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

The Friday after Thanksgiving is not a federal holiday, so most banks operate that day. However, many banks reduce their hours or close earlier than on a regular Friday. Some branches may close entirely if they are in a location with lower traffic, though this is less common. Your best move is to call your specific branch the day before or check their website, because hours vary widely by bank and location.

If you need to do banking on that Friday, plan to go in the morning or early afternoon. ATMs and online banking work the same as any other day, so you can transfer money, check balances, or pay bills without visiting a branch.

Key Takeaways

  • The Friday after Thanksgiving is a regular business day for banks, not a federal holiday, so branches are typically open.
  • Many banks run on reduced hours that day, closing earlier than they normally would on a Friday.
  • Calling your branch or checking the bank's website the day before is the fastest way to confirm whether it will be open and what time it closes.
  • ATMs and online banking are available 24/7 regardless of branch hours, so you can handle most transactions without visiting in person.
  • If you need cash or services that require a teller, plan to visit early in the day to avoid arriving after the branch closes.

How to find your bank's Friday hours

The easiest way is to search "[Your Bank Name] hours" on Google or your phone's maps app. Google will show you the address, phone number, and hours for the specific branch nearest you. If the hours listed say "Open today" or show a time, that is current information pulled directly from the bank's system.

You can also call the branch directly. The phone number is usually on the back of your debit card, on the bank's website, or in your online banking app. A staff member can tell you whether the branch will be open Friday and what time it closes.

What you can do without visiting a branch

ATMs work around the clock, so you can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your bank has mobile deposit or ATM deposit), and transfer money between your own accounts any time Friday. Online banking and mobile apps let you pay bills, send money to other people, and check your balance without leaving home.

If you need to deposit a check and your bank does not have ATM deposit, you can usually take a photo of the front and back with your phone and deposit it through the mobile app. This is called mobile check deposit, and most banks offer it. The funds may not be available until the following Monday, but the deposit is recorded when ready.

Services that require a visit to the branch

Some transactions need a teller or banker in person. These include opening a new account, getting a cashier's check, reporting a lost or stolen card, disputing a transaction, or discussing a loan. If you need one of these services, confirm the branch is open before you go, and arrive early enough that you have time to complete the transaction before closing.

If the branch is closed or closes before you can get there, you can often handle urgent issues by phone. Call the customer service number on your card or statement to report fraud or a lost card. For other issues, you may need to wait until the following Monday.

Planning ahead for the holiday weekend

If you know you will need cash or a specific service over the Thanksgiving weekend, take care of it on Wednesday or Thursday before the holiday. Withdraw cash from an ATM, deposit checks through your phone, or visit the branch in person while hours are normal. This way you will not be rushed on Friday or stuck without what you need over the weekend.

If you are traveling for Thanksgiving, locate a branch or ATM of your bank (or a bank in its network) near where you will be staying. Most banks are part of a shared ATM network, so you can use ATMs from other banks without a fee. Check your bank's website or app to find participating ATMs in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Friday after Thanksgiving a bank holiday?

No. The federal banking holidays are 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. The day after Thanksgiving is a regular business day, though many banks operate on reduced hours.

Can I use my debit card or write checks on Friday after Thanksgiving?

Yes. Debit card transactions and checks process the same way on Friday as any other day. If you write a check, it will be processed when the bank receives it, which may be Monday if you deposit it Friday afternoon. Debit transactions go through when ready.

What if I need to deposit a check and the branch is closed?

Use mobile check deposit through your bank's app if you have it. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, and submit it through the app. The deposit is recorded right away, though the funds may not be available until Monday. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, you can deposit the check at an ATM if your bank supports ATM deposits.

Will my online banking work on Friday after Thanksgiving?

Yes. Online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs work 24/7, including holidays and reduced-hour days. You can check your balance, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks through your phone anytime.

What should I do if I need cash and the branch is closed?

Use an ATM. ATMs are open around the clock, and you can withdraw cash from your account any time. If you do not have an ATM card, you can get one from the branch on Thursday or Wednesday before the holiday.