Most banks stay open on Good Friday, but some close
Good Friday is not a federal holiday, so banks are not required to close. However, some banks do close on Good Friday because it is a significant religious observance for Christian customers and staff. Whether your bank closes depends on the bank itself, not on government rules.
The safest approach is to check with your specific bank before Good Friday. Call the branch directly, check their website, or log into your online banking to see their holiday schedule. A few minutes now saves a trip to a closed branch on the day.
Key Takeaways
- Good Friday is not a federal holiday, so banks have the choice to open or close.
- Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo typically stay open on Good Friday, though individual branches may vary.
- Credit unions and smaller regional banks are more likely to close on Good Friday than large national chains.
- You can confirm your bank's status by calling the branch, visiting their website, or checking their app before the day arrives.
- ATMs and online banking work on Good Friday regardless of whether the physical branch is open.
What the major banks do on Good Friday
The largest U.S. banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — generally keep branches open on Good Friday. They treat it as a regular business day. However, this is not a may provide for every location. Some branches in areas with large Christian populations may close, or a branch manager may choose to close based on local custom.
If you bank with one of these institutions, the safest step is still to verify. Call your branch directly or check the bank's website for a holiday schedule. Many banks post their Good Friday hours online by late March.
Credit unions and regional banks often close
Credit unions close on Good Friday more often than national banks do. Because credit unions are member-owned and often rooted in specific communities, they are more likely to respect religious holidays that matter to their members. If you bank at a credit union, assume it will be closed unless you confirm otherwise.
Regional and community banks also close more frequently on Good Friday than the national chains. Again, a quick phone call to your branch removes the guesswork.
How to check your bank's Good Friday schedule
The easiest way is to call your branch directly. Ask the person who answers: "Will you be open on Good Friday?" They will know the answer when ready. You can also visit your bank's website and look for a holiday schedule or hours page — most banks post this information by late March.
If you use mobile banking, some apps display branch hours and holiday closures. Log in and search for your branch location. You can also email your bank's customer service if you prefer not to call.
What you can still do if your branch is closed
Even if your bank's physical branch closes on Good Friday, you can still access your money and conduct most banking tasks. ATMs work 24/7, so you can withdraw cash or deposit checks at an ATM on Good Friday. Online banking and mobile apps also work normally — you can transfer money, pay bills, and check your balance from home.
The only things you cannot do on Good Friday if the branch is closed are services that require a person: opening a new account, getting a cashier's check, speaking to a loan officer, or resolving a dispute that needs human review. If you need one of these services, plan ahead and visit the branch on Thursday or the following Monday.
Planning ahead for Good Friday banking
Good Friday falls on different dates each year because it is tied to the lunar calendar. In 2024, it is March 29. In 2025, it is April 18. In 2026, it is April 10. If you know you will need in-person banking services around that time, check your bank's schedule as soon as the date is announced.
If you need cash, a cashier's check, or other in-person services, withdraw or arrange them on Thursday. If you are expecting a deposit or payment, remember that it may not post until the following business day if the bank is closed on Good Friday.
Federal holidays versus religious observances
The federal government recognizes 11 official holidays each year. Good Friday is not one of them. This means banks are not legally required to close, and the Federal Reserve does not close either. However, banks are allowed to close on days other than federal holidays if they choose to.
Some other religious observances — like Rosh Hashanah or Eid al-Fitr — are also not federal holidays, but some banks close on those days too. The decision is up to each bank based on its customer base and values.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Federal Reserve be open on Good Friday?
Yes. The Federal Reserve is only closed on the 11 federal holidays. Good Friday is not one of them, so the Fed operates normally. However, some banks may still close their branches on Good Friday even though the Federal Reserve is open.
Can I deposit a check on Good Friday if my bank is closed?
Yes, if your bank has an ATM that accepts deposits. Most ATMs at bank branches accept check deposits 24/7. If your bank's ATM does not accept deposits, you can deposit the check on Monday. Checks deposited on Friday evening or Saturday typically post on Monday anyway.
Will my online bill payments go through on Good Friday?
Yes. Online bill payments and transfers between your own accounts work on Good Friday regardless of whether your branch is open. However, if you schedule a payment to arrive on Good Friday and your bank is closed, it may not post until Monday.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on Good Friday?
If your branch is closed, you can call your bank's customer service line. Most banks have a phone line open even when branches are closed. Check your bank's website or the back of your debit card for the customer service number.
Do all branches of the same bank close on Good Friday?
Not necessarily. A large bank may close some branches on Good Friday and keep others open, depending on local demand and staffing. This is why calling your specific branch is more reliable than calling the bank's main line.