Most banks are closed on Black Friday, but some branches and online services stay available

Black Friday falls the day after Thanksgiving, which is a federal holiday. Because Thanksgiving is a federal holiday, most banks treat the following Friday as a business day — but many choose to close their physical branches anyway as a courtesy to employees. Your bank's website or phone line will tell you whether your specific branch is open, because policies vary widely by bank and by location.

If you need to do banking on Black Friday, your best options are usually online banking (which works 24/7 on most accounts), ATMs (which operate regardless of branch hours), and customer service phone lines (which some banks staff even when branches are closed). A few large banks do keep selected branches open, particularly in busy shopping areas, but you should confirm before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • Black Friday is not a federal holiday itself, so banks are not legally required to close, but many do anyway.
  • Online banking, ATMs, and mobile apps work on Black Friday even when physical branches are closed.
  • Call your bank's customer service line or check their website to find out whether your specific branch will be open.
  • If you need cash or a service that requires a teller, plan ahead or visit on Thursday or Saturday instead.

How to learn about your bank branch is open

The fastest way is to call your bank's main customer service number — the one on the back of your debit card or on their website. Tell them your branch location, and they will tell you the hours for that specific day. Many banks also list Black Friday hours on their website under "Branch Locator" or "Hours".

If you use a large national bank like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, you can usually search for your branch online and see the hours listed directly. Smaller regional banks and credit unions may not post this information online, so a phone call is your safest bet.

What you can do if your branch is closed

Online banking works on Black Friday just like any other day. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, deposit checks using mobile check deposit (if your bank offers it), and check your balance anytime. These services do not depend on branch staff.

ATMs also operate 24/7 at most banks, even when the branch is closed. You can withdraw cash, deposit cash or checks (at some ATMs), and check your balance. If you need to speak to someone, most banks have customer service phone lines open on Black Friday, though wait times may be longer than usual.

Services that require a branch to be open

Some banking tasks need a teller or a banker in person. These include opening a new account, getting a cashier's check, accessing a safe deposit box, or resolving a problem with a frozen account. If you need any of these services, you will need to visit on a day when your branch is open.

If you know you will need one of these services, plan ahead. Call your branch on Thursday to ask about Friday hours, or plan to go on Saturday. Many banks are busier than usual on the day after a holiday, so arriving early in the morning usually means a shorter wait.

Why some banks close on Black Friday

Banks are not required to close on Black Friday — it is a business day, not a federal holiday. However, many banks choose to close their branches as a benefit to employees, many of whom work retail or have family obligations during the busy shopping weekend. This is a business decision, not a legal requirement.

Some banks stay open because they want to serve customers who are out shopping or handling holiday finances. The decision varies by bank and sometimes by individual branch, which is why you cannot assume your bank will be closed or open without checking.

Planning ahead for Black Friday banking

If you know you will need to do something at your bank on or around Black Friday, do it on Thursday instead. Most banks are open on Thanksgiving Day evening or all day Thursday, and you will avoid the rush. If you cannot go Thursday, Saturday is usually quieter than Friday.

If you are planning to deposit a check or transfer money, do it online or at an ATM before Black Friday. If you need cash, withdraw it Thursday. This way, you will not be caught without access to your money if your branch turns out to be closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Black Friday a federal holiday?

No. Thanksgiving is the federal holiday. Black Friday is the day after, and banks are not required by law to close. Many choose to anyway, but it is a business decision, not a legal requirement.

Can I use my ATM on Black Friday if the branch is closed?

Yes. ATMs operate 24/7 at most banks, regardless of whether the branch is open. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks or cash (depending on your ATM), and check your balance.

Will my online banking work on Black Friday?

Yes. Online banking, mobile apps, and bill pay work around the clock, including Black Friday. You can transfer money, check balances, and deposit checks by phone anytime.

What if I need to open a new account on Black Friday?

You will need to visit a branch or call customer service to open an account. Some banks allow account opening over the phone or online, so call your bank and ask. If not, plan to open it Thursday or Saturday when branches are definitely open.

Do credit unions have different Black Friday hours than banks?

Credit unions make their own decisions about Black Friday hours, just like banks do. Call your credit union directly to ask about their specific branch hours on Black Friday.