Most banks are closed the day after Thanksgiving, but some branches and services stay open
The day after Thanksgiving—the Friday after the fourth Thursday in November—is not a federal holiday. Banks are not required to close. However, most major banks do close their physical branches on this day because it falls within the Thanksgiving holiday period, and many banks treat the Friday after Thanksgiving as an observed holiday for their staff.
What actually happens depends on which bank you use and what you need to do. A Chase branch in your town may be closed, but you can still use Chase ATMs and mobile banking. A smaller regional bank might stay open. Some banks close only their branches but keep call centers and online services running. The safest approach is to check your specific bank's hours before Friday morning.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks close their physical branches the day after Thanksgiving, though the day is not a federal holiday.
- ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking work normally on the day after Thanksgiving even when branches are closed.
- Some regional and community banks stay open on the Friday after Thanksgiving, so you need to check your bank's schedule.
- If you need cash or in-person service, withdrawing money before Thanksgiving week is the most reliable option.
Which banks typically close on the Friday after Thanksgiving
The major national banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank—all close their branches on the day after Thanksgiving. This is a standard practice across their networks, though individual branches may occasionally vary. You can confirm by calling your local branch or checking the bank's website for holiday hours.
Credit unions follow the same pattern. Most credit unions close on the day after Thanksgiving because they observe the same holiday calendar as banks. However, some smaller or regional credit unions stay open, particularly those in areas where the day after Thanksgiving is not traditionally treated as a holiday.
What services still work when branches are closed
ATMs operate 24/7 regardless of branch hours. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts using any ATM from your bank on the day after Thanksgiving. If your bank is part of a network like Allpoint or MoneyPass, you may also use ATMs from other banks without a fee.
Online banking, mobile apps, and phone banking all function normally. You can pay bills, transfer money between accounts, deposit checks using mobile deposit, and check your balance from your phone or computer. Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated online may process on the same day or queue for the next business day depending on the time you submit them.
Customer service phone lines are often staffed even when branches are closed, though wait times may be longer. Call the number on the back of your card to reach someone who can answer questions or help with account issues.
When payments and transfers actually process
The day after Thanksgiving is a business day for the banking system itself. Payments you send through your bank's online system will process normally. ACH transfers (the system banks use to move money between accounts) initiated before the bank's cutoff time—usually 5 p.m. or 6 p.m.—will process the same day. Transfers initiated after the cutoff will process the next business day.
Wire transfers work the same way. If you send a wire before the cutoff on the day after Thanksgiving, it moves that day. After the cutoff, it queues for the next business day. Check your bank's website or call to confirm the exact cutoff time, as it varies by bank.
Checks you deposit using mobile deposit will be processed normally. The funds may take one to two business days to appear in your account, depending on the amount and your bank's policy, but the processing timeline is the same as any other day.
Planning ahead if you need cash or in-person service
If you need to withdraw a large amount of cash or handle something that requires a teller, do it before Thanksgiving week. Branches are typically busy the day before Thanksgiving, so Wednesday before Thanksgiving is a better choice than Thursday.
If you discover on the day after Thanksgiving that you need cash and your bank is closed, use an ATM. If you need to deposit a check or handle something that requires a person, wait until Saturday if your bank has Saturday hours, or until Monday. Most banks open at least some branches on Saturday mornings.
If you have a time-sensitive issue—a fraud dispute, a frozen account, or a payment problem—call your bank's customer service line on the day after Thanksgiving. Even if branches are closed, the phone line can often resolve issues or escalate them to the right department.
Regional and community banks may have different hours
Smaller banks and credit unions do not always follow the same holiday schedule as the major chains. Some stay open on the day after Thanksgiving because their customer base expects it or because they do not observe the day as a holiday. Call your bank directly or check their website to confirm.
If you bank with a regional or community institution, ask about their holiday hours when you open your account or call ahead during the week before Thanksgiving. This takes two minutes and removes the guesswork on Friday morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on the day after Thanksgiving if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online retailer regardless of whether your bank's branches are open. The only limitation is that you cannot visit a physical branch to speak with a teller or deposit cash.
Will my direct deposit process on the day after Thanksgiving?
Direct deposits scheduled for the day after Thanksgiving will process normally because the banking system is operating. Your employer's payroll system sends the deposit, and it lands in your account on schedule. If the day after Thanksgiving falls on a weekend in a given year, the deposit would process on the following Monday, but this is rare.
What if I need to dispute a charge on the day after Thanksgiving?
Call your bank's customer service line. Even though branches are closed, the phone line is usually staffed and can start a dispute investigation. You can also report fraud or unauthorized charges through your mobile app on most banks. The sooner you report it, the sooner the investigation begins.
Do online banks close on the day after Thanksgiving?
Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Discover Bank do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can access your account, transfer money, and handle all banking tasks normally on the day after Thanksgiving. Customer service may have reduced hours, but the account itself is always accessible.