Most banks are closed the day after Thanksgiving, but some branches open later in the afternoon

The day after Thanksgiving—the Friday after the fourth Thursday in November—is not a federal holiday, so banks are not required to close. However, most major banks do close on this day anyway. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional banks treat it as an internal holiday and keep branches shut. Some banks open their doors at 10 a.m. or later instead of their normal 9 a.m. opening, but this varies by branch and by bank.

If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to someone in person, call your specific branch the day before Thanksgiving to confirm their Friday hours. A phone call takes two minutes and saves you a wasted trip. Online banking, ATMs, and mobile apps work normally on the day after Thanksgiving regardless of whether the branch is open.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major bank branches close on the Friday after Thanksgiving, though some open at 10 a.m. or later instead of their usual time.
  • ATMs and online banking function normally on the day after Thanksgiving even when branches are closed.
  • Call your branch directly on Wednesday or Thursday to confirm Friday hours, because policies vary by location and institution.
  • Credit unions often follow different schedules than banks, so check your credit union's calendar separately.
  • Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated online may process on Friday, but transfers initiated in-branch will wait until the next business day if the branch is closed.

Which banks close and which stay open

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, TD Bank, PNC, and US Bank all close most or all of their branches on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Some branches of these banks may open at 10 a.m., noon, or 2 p.m., but this is not standard across all locations. A branch in one city might be open while the same bank's branch ten miles away is closed.

Smaller regional banks and credit unions vary widely. Some treat the day after Thanksgiving as a regular business day. Others close entirely. A few open for limited hours. The only way to know your institution's policy is to check their website or call the branch directly. Most banks post their holiday schedule online in early November, usually under a link labeled "Holiday Hours" or "Branch Locator."

What you can and cannot do without a branch

ATMs work on the day after Thanksgiving regardless of whether your branch is open. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks into an ATM envelope (though the deposit may not post until the next business day). Mobile banking apps and online banking platforms work normally. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills online, and send money to other people through your bank's app.

What you cannot do without a branch: speak to a banker in person, open a new account, get a cashier's check, report a lost or stolen card to someone face-to-face, or conduct any transaction that requires a signature or verification. If you need a cashier's check for a closing or a large payment, plan ahead and get it before Thanksgiving.

Wire transfers and ACH transfers on the day after Thanksgiving

Wire transfers initiated through your bank's online platform or mobile app on the day after Thanksgiving may process the same day if your bank processes wires on Fridays. However, this depends on the receiving bank's schedule as well. If either bank is closed, the wire may sit in queue until Monday. Wires sent through a closed branch in person will definitely wait until the next business day.

ACH transfers (the system used for most bill payments and direct deposits) are processed by the Federal Reserve, which does not observe the day after Thanksgiving as a holiday. ACH transfers initiated online on Friday will process normally. However, if you initiate an ACH transfer in person at a closed branch, it will not be submitted until the branch reopens.

How to find your bank's specific hours

The fastest way is to search "[Your Bank Name] branch locator" and enter your zip code or address. Most banks show holiday hours on the branch detail page. If the page does not list Friday's hours, call the branch directly at the number shown. Have your branch address ready when you call so the staff member can confirm they have the right location.

If you bank with a credit union, check your credit union's website or app first. Credit unions often have different holiday schedules than banks. Some credit unions are open on the day after Thanksgiving; others are not. A few offer limited Saturday hours that might work if Friday is closed.

Planning ahead for common transactions

If you need cash for the weekend, withdraw it on Wednesday or Thursday. If you need a cashier's check, get it before Thanksgiving week. If you need to deposit a large check, use your mobile app to photograph and deposit it—mobile deposits typically post within one business day. If you need to open a new account or refinance a loan, schedule an appointment for the following Monday or Tuesday.

For bill payments and routine transfers, use your online banking platform or mobile app instead of visiting a branch. These transactions process on schedule regardless of branch hours. The only transactions that truly require a branch are those that need a signature, a notary, or a banker's judgment call.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. ATMs work 24/7 regardless of branch hours. Debit cards work at any merchant or ATM. The only thing you cannot do is walk into a closed branch and speak to someone in person.

Will my direct deposit post on the day after Thanksgiving?

Direct deposits are processed by the Federal Reserve, not by individual banks. If your employer sends payroll on Friday, it will post to your account on Friday even if your branch is closed. However, if your employer does not send payroll until Monday, it will not post until then.

What if I need to report a fraudulent transaction on the day after Thanksgiving?

Call your bank's fraud line. Most banks have a 24/7 phone number for fraud reports, usually on the back of your debit card. You do not need to visit a branch. The fraud department can freeze your card and start an investigation over the phone.

Can I deposit a check at an ATM on the day after Thanksgiving?

Yes, if your bank's ATMs accept check deposits. Photograph the check with your mobile app or insert it into an ATM envelope. The deposit will be recorded in your account, though the funds may not be available until the next business day.

Are online banks open on the day after Thanksgiving?

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Marcus do not have physical branches, so they do not close. You can transfer money, check balances, and conduct most transactions normally. Customer service phone lines may have reduced staffing, but they typically remain available.