Most banks are closed on the day after Thanksgiving

The day after Thanksgiving — known as the Friday after the fourth Thursday in November — is not a federal banking holiday. However, most large banks close their physical branches anyway because so many employees take the day off and customer traffic is minimal. Your bank's website or app will show you whether your specific branch is open.

If you need to deposit a check, transfer money, or handle other banking tasks that day, you have options that don't require a branch to be open. ATMs work 24/7 at most banks, and you can use your bank's mobile app or website to move money, pay bills, or check your balance from home.

The key difference is between what the federal government requires and what individual banks choose to do. Banks are allowed to stay open on the day after Thanksgiving — some do — but most choose not to because it's not a holiday they're required to observe.

Key Takeaways

  • The day after Thanksgiving is not a federal banking holiday, so banks are not required to close, but most large banks close their branches anyway.
  • You can check whether your specific branch is open by visiting your bank's website, calling the branch directly, or checking the hours in your mobile app.
  • ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking work on the day after Thanksgiving even if your branch is closed.
  • If you need cash or in-person service, plan ahead by visiting your branch the day before Thanksgiving or the following Monday.

How to learn about your bank branch is open

The fastest way is to open your bank's mobile app or website and search for your branch location. Most banks display holiday hours prominently, and you can usually see whether a specific branch is open or closed. If the app doesn't show it clearly, call the branch directly — the phone number is listed on the bank's website.

If you bank with a large national bank like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, you can also visit their main website and use the branch locator tool. Enter your zip code and the tool will show you hours for nearby branches, including whether they're open on the day after Thanksgiving.

Credit unions sometimes have different hours than banks, so if you bank with a credit union, check their website or call ahead. Some credit unions stay open on the day after Thanksgiving while others close.

What you can do without visiting a branch

ATMs are open 24/7 at virtually all banks, so you can withdraw cash, check your balance, or deposit checks using the mobile app's mobile deposit feature (if your bank offers it) at any time. Mobile deposit lets you photograph the front and back of a check and submit it through your phone — the money usually appears in your account within one or two business days.

Your bank's website and mobile app let you transfer money between your own accounts, send money to other people (if your bank offers this service), pay bills, and view your transaction history. These services work around the clock, whether the branch is open or not.

If you need to wire money or handle something that requires a teller, you may need to wait until the branch reopens. Plan ahead if you know you'll need in-person service.

Planning ahead for the Thanksgiving weekend

If you know you'll need cash or in-person banking services over the Thanksgiving weekend, withdraw what you need on Wednesday before Thanksgiving or on Monday after. This gives you a buffer in case your branch has unexpected hours or you need more cash than you anticipated.

If you're traveling for Thanksgiving, locate a branch or ATM of your bank (or a bank in your bank's network) near where you'll be staying. Many banks are part of shared ATM networks, which means you can use ATMs from other banks without a fee. Your bank's website shows which networks your bank participates in.

If you use a smaller regional bank or credit union, check their website now to see their Thanksgiving weekend hours. Some smaller institutions may have different schedules than the national banks.

What happens if you need to deposit a check

If your bank offers mobile deposit through its app, you can photograph the front and back of a check and submit it without visiting a branch. The check clears within one or two business days, though sometimes it takes longer if you deposit it late in the day or on a weekend.

If your bank doesn't offer mobile deposit, you'll need to wait until the branch reopens. Checks don't expire quickly — you can deposit a check several months after it's written — so there's usually no rush. If the check is time-sensitive, ask the person who wrote it whether they can send you the money another way instead.

Federal banking holidays versus bank closures

The federal government designates certain days as banking holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Banks are required to close on these days.

The day after Thanksgiving is not on this list, so banks are not required to close. However, individual banks can choose to close anyway, and most do because it's part of the extended Thanksgiving holiday weekend when many people are traveling or spending time with family. This is a business decision, not a legal requirement.

If a federal banking holiday falls on a weekend, banks typically close on the nearest weekday instead. For example, if Independence Day falls on a Sunday, banks close on Monday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on the day after Thanksgiving if the branch is closed?

Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs and stores 24/7, regardless of whether your branch is open. You can withdraw cash from any ATM in your bank's network or use your card to pay for purchases anywhere that accepts it.

Will my direct deposit go through on the day after Thanksgiving?

Direct deposits scheduled for the day after Thanksgiving may not process until the following business day if that Friday is not a banking day for your employer's bank. Check with your employer's payroll department if you're unsure when your deposit will arrive. The money will show up, but it might be delayed by a day.

What if I need to wire money on the day after Thanksgiving?

Most banks don't process wire transfers on the day after Thanksgiving because it's not a banking business day. If you need to send money urgently, send it on Wednesday before Thanksgiving instead. If you can't, ask your bank whether they offer weekend or holiday wire services — some do, though they may charge a fee.

Are credit unions open on the day after Thanksgiving?

It depends on the credit union. Some close for the extended holiday weekend, while others stay open with reduced hours. Check your credit union's website or call ahead to confirm their hours for that Friday.

Can I still pay my bills online on the day after Thanksgiving?

Yes. You can pay bills through your bank's website or mobile app at any time, 24/7. The payment may not process until the next banking business day, but you can schedule it in advance so it goes out automatically on the date you choose.