Thanksgiving is a federal holiday, but not all banks close
Thanksgiving Day itself — the fourth Thursday in November — is a federal holiday, which means the federal government offices close and most federal employees get the day off. However, whether your bank closes depends on which bank you use and what services you need.
Most large national banks close their physical branches on Thanksgiving Day. But many banks stay open on the day after Thanksgiving (the Friday), even though some people treat it as a holiday. Online banking, ATMs, and mobile apps typically work on Thanksgiving itself, since they do not require staff to be present. If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash on Thanksgiving, you can usually do that at an ATM.
Credit unions follow similar patterns to banks — most close their branches on Thanksgiving but keep ATMs running. Smaller community banks may have different hours, so it is worth checking with your specific bank before the holiday.
Key Takeaways
- Most bank branches close on Thanksgiving Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available.
- The day after Thanksgiving (Friday) is not a federal holiday, so most banks operate on regular hours that day.
- Credit unions typically follow the same closure pattern as banks on Thanksgiving.
- Checks deposited on Thanksgiving through mobile apps or ATMs may not clear until the following business day.
- You should contact your bank directly to confirm their specific Thanksgiving hours rather than assuming closure.
What stays open on Thanksgiving
ATMs and online banking platforms operate 24/7 on Thanksgiving, since they do not require employees to be working. You can check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills online, and deposit checks through your bank's mobile app on Thanksgiving Day.
Some banks that operate in multiple time zones or serve customers nationally may keep a customer service phone line staffed, though this is less common. If you have an urgent banking question on Thanksgiving, calling your bank's main line may connect you to an automated system or a representative at a call center, but do not count on reaching someone quickly.
What closes on Thanksgiving
Physical bank branches close on Thanksgiving Day at virtually all major banks. This means you cannot visit a teller, open a new account in person, or get a cashier's check on Thanksgiving itself. If you need cash, you must use an ATM.
Wire transfers initiated on Thanksgiving may not process until the next business day, depending on your bank's systems. If you are sending money to another bank, assume it will not arrive until Friday at the earliest, even if you submit the request on Thanksgiving morning.
The day after Thanksgiving is a normal business day
The Friday after Thanksgiving is not a federal holiday. Banks operate on their regular schedule that day, and branches are open during normal hours. This is true even though many employers give their workers the day off as part of a long weekend.
If you need to handle banking tasks over the Thanksgiving weekend, Friday is your opportunity to visit a branch. Checks you deposit on Friday will typically clear by Monday, assuming you deposit them before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or later, depending on the bank).
How to find your bank's specific Thanksgiving hours
The safest approach is to check your bank's website or call their customer service line before Thanksgiving week. Most banks post holiday hours on their homepage or in the branch locator tool. You can usually search by your zip code to see the hours for your nearest branch.
If you bank with a large national chain like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, you can assume the branch will be closed on Thanksgiving. Smaller regional banks and credit unions vary more widely, so verification is worth the five minutes it takes.
Planning ahead for Thanksgiving banking needs
If you know you will need cash over the Thanksgiving weekend, withdraw it on Wednesday or earlier. If you need to deposit a check, use your mobile app or an ATM on Thanksgiving itself — the deposit will be recorded in your account when ready, though the funds may not be available until Friday or Monday depending on your bank's policies.
If you are expecting a wire transfer or payment that needs to arrive by a specific date, do not assume it will clear on Thanksgiving. Contact the person or business sending the money and ask them to send it by Wednesday if timing is critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Thanksgiving if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and at any store or restaurant that accepts cards, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. You can also use your card to pay bills online or make purchases through apps.
Will a check I deposit on Thanksgiving clear the same day?
No. Even if you deposit through your mobile app or ATM on Thanksgiving, the check will not clear until at least Friday, and possibly Monday. The deposit is recorded in your account when ready, but the funds take longer to become available.
Is the Friday after Thanksgiving a bank holiday?
No. The Friday after Thanksgiving is a regular business day for banks, even though many employers give workers the day off. Bank branches are open during normal hours.
What if I need to wire money on Thanksgiving?
Wire transfers initiated on Thanksgiving will not process until the next business day (Friday). If the receiving bank is also closed on Friday for any reason, the transfer may not arrive until Monday. Contact your bank to confirm timing before you initiate the transfer.
Do online banks close on Thanksgiving?
Online banks do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can access your account, transfer money, and deposit checks through their app or website on Thanksgiving just as you would any other day.