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. The reason is straightforward: Thanksgiving itself is a federal holiday, and many banks extend the closure to the following day to give staff a longer weekend.

If you need to visit a branch on Friday after Thanksgiving, call ahead. Some banks open at noon or 1 p.m. instead of their normal 9 a.m. opening. A few branches in busy areas may open at regular hours. The only way to know for certain is to contact your bank directly or check their website for holiday hours.

ATMs and online banking work normally on the day after Thanksgiving, regardless of whether the branch is open. You can withdraw cash, check balances, and transfer money between your own accounts without visiting a physical location.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major banks close on the Friday after Thanksgiving, though some open in the afternoon or at reduced hours.
  • Your bank's specific hours depend on the branch location and the bank's own holiday policy, so calling ahead is the fastest way to confirm.
  • ATMs and online banking services operate normally on the day after Thanksgiving, even if branches are closed.
  • If you need to deposit a check or conduct business that requires a teller, plan to visit on Thursday before Thanksgiving or the following Monday.

How to find your bank's hours for that specific Friday

The most reliable way is to search your bank's name plus "holiday hours" on their website. Most banks publish their Thanksgiving schedule in early November. Look for a link labeled "Holiday Hours," "Branch Hours," or "Locations and Hours."

If you cannot find it online, call the branch directly. The phone number is usually on your bank card or statement. Ask specifically whether they are open on the Friday after Thanksgiving and what time they open if they are. Write down the answer—do not rely on memory for something you will need days later.

Some banks have different policies by region. A branch in one state might be open while another in a different state is closed. This is why calling your specific branch matters more than calling the bank's main customer service line.

What you can do without visiting a branch

ATMs work 24 hours on the day after Thanksgiving. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), and check your balance. Mobile deposits—photographing a check through your bank's app—also work normally.

Online banking and mobile apps have no holiday closures. You can transfer money between accounts, pay bills, send wire transfers, and view transactions at any time. If you need to move money to another person's account at the same bank, you can do this online without visiting a branch.

The one thing you cannot do online is cash a check at a teller window or deposit cash. If you have cash or checks that must be deposited, wait until the branch reopens or use an ATM deposit slot if your bank offers one.

Which banks typically stay closed versus which may open

The largest national banks—Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank—almost always close on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Regional banks and credit unions vary more widely. Some close, some open at noon, and some keep normal hours.

Community banks and local credit unions are more likely to stay open on this day because they serve a smaller area and may not give all staff the day off. If you bank with a smaller institution, there is a better chance your branch will be open, but you still need to confirm.

Online-only banks have no physical branches, so this question does not explore to them. If your bank exists only as an app or website, all your services work normally on the day after Thanksgiving.

Planning ahead if you need cash or to deposit money

If you know you will need cash on the Friday after Thanksgiving, withdraw it on Thursday before the holiday. Most branches have extended hours or normal hours on Thanksgiving Eve, and ATMs work around the clock.

If you have checks to deposit, use your bank's mobile app to photograph and deposit them. This works on any day, including holidays. The check will be processed when the bank reopens, usually by the following Monday.

If you must deposit cash and your bank has no ATM deposit slot, you will need to wait until the branch reopens. Plan accordingly if you are expecting a cash payment over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Wire transfers and payments on the day after Thanksgiving

Wire transfers initiated online on the Friday after Thanksgiving will not be processed until the bank reopens. If you send a wire on Friday afternoon, it will sit in the queue and process on Monday morning. This matters if you are paying a bill or sending money to someone who needs it urgently.

Bill payments scheduled through your online banking also wait until the bank reopens. If you set up a payment to post on Friday, it will actually post on Monday. Check the date your bank shows before confirming the payment.

If you need a wire transfer to go out on Friday, you must visit a branch in person before they close on Thursday. This is one of the few transactions that cannot be done online and cannot wait until Monday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card at stores on the day after Thanksgiving if my bank is closed?

Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant or ATM regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The transaction processes through the payment network, not through a physical branch. Your bank's closure only affects services that require a teller or in-person visit.

Will checks I deposit on Friday after Thanksgiving clear by Monday?

No. Checks deposited on Friday will not be processed until the bank reopens, usually Monday. The funds will not be available in your account until at least Tuesday, depending on the check amount and your bank's policy. Mobile deposits follow the same timeline as in-person deposits.

What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on the day after Thanksgiving?

Call the branch directly to see if anyone is available. If the branch is closed, you can try the bank's customer service line, which may have limited staff available. For non-urgent questions, email the bank or wait until the branch reopens on Monday.

Do credit unions close on the day after Thanksgiving?

Most do, but not all. Credit unions set their own holiday schedules. Some close on both Thanksgiving and Friday, while others close only on Thanksgiving. Contact your credit union directly to confirm their hours for the day after Thanksgiving.

Can I get a cashier's check on the day after Thanksgiving?

Only if your branch is open. Cashier's checks require a teller and cannot be ordered online. If your branch is closed on Friday, you will need to visit on Thursday or wait until Monday. Plan ahead if you need a cashier's check for a weekend transaction.