Post offices are not automatically closed on Good Friday because it is not a federal holiday. However, some individual post offices may close if the postmaster chooses to observe the day. Call your local post office or check the USPS website to confirm hours before you go.
State and local government offices follow their own policies. Some states treat Good Friday as a paid holiday for employees and close offices; others remain open. County courthouses, DMV branches, and city offices vary by location. If you need to conduct government business on Good Friday, contact the specific office directly rather than assuming it is closed.
What stays open on Good Friday
Most retail stores, restaurants, grocery stores, and private businesses remain open on Good Friday. Shopping malls, gas stations, and entertainment venues operate on their normal schedules. Schools in public districts typically remain open unless your district has chosen to observe Good Friday as a holiday—some do, others do not.
Hospitals and emergency services operate normally on Good Friday. If you need medical care, call 911 or go to an emergency room as you would on any other day. Pharmacies inside grocery stores and retail chains usually stay open, though some independent pharmacies may close.
Public transportation—buses, trains, subways—generally runs on normal schedules on Good Friday, though some cities may reduce service. Check your local transit authority's website or call ahead if you rely on public transportation that day.
Planning around Good Friday closures
If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or handle banking business, do it on Thursday. Deposits made on Good Friday will not post until Monday. If you use online banking, you can initiate transfers on Good Friday, but they will not clear until the following business day.
If you need to file taxes, visit the IRS, or conduct other federal business, call the office you plan to visit on Thursday or check their website for Good Friday hours. Do not assume closure—confirm it. The same applies to state and local government offices.
If you trade stocks or manage investments, remember that the market is closed on Good Friday. Any orders you place will execute on Monday morning when the market opens, not at Friday's prices. Check your brokerage's website for their specific Good Friday schedule.
How Good Friday differs from federal holidays
Federal holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Independence Day trigger automatic closures across government, the postal service, and most banks. Good Friday does not. It is a bank holiday only—a distinction that means financial institutions close but the government does not automatically shut down.
Some states and employers treat Good Friday as a paid holiday for their workers, but this is optional, not required by federal law. If your employer gives you Good Friday off, that is a company or state policy choice, not a federal mandate. Check your employee handbook or ask your HR department if you are unsure whether you work on Good Friday.
The confusion arises because Good Friday is widely observed for religious reasons and many people have the day off. But legally and administratively, it is not the same category as a federal holiday. Banks close because the financial industry has designated it a bank holiday; government offices close only if that specific agency chooses to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my bank's ATM on Good Friday?
ATMs located inside bank branches typically do not work on Good Friday because the branch is closed. ATMs at grocery stores, convenience stores, or independent ATM networks usually operate normally. Check your bank's website or call to find an accessible ATM near you.
Will my direct deposit process on Good Friday?
Direct deposits scheduled for Good Friday may arrive on Friday or may be delayed until Monday, depending on your employer and bank. Contact your payroll department if you are unsure when your deposit will hit your account. Transfers you initiate on Good Friday will not process until Monday.
Is the post office open on Good Friday?
Most post offices remain open on Good Friday because it is not a federal holiday. However, some individual locations may close. Call your local post office or check USPS.com to confirm hours before you go.
Do I get paid time off on Good Friday if I work?
Whether you get Good Friday off depends on your employer and your state. Some employers give it as a paid holiday; others do not. Check your employee handbook or ask your HR department. Federal employees do not automatically get the day off unless their agency chooses to close.
What if I need to file taxes on Good Friday?
The IRS office may be open or closed depending on your location. Call the IRS office you plan to visit or check IRS.gov for hours. If the office is closed, you can file online through the IRS website or use a tax preparation service that operates on Good Friday.