Most banks are closed the day after Thanksgiving
The day after Thanksgiving—the Friday after the fourth Thursday in November—is not a federal holiday, but most major banks treat it as one anyway. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional banks close their branches on this day. Your bank's website will show "Closed" for that Friday, and ATMs will still work, but you cannot speak to a teller or visit a branch.
Some smaller banks and credit unions stay open on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Call your bank directly or check their hours page to know for certain. The safest assumption is that your branch will be closed, so plan any in-person banking for Thursday or the following Monday.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks close branches the day after Thanksgiving, though ATMs remain available 24/7.
- Credit unions and smaller regional banks sometimes stay open when large banks close, so check your institution's specific hours.
- Online banking, bill pay, and transfers work normally on the day after Thanksgiving regardless of branch closures.
- If you need cash or a teller service, withdraw money on Thursday or wait until Monday when branches reopen.
Why banks close the day after Thanksgiving
Banks close on the day after Thanksgiving because the Federal Reserve itself is closed. The Federal Reserve does not process payments, clear checks, or move money between banks on this day. Without the Fed's infrastructure running, most banks choose to close their branches rather than operate with limited back-office support.
The day after Thanksgiving is not an official federal holiday like Thanksgiving itself, but the Fed's closure creates a practical holiday for banking. Banks could technically stay open, but they would not be able to process certain transactions or access Fed services. Most choose to close rather than confuse customers or staff.
What you can still do when banks are closed
ATMs work normally on the day after Thanksgiving. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks into ATM envelopes (though the deposit will not post until Monday). Online banking platforms stay open, so you can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills online, and check transactions.
Debit and credit card transactions process normally. Payments you make online or by phone will go through, though they may not settle until the next business day. If you need to move money between your accounts or pay a bill, you can do all of that without visiting a branch.
When deposits and transfers actually post
Any deposit you make on the day after Thanksgiving—whether at an ATM or through mobile banking—will not post to your account until Monday. The same applies to transfers between accounts at different banks. The day after Thanksgiving counts as a non-business day for settlement purposes, so the clock does not start until Monday morning.
If you need money to clear by a specific date, do not wait until Friday after Thanksgiving to deposit it. Make deposits on Thursday instead. The same rule applies to bill payments: if you pay a bill on Friday, the payment may not reach the recipient until Tuesday.
How to find your bank's specific hours
The fastest way to confirm whether your branch is open is to search "[Your Bank Name] hours" plus your city or ZIP code. Most banks show branch hours on their website's locator tool. You can also call your branch directly—the phone line usually tells you whether it is open before you speak to anyone.
If you bank with a credit union, check their website or call. Credit unions have more variation in their holiday schedules than large banks do. Some close on the day after Thanksgiving, others stay open. Your specific credit union's policy determines what you can do.
Planning ahead for the Thanksgiving weekend
If you know you will need cash or a teller service over the Thanksgiving weekend, withdraw money on Wednesday or Thursday. Most banks are open normal hours on Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Withdraw what you need for the entire weekend, including Friday.
If you are expecting a check or a payment to arrive, remember that nothing posts on the day after Thanksgiving. Payments that arrive Friday will not show in your account until Monday. Plan accordingly if you are counting on that money for a bill or expense due over the weekend.
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 or ATM regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The transaction processes normally, though it may take until the next business day to appear in your account.
Will a check I deposit on Friday after Thanksgiving clear by Monday?
No. Checks deposited on Friday will not post until Monday at the earliest, and may take longer depending on the check's origin. If you need the money urgently, deposit on Thursday instead.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on the day after Thanksgiving?
Call your bank's customer service line. Most banks have phone support open even when branches are closed. You can also use online chat or mobile app messaging if your bank offers it.
Are wire transfers available the day after Thanksgiving?
Outgoing wire transfers initiated on Friday after Thanksgiving will not process until Monday because the Federal Reserve is closed. If you need a wire to go out urgently, send it on Thursday.
Do credit unions close on the day after Thanksgiving?
Some do, some do not. Credit unions set their own holiday schedules. Check your specific credit union's website or call to confirm whether your branch is open that Friday.