Yes, most U.S. banks close on Good Friday
Good Friday is a federal holiday, so the Federal Reserve and most banks in the United States do not operate that day. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or visit a branch in person, plan to do it the day before or the Monday after.
The exact date of Good Friday changes each year because it is tied to Easter, which is calculated based on the lunar calendar. In 2024, Good Friday falls on March 29. In 2025, it is April 18. Check your bank's website or call ahead if you are unsure whether a specific branch will be open.
Even though branches are closed, you can still use ATMs, mobile banking apps, and online banking services on Good Friday. Transactions you make through these channels will process normally, though transfers between banks may not clear until the next business day.
Key Takeaways
- Most bank branches close on Good Friday because it is a federal holiday, but ATMs and online banking remain available.
- Good Friday's date changes each year—it falls between March 22 and April 25 depending on when Easter occurs.
- Deposits made through ATMs or mobile apps on Good Friday will be held until the next business day before processing.
- Some credit unions and smaller banks may have different holiday schedules, so contact your bank directly to confirm.
What you can and cannot do on Good Friday
You cannot walk into a branch and speak with a teller on Good Friday. You also cannot use services that require a banker's direct involvement, like opening a new account, explore for a loan, or getting a cashier's check issued the same day.
What you can do: withdraw cash from any ATM that your bank operates or that is part of your bank's network, transfer money between your own accounts through your bank's app or website, pay bills online, deposit checks through mobile deposit (if your bank offers it), and check your balance or recent transactions anytime.
If you need cash before Good Friday, withdraw it Thursday. If you need to deposit a check, use your bank's mobile app or ATM if available, or wait until Monday. Checks deposited on Friday will not be processed until Tuesday at the earliest.
How to plan ahead for the long weekend
The Thursday before Good Friday is the best time to handle any banking that requires a teller. Withdraw the cash you will need for the weekend, deposit any checks, and ask questions about services you may need in the coming week.
If you use a paycheck direct deposit and payday falls on Good Friday, your employer may deposit it Thursday instead, or it may arrive Tuesday. Check with your payroll department if you are unsure. The same applies to government benefits or other regular deposits.
If you have automatic bill payments scheduled for Good Friday, most will process normally through your bank's system, but the money may not leave your account until the following business day. Review your payment schedule in advance if timing matters for your budget.
Banks that may have different hours
Most national banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) and regional banks close on Good Friday. However, some credit unions, online-only banks, and smaller community banks may stay open or have limited hours.
Online banks that have no physical branches—like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, or Marcus—do not have branch closures, but their customer service phone lines may have reduced staffing. Check your specific bank's website for holiday hours, or call the branch you plan to visit.
If your bank is part of a shared branching network or surcharge-free ATM network, you may be able to use another bank's branch or ATM on Good Friday if your own is closed. Ask your bank which networks they participate in.
What happens to transactions made on Good Friday
Transactions you initiate through ATMs, mobile apps, or online banking on Good Friday will be recorded in your account when ready, but they may not fully process until the next business day. This means a transfer you send Friday afternoon might not arrive in another account until Tuesday.
Checks you deposit through a mobile app on Good Friday will be held in a pending status until Monday or Tuesday, depending on your bank's processing schedule. The funds will not be available to spend until the check clears.
Wire transfers initiated on Good Friday typically do not send until Monday, so if you need money to move urgently, send it Thursday instead. ACH transfers (the standard way to move money between bank accounts) also wait until the next business day to process.
Planning for the day after Good Friday
The Monday after Good Friday is a regular business day, and all bank branches and services resume normal hours. However, because Friday was a holiday, the banking system may be slightly busier than usual on Monday as people catch up on transactions.
If you deposited a check on Good Friday through an ATM or mobile app, it will likely clear by Tuesday or Wednesday. If you need the money urgently, deposit it Thursday before the holiday instead.
If you have questions about your account or need to speak with someone about a transaction that did not process as expected, Monday is the day to call. Have your account number and recent transaction details ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Good Friday?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online retailer on Good Friday. Purchases will process normally, though the money may take a day or two to leave your account depending on the merchant and your bank.
Will my paycheck arrive on Good Friday?
Most employers deposit paychecks the day before a federal holiday, so if payday falls on Good Friday, you will likely see the money Thursday. Confirm with your payroll department if you are unsure about your specific schedule.
What if I need to report fraud on Good Friday?
Call your bank's fraud line—most banks staff these 24/7, even on holidays. Report the fraudulent transaction when ready. You can also report it through your mobile app or online banking portal, and follow up with a teller on Monday.
Do online banks close on Good Friday?
Online banks with no physical branches do not have branch closures. However, customer service phone lines may have reduced hours or staffing. You can still use your account, transfer money, and deposit checks through their app on Good Friday.
Can I get a cashier's check on Good Friday?
No. Cashier's checks require a teller, and branches are closed. If you need one urgently, get it Thursday. Some banks can issue them through certain ATMs, but this is rare—call ahead to ask.