Most banks are open on the Friday after Thanksgiving, but hours are often shorter than usual

The day after Thanksgiving—known as Black Friday—is not a federal banking holiday. Your bank will likely be open, but many branches reduce their hours or close earlier than on a normal Friday. Some banks open at 9 or 10 a.m. instead of their usual time and close by 3 or 4 p.m., while others keep standard hours. A few banks, particularly smaller regional ones or branches in malls, may close entirely for the day.

The safest approach is to check your specific bank's website or call the branch directly the day before. Most banks post holiday hours online by mid-November, and you can usually find them under "Locations" or "Hours" on the main site. If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash, ATMs work around the clock regardless of branch hours.

Key Takeaways

  • The Friday after Thanksgiving is a business day, not a federal holiday, so banks operate but often with reduced hours.
  • Many branches open later and close earlier than usual—check your bank's website or call ahead to confirm.
  • ATMs are available 24/7 even when the branch is closed, so you can deposit checks or withdraw cash anytime.
  • If you need to speak with a banker or conduct business that requires a person, plan to visit in the morning or early afternoon.
  • Some smaller branches or mall locations may close entirely on Black Friday, so verify before making a trip.

How to find your bank's Black Friday hours

Go to your bank's website and search for "holiday hours" or "branch hours." Most major banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others—publish their Black Friday schedule by the week before Thanksgiving. You can usually filter by your zip code or branch name to see the exact hours for the location you plan to visit.

If you bank with a credit union, call the branch directly. Credit unions are less likely to have centralized online hour listings, and Black Friday schedules vary widely by institution. The phone number is usually on your debit card or bank statements.

What you can do without visiting a branch

If the branch is closed or hours don't work for you, most banking tasks can happen through ATMs, mobile apps, or online banking. You can deposit checks using mobile deposit (photograph the front and back through your bank's app), transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and check balances without stepping into a branch.

Wire transfers, loan applications, and account disputes typically require speaking to someone, so those are the transactions worth planning ahead for. If you need to handle one of these on Black Friday, call your bank Thursday to ask whether the branch will be open and whether you can schedule an appointment.

ATM access on Black Friday

ATMs operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of branch hours. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), and transfer money between accounts at any time on Black Friday. If you use an out-of-network ATM, you may pay a fee—usually $2 to $3—so using your bank's ATM is cheaper if you have a choice.

Mobile deposit through your bank's app is often faster than using an ATM for checks. You photograph both sides of the check, submit it through the app, and the funds typically appear in your account within one business day. This works on Black Friday even if the branch is closed.

Planning ahead for time-sensitive transactions

If you need to deposit a large check, open a new account, or dispute a transaction, do it before Thanksgiving if possible. Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, and branches that are open often have long lines. Waiting until the following Monday or Tuesday is usually faster.

For wire transfers or urgent matters, call your bank's customer service line on Black Friday morning. Many banks staff phone lines even when branches have reduced hours, and a representative can often handle the transaction over the phone or schedule it for the next business day.

What happens if you need cash over the weekend

If you withdraw cash on Black Friday and run out over the weekend, ATMs are your only option. Plan your cash needs accordingly—if you know you'll need money Saturday or Sunday, withdraw it Friday while you can. ATMs accept most major debit cards and some credit cards, though cash advances on credit cards usually come with a fee.

If you're traveling for the Thanksgiving weekend, locate ATMs near where you'll be staying before you leave home. Your bank's website usually has an ATM locator tool. Using your bank's ATM network is cheaper than using an unfamiliar bank's machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check at an ATM on Black Friday if the branch is closed?

Yes, if your ATM has a deposit slot. Most ATMs accept check deposits 24/7. The check will be processed the next business day, so a deposit on Friday will typically post to your account by Monday or Tuesday. Mobile deposit through your bank's app is often faster and works anytime.

Will my bank be open on Black Friday if it's inside a mall?

Mall-based bank branches often close on Black Friday because the mall itself may have special hours or the branch may close to avoid the shopping crowds. Call the branch directly or check the bank's website—mall locations are usually listed separately from standalone branches.

What if I need to wire money on Black Friday?

Call your bank's customer service line. Many banks process wire transfers over the phone even when branches are closed. The wire will typically go out the same day if you call before the bank's cutoff time (usually 2 or 3 p.m. Eastern), or the next business day if you call after.

Do online banks have different hours on Black Friday?

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and others don't have physical branches, so Black Friday doesn't affect their hours. You can transfer money, deposit checks via mobile deposit, and access customer service the same way you would any other day. Some may have reduced phone support staffing, but online and app services run normally.

Can I use my debit card to buy things on Black Friday if the bank is closed?

Yes. Your debit card works at stores, ATMs, and online regardless of whether your bank branch is open. The branch being closed doesn't affect your ability to spend money or access your account through other channels.