Most banks are closed the day after Thanksgiving
Yes. The day after Thanksgiving — the Friday after the fourth Thursday in November — is a federal holiday called Thanksgiving Day in banking terms, and most banks observe it as a full closure. This means no in-person banking, no teller service, and no ability to deposit checks or withdraw cash at a branch.
However, you can still use ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps on this day. Transfers between your own accounts, bill payments, and money transfers through your bank's app or website will process normally. The delay comes on the following business day — usually Monday — when the bank processes transactions that arrived over the weekend and holiday.
Some credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different holiday schedules, so if you bank somewhere other than a major national bank, it is worth checking their specific holiday calendar before the day arrives.
Key Takeaways
- The Friday after Thanksgiving is a federal banking holiday, and most banks close their branches entirely on this day.
- ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps remain available on the day after Thanksgiving, even when branches are closed.
- Transactions you make online or through an ATM will process the next business day, which is usually Monday.
- Credit unions and regional banks may have different holiday schedules, so check your bank's website or call ahead if you are unsure.
What you can and cannot do on the day after Thanksgiving
You cannot walk into a branch, speak to a teller, or use in-person services. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw large amounts of cash, or discuss an account issue face-to-face, you will need to wait until Saturday (if your bank is open) or Monday.
What you can do: use any ATM your bank owns or partners with to withdraw cash or deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), transfer money between your own accounts online, pay bills through your bank's website or app, send money to other people through Zelle or similar services, and check your balance or review transactions. These actions happen in real time or process the next business day.
If you need cash before the holiday, withdraw it on Wednesday or earlier. If you need to deposit a check urgently, use your bank's mobile app to photograph and deposit it — most banks process mobile check deposits by the next business day.
When transactions process if you bank on the day after Thanksgiving
Any transaction you make online or through an ATM on Friday after Thanksgiving will not process until Monday, because the bank is closed and has no staff to clear transactions. This includes bill payments, transfers to other people, and check deposits made through your mobile app.
The delay is not because the transaction is pending — it is because the bank does not process batches of transactions on weekends or federal holidays. If you send money to someone else's bank on Friday, their bank will not receive it until Monday at the earliest, and it may take until Tuesday to show in their account depending on how their bank processes incoming transfers.
If you have a bill due on Friday or over the weekend, pay it by Wednesday to be safe. If you pay it on Thursday (Thanksgiving) or Friday, you risk the payment arriving late.
Which banks are definitely closed and which might be open
All major national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others — close on the day after Thanksgiving. This is a federal holiday that all banks receiving federal insurance must observe.
Some credit unions do not observe this holiday, or they observe different holidays depending on their charter. If you bank at a credit union, check their website or call their main number to confirm their holiday schedule. A few very small regional banks may also have different policies.
The safest approach: do not assume your bank is open. Check your bank's website, look for a holiday hours notice, or call the branch directly on Wednesday or Thursday to confirm.
Planning ahead for the Thanksgiving weekend
If you know you will need cash or need to make deposits, do it on Wednesday. This gives you a full business day before the holiday and avoids any rush on Thursday when many people are preparing for the holiday.
If you use your bank's mobile app, photograph and deposit checks on Thursday or Friday — the app will time-stamp your deposit, and the bank will process it Monday morning. This is faster and safer than trying to find an ATM or branch on a holiday.
If you pay bills online, do it by Wednesday. If a bill is due Friday or over the weekend, paying it Wednesday ensures it arrives on time. Most online bill payments take one to three business days to reach the payee, so Wednesday payment for a Friday due date is cutting it close.
What happens if you need emergency banking on the day after Thanksgiving
If you have a genuine emergency — a fraudulent charge, a compromised account, or a critical issue — call your bank's customer service line. Most banks have a 24/7 phone line for fraud and account emergencies, even on holidays. They cannot process deposits or withdrawals, but they can freeze accounts, dispute charges, and help you take when ready action.
If you need cash and have no ATM access, some grocery stores and pharmacies will cash checks or allow you to withdraw cash using a debit card at their register, even if your bank is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on the day after Thanksgiving if my bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and any store, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The transaction will process normally, and the money will leave your account by Monday.
Will a check I deposit on Friday after Thanksgiving clear by Monday?
No. If you deposit a check through an ATM or mobile app on Friday, the bank will not process it until Monday. It will then take one to three more business days to clear, depending on the bank that issued the check.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on the day after Thanksgiving?
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Most banks have phone support available 24/7, even on holidays, though they may have longer wait times.
Are online transfers to other banks delayed on the day after Thanksgiving?
Yes. Any transfer you initiate on Friday will not leave your bank until Monday, and it may not arrive at the other bank until Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on how quickly both banks process transfers.
Can I withdraw money from an ATM on the day after Thanksgiving?
Yes, as long as the ATM is in working order and you have sufficient funds. ATMs operate 24/7, even when branches are closed. However, if you need a large amount of cash, withdraw it before the holiday to avoid ATM withdrawal limits.