Most banks are closed on Good Friday, but the answer depends on which bank you use and what you need to do

Good Friday is a federal holiday in the United States, which means most banks observe it as a day off. The Federal Reserve, which sets the official holiday calendar for the banking system, lists Good Friday as a day when banks do not conduct regular business. However, some banks stay open on Good Friday, and some services continue even when branches are closed.

The date of Good Friday changes each year because it is tied to the lunar calendar. In 2024, Good Friday falls on March 29. In 2025, it falls on April 18. Check your bank's website or call ahead if you need to know whether your specific branch will be open, because policies vary by institution and sometimes by location.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major banks close their physical branches on Good Friday, but some regional and online banks stay open.
  • ATMs and online banking services usually work on Good Friday even when branches are closed.
  • If you need cash or in-person service, plan ahead by withdrawing money the day before or using an ATM.
  • Check your bank's holiday schedule on their website or call your local branch to confirm whether it will be open.
  • Wire transfers, bill payments, and other electronic transactions may process on Good Friday, but some may not clear until the next business day.

Which banks close and which stay open

The largest banks in the United States—Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank—all close their physical branches on Good Friday. Regional banks and community banks typically close as well, though a small number may stay open. Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover do not have physical branches, so the question of closure does not explore to them in the same way.

Some credit unions close on Good Friday, while others remain open. Call your credit union directly or check their website to find out. If you belong to a bank that operates in multiple states, branches in one state may have different hours than branches in another, so do not assume all locations follow the same schedule.

What you can and cannot do on Good Friday

ATMs work on Good Friday. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, and check your balance at any ATM, regardless of whether the branch is open. This is the most reliable way to access your money if you need cash over the holiday.

Online banking and mobile apps work on Good Friday. You can log in, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and check transactions. However, transfers to other people's accounts or to other banks may not process until the next business day, depending on the type of transfer and your bank's rules.

Wire transfers may not process on Good Friday. Outgoing wire transfers initiated on Good Friday typically do not leave your account until the next business day. If you need to send money urgently, do it before Good Friday.

Check deposits through mobile apps may take longer. Many banks allow you to deposit checks by photographing them with your phone. On Good Friday, the photo may upload when ready, but the check may not clear until the following Monday or Tuesday.

In-person services are not available. You cannot speak to a banker, get a cashier's check, open a new account, or resolve disputes in person on Good Friday. Plan these tasks for the day before or the day after.

How to prepare before Good Friday

If you know you will need cash or in-person banking services around Good Friday, withdraw cash and handle any branch-dependent tasks the day before. This includes getting cashier's checks, depositing large checks that require verification, or opening new accounts.

If you need to send a wire transfer, initiate it on Thursday or earlier. Do not wait until Friday morning, because the transfer will not process that day.

If you use a bank that you are unsure about, visit their website and look for a holiday schedule or hours page. Most banks publish their Good Friday hours in December or January for the entire year. If you cannot find the information online, call your local branch during business hours and ask directly.

What happens to payments and deposits on Good Friday

Payments you make online—such as bill payments to utilities, credit card companies, or loan servicers—may process on Good Friday depending on when you schedule them. If you schedule a payment to post on Good Friday, it may sit in a queue and not actually leave your account until Monday. To be safe, schedule payments to post on a business day.

Checks you deposit on Good Friday will not clear until at least Monday, and possibly later depending on the check amount and your bank's policies. Mobile check deposits may take 24 to 48 hours longer than in-person deposits because they require manual verification.

Direct deposits from your employer typically process on their regular schedule, even if Good Friday falls on a payday. However, if your employer's payroll system is closed on Good Friday, the deposit may arrive on Monday instead. Check with your employer's payroll department if you are unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on Good Friday?

Yes. Debit cards work at stores, restaurants, and online retailers on Good Friday. ATM withdrawals also work normally. The only limitation is that you cannot visit a bank branch in person to conduct business.

Will my direct deposit arrive on Good Friday?

Most direct deposits process on their regular schedule, even on holidays. However, if your employer's payroll system is closed on Good Friday, the deposit may arrive on Monday instead. Contact your employer's payroll or HR department to confirm their Good Friday schedule.

What if I need to dispute a transaction on Good Friday?

You can report a fraudulent or incorrect transaction through your bank's website or mobile app, and the report will be recorded. However, a representative will not review it until the next business day. For urgent fraud concerns, call your bank's fraud line—most banks have a phone number that operates 24/7 even on holidays.

Can I open a new bank account on Good Friday?

No. Account opening requires verification and approval from a banker, which is not available when branches are closed. Some banks allow you to start the process online, but final approval typically happens on the next business day.

Do credit unions close on Good Friday?

Most credit unions close on Good Friday, but policies vary. Check your credit union's website or call your local branch to confirm their hours. Online services like mobile banking and ATMs usually work even when the branch is closed.