Most banks close on Thanksgiving Day and reopen the Friday after

The day after Thanksgiving — the Friday — banks operate on their normal schedule. Thanksgiving Day itself is a federal holiday, so nearly all banks close completely that day. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or visit a branch, plan to do it before Thanksgiving or wait until Friday.

The Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving follow each bank's regular weekend hours. Some branches open on Saturday mornings; others stay closed both days. Call your branch or check your bank's website to confirm, because weekend hours vary widely even within the same bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks close on Thanksgiving Day itself, but reopen Friday at their normal business hours.
  • ATMs and online banking work 24/7 even when branches are closed, so you can withdraw cash or transfer money anytime.
  • Weekend hours after Thanksgiving depend on your specific branch, so check before you go.
  • If you need cash or a deposit processed before the holiday, visit your branch Wednesday or earlier.

What you can do without visiting a branch

Your ATM card works the same on Thanksgiving as any other day. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks at ATMs 24 hours a day, even when the branch is closed. Most banks' mobile apps also let you transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and send money to other people without stepping into a branch.

Online bill pay and mobile transfers process normally during the holiday, though the money may not reach the other person's account until Friday or Monday depending on the bank and the type of transfer. If you are paying a bill that is due on Thanksgiving, send it by Wednesday to be safe.

When to visit the branch before Thanksgiving

If you need a cashier's check, a new debit card, a signature on a document, or help from a banker, you will need to visit in person. Plan to go Wednesday or earlier in the week. Wednesday is usually busier than other weekdays because people are preparing for the holiday, so Tuesday or Monday morning may be faster.

If you wait until Wednesday afternoon, you risk a long line. If you wait until Thursday morning, the branch will be closed. Friday the branch reopens, but many people will be catching up on errands they could not do Thursday, so expect it to be crowded.

Credit unions and online banks

Credit unions follow the same Thanksgiving closure as regular banks — the branch closes Thursday and reopens Friday. However, credit unions often have different weekend hours than banks in your area, and some credit unions have fewer branches overall. Check your credit union's website or call ahead to confirm Friday and weekend hours.

Online banks with no physical branches do not have holiday closures the way branch banks do. You can transfer money, pay bills, and manage your account on Thanksgiving just as you would any other day. Transfers to other banks may take longer because the receiving bank is closed, but the online bank itself is operating.

If you need cash over the holiday

Withdraw what you need before Thanksgiving. Use your ATM card at your bank's ATM or at any ATM in your bank's network — most banks let you use partner ATMs without a fee. If your bank is part of a shared network like Allpoint or MoneyPass, you can use thousands of ATMs nationwide.

If you use an ATM from a different bank, you will usually pay a fee (typically $2 to $3). Your own bank's ATM is free. If you are not sure which ATMs belong to your bank, log into your mobile app or call the bank to ask.

What happens to checks and deposits

A check you deposit on Friday will be processed like any Friday deposit — it may not clear until Monday. A check you deposit at an ATM on Thanksgiving will sit in the ATM until Friday morning, when the bank processes it. The clearing time starts from Friday, not from Thursday, so you lose a day.

If you need the money from a check before the weekend, deposit it in person at the branch on Wednesday or earlier. If you deposit it Friday, assume the money will not be available until Monday or Tuesday.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your debit card works at any store, ATM, or online merchant on Thanksgiving. The branch being closed does not affect your card. You can also use your card to pay bills online or send money through your bank's app.

What if I need to dispute a charge on Thanksgiving?

Call your bank's customer service number on the back of your card. Most banks have phone support open on holidays, even if branches are closed. You can also report a problem through your mobile app, and the bank will investigate it when the branch reopens Friday.

Do wire transfers go through on Thanksgiving?

Wire transfers sent on Thanksgiving will not process until Friday. If you need to send money urgently before the holiday, send it Wednesday or earlier. Once Friday arrives, wire transfers process normally.

Are drive-through ATMs open on Thanksgiving?

Yes. Drive-through ATMs are open 24/7, just like walk-up ATMs. You can use them anytime, including Thanksgiving Day and night.