Most banks are closed on Black Friday, but some branches may open for limited hours

Black Friday is not a federal holiday, so banks are not required to close. However, most major banks—including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank—treat it as a regular business day and operate on their standard Friday schedule. That means most branches open at 9 or 10 a.m. and close between 4 and 6 p.m., depending on the location.

The catch is that some branches choose to stay closed or reduce hours on Black Friday because many employees take the day off or the branch is in a mall that closes for the holiday. A few banks, particularly smaller regional institutions and credit unions, may close entirely. Your best move is to call your specific branch the day before or check your bank's website or app for that location's hours—not the general bank hours, but the hours for your branch.

ATMs and mobile banking work the same way they do any other day, so you can withdraw cash, check balances, and transfer money without stepping into a branch.

Key Takeaways

  • Black Friday is not a federal holiday, so banks operate on their normal Friday schedule unless they choose otherwise.
  • Most major bank branches open between 9 and 10 a.m. and close between 4 and 6 p.m., but individual locations may vary.
  • Call your specific branch or check your bank's app or website the day before to confirm hours, because many branches reduce or change their schedule on Black Friday.
  • ATMs and mobile banking are available 24/7 on Black Friday, even if your branch is closed.

Why some branches close or reduce hours on Black Friday

Banks are not legally required to stay open on Black Friday because it is not a federal holiday. Many branches close or cut hours because staff take the day off, or because the branch is located inside a shopping mall that closes for the holiday. Some banks also reduce staffing on Black Friday to match lower customer traffic—fewer people visit branches when they are shopping.

If your branch is in a mall, check the mall's Black Friday hours first. If the mall is closed, your bank branch will be too, regardless of what the bank's website says. If the mall has reduced hours, your bank branch likely does as well.

How to find your branch's Black Friday hours

The fastest way is to open your bank's mobile app and search for your branch by address or ZIP code. Most apps show hours for that specific location. If your app does not have this feature, go to your bank's website and use the branch locator tool—again, search by your exact location, not just the bank's general hours.

If the app or website does not show Black Friday hours specifically, call the branch directly. A staff member can tell you whether they are open, what time they open and close, and whether they are understaffed (which might mean longer wait times). Call the day before Black Friday so you are not caught off guard on the day itself.

What you can do if your branch is closed

ATMs work 24/7, so you can withdraw cash, deposit checks (at ATMs with deposit slots), and check your balance any time on Black Friday. Mobile banking apps let you transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and deposit checks by photo without visiting a branch at all.

If you need to speak to someone—to dispute a charge, open an account, or get a loan—and your branch is closed, you have two options. Many banks have a customer service phone line open on Black Friday, even if branches are closed. Check your bank's website or the back of your debit card for the number. Some banks also offer video banking, where you can talk to a representative through your app or website.

Federal holidays versus Black Friday

Banks close on federal holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, and Independence Day. Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, but it is not itself a federal holiday. This is why banks can stay open on Black Friday if they choose to—and most do.

However, if Black Friday falls on a day when the bank would normally be closed (which does not happen, since Black Friday is always a Friday), the bank would remain closed. The rule is that banks close on federal holidays, not on shopping holidays.

Planning ahead for Black Friday banking

If you know you will need to visit your bank on Black Friday, do your banking on Thursday instead. This avoids any uncertainty about hours and gets you in and out before the holiday rush. If you must go on Black Friday, visit early in the morning when branches typically have shorter lines.

If you are planning to make a large deposit or withdrawal, call ahead. Some branches limit cash on hand on busy shopping days, and a heads-up lets them prepare. For any transaction that requires a signature or verification, plan to visit in person—you cannot do these through ATM or mobile banking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my ATM on Black Friday?

Yes. ATMs work 24/7, including Black Friday, regardless of whether your branch is open. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), and check your balance any time.

Will my bank's customer service line be open on Black Friday?

Most major banks keep their phone lines open on Black Friday even if branches are closed, though wait times may be longer. Check your bank's website or the back of your debit card for the customer service number and their Black Friday hours.

What if I need to open a new account on Black Friday?

You may be able to open an account through your bank's mobile app or website without visiting a branch. If you need to do it in person and your branch is closed, call customer service to ask about video banking or ask whether another nearby branch is open.

Do credit unions close on Black Friday?

Credit unions are not required to close on Black Friday, but many do or reduce hours. Call your credit union the day before to confirm. Some credit unions are part of shared branching networks, which means you can visit a different credit union branch if yours is closed.