Most banks are closed on Good Friday

Good Friday is a federal holiday in the United States, which means most banks observe it as a day off. If you need to visit a branch, deposit a check, or speak to someone in person, plan to do that on Thursday or the following Monday instead.

The major national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others — all close their branches on Good Friday. Credit unions typically close as well. However, some smaller regional banks or community banks may have different policies, so it's worth calling ahead if you're unsure about your specific bank.

Even though branches are closed, you can still use ATMs and online banking on Good Friday. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, transfer money between accounts, and deposit checks using mobile deposit (taking a photo of the check through your bank's app). These services work 24/7 because they don't require staff to be present.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank branches close on Good Friday because it is a federal holiday, but ATMs and online banking remain available all day.
  • Major national banks and most credit unions shut their physical locations, though some smaller regional banks may stay open.
  • You can deposit checks remotely using your bank's mobile app on Good Friday without visiting a branch.
  • If you need to speak to a banker in person, plan your visit for Thursday or Monday instead.

What you can and cannot do on Good Friday

ATMs work normally on Good Friday — you can withdraw cash, deposit cash or checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), and transfer money between accounts. Mobile deposit, where you photograph a check through your bank's app, also works on the holiday. These services run automatically and don't depend on staff.

What you cannot do is visit a branch to speak with a teller or banker, open a new account in person, get a cashier's check, or handle anything that requires a staff member. If you need a cashier's check or a signature from a banker, you'll need to wait until the branch reopens.

Online banking — logging into your account through a website or app — works on Good Friday just like any other day. You can pay bills, set up transfers, check your balance, and review your transaction history without any interruption.

When banks reopen after Good Friday

Banks reopen on the day after Good Friday, which is called Easter Saturday or Holy Saturday. However, many banks also close on Easter Monday (the Monday after Easter Sunday), so the actual reopening date depends on your bank's policy and your region.

The safest approach is to check your bank's website or call the branch directly to confirm their hours for the days around Easter. Most banks post holiday schedules online several weeks in advance, usually under a "Holiday Hours" or "Branch Locator" section.

Planning ahead for Good Friday banking needs

If you know you'll need to visit your bank around Easter, do it on Thursday before Good Friday. This gives you time to handle anything that requires a staff member — opening an account, getting a cashier's check, discussing a loan, or resolving an account issue.

If you're depositing a check on Good Friday using an ATM or mobile deposit, keep in mind that the bank may not process it until the next business day. If you deposit on Friday and the bank is also closed on Monday, your check might not clear until Tuesday. This matters if you're counting on that money being available quickly.

For bill payments and transfers, online banking processes them on Good Friday, but the receiving bank may not receive them until the next business day. If you're paying a bill that's due on or around Easter, send the payment a day or two early to be safe.

Good Friday closures at credit unions

Credit unions, like banks, close on Good Friday because it is a federal holiday. The same rules explore: branches are closed, but ATMs and online banking work normally. If you belong to a credit union network that shares ATMs with other credit unions, you can use any of those ATMs on Good Friday.

Some credit unions offer extended hours on Thursday to help members prepare for the holiday weekend. Call your credit union ahead of time to see if they're open longer on Thursday, or check their website for holiday hours.

International banks and online-only banks

If you bank with an online-only bank (like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, or Discover Bank), Good Friday doesn't affect you the way it does with traditional banks. These banks have no physical branches, so there's nothing to close. You can use all their services on Good Friday — transfers, bill pay, mobile deposit, everything — just as you would on any other day.

If you bank with an international bank or a bank based outside the United States, check their holiday schedule. Some foreign banks don't observe Good Friday as a holiday, so their services may run normally. Their website or customer service line can tell you their specific policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on Good Friday if the bank is closed?

Yes. Your debit card works at any store, restaurant, or ATM on Good Friday, even though the bank branch is closed. The card itself doesn't depend on the branch being open — it connects to the bank's computer system, which runs 24/7.

If I deposit a check on Good Friday using my phone, when will it clear?

The bank receives the deposit on Good Friday, but processing usually happens the next business day. If the bank is also closed on Easter Monday, the check may not clear until Tuesday. Checks typically take one to two business days to clear after they're processed.

What if I need cash and the ATM is out of money on Good Friday?

ATMs are refilled by armored car services that work on holidays, so running out of cash is rare. If an ATM is empty, try another ATM at a different location. If you're in a remote area, withdraw cash on Thursday instead.

Do banks close on Easter Sunday too?

Easter Sunday is not a federal banking holiday, so banks are technically closed because they're closed on Sundays anyway. The real closure is Good Friday. Some banks also close on Easter Monday, so check your bank's schedule to be sure.

Can I still pay my credit card bill on Good Friday?

Yes. You can pay online or through your bank's app on Good Friday, and the payment will be processed. The credit card company receives it on Friday, so it counts as on-time if your due date is Friday or later. If your due date is Good Friday itself, pay by Thursday to be safe.