Most U.S. banks close on Good Friday, but not all
Yes, most banks in the United States close on Good Friday. The Federal Reserve observes Good Friday as a holiday, which means the federal banking system shuts down that day. However, not every bank closes. Some regional banks, credit unions, and online-only banks stay open, and a few large national banks keep limited locations running. The safest assumption is that your bank will be closed, but you should check with your specific institution before the holiday.
Good Friday falls on a different date each year because it is tied to Easter, which moves based on the lunar calendar. In 2024, Good Friday is March 29. In 2025, it is April 18. The Federal Reserve publishes its holiday schedule each year on its website, and most banks follow that same calendar.
Key Takeaways
- The Federal Reserve closes on Good Friday, which causes most major U.S. banks to close their branches that day.
- Some credit unions, regional banks, and online banks remain open on Good Friday, so contact your bank directly to confirm.
- ATMs and online banking services typically work on Good Friday even when physical branches are closed.
- Good Friday dates change each year—check the Federal Reserve's holiday calendar or your bank's website for the exact date.
- If you need cash or in-person services on Good Friday, plan ahead by withdrawing money the day before.
Why the Federal Reserve closing affects your bank
The Federal Reserve is the central banking system for the United States. When it closes, it stops processing wire transfers, ACH payments (the system that moves money between accounts), and check clearing. This means that even if your bank's building is open, it cannot complete many transactions that day because the infrastructure behind those transactions is not running.
Banks that are part of the Federal Reserve system—which includes all national banks and most state-chartered banks—must close on Good Friday. This is a legal requirement, not a choice. Banks that are not members of the Federal Reserve system, such as some credit unions and smaller regional institutions, can stay open, but most choose to close anyway because their customers expect it and because many of their own operations depend on the Federal Reserve system.
Which banks typically stay open on Good Friday
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Marcus by Goldman Sachs do not have physical branches, so the concept of "closing" does not explore to them in the same way. You can log in and view your account on Good Friday, but you cannot deposit checks in person or withdraw cash. Wire transfers and ACH payments initiated on Good Friday will process the next business day.
Some credit unions stay open on Good Friday, particularly those that do not rely heavily on Federal Reserve services or that serve members who need access that day. Call your credit union ahead of time to ask. A few large banks keep one or two locations open in major cities, but this is rare and varies by year. Your best move is to contact your bank directly rather than assume based on what happened last year.
What still works on Good Friday when banks are closed
ATMs run on a separate system from the main banking network and typically work on Good Friday. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks into an ATM envelope (though the check will not post until the next business day). Online banking portals and mobile apps also stay live—you can view your account, transfer money between your own accounts, and set up payments, but those payments will not process until the next business day.
Debit card transactions at stores and restaurants process normally on Good Friday because they go through card networks like Visa and Mastercard, not through the Federal Reserve. The same is true for credit card purchases. The delay happens on the back end when the bank settles those transactions, not when you swipe or tap the card.
How to plan ahead for Good Friday closures
If you know you will need cash or in-person banking services on Good Friday, withdraw money on Thursday. If you need to deposit a check, use an ATM envelope or mobile deposit (most banks let you photograph checks through their app) on Friday, knowing it will post Monday. If you need to send a wire transfer or make an urgent payment, do it Thursday or wait until Monday.
For recurring payments like bill payments or payroll deposits, these usually process on schedule because they are set up in advance. However, if you are initiating a new payment on Good Friday, it will not leave your account until Monday. If you have a payment due on Friday and your bank is closed, contact the company you are paying to let them know the payment is coming Monday and ask if they will accept it late.
Good Friday dates for the next several years
| Year | Good Friday Date |
|---|---|
| 2024 | March 29 |
| 2025 | April 18 |
| 2026 | April 10 |
| 2027 | March 26 |
| 2028 | April 14 |
The Federal Reserve publishes its complete holiday schedule each year on its website (federalreserve.gov). Your bank may also post its holiday hours on its website or in your local branch. If you are unsure whether your bank closes on a specific Good Friday, call the branch directly or check your bank's app—most banks display holiday hours in the branch locator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Good Friday if the bank is closed?
Yes. Debit card transactions at stores, restaurants, and ATMs work normally on Good Friday because they process through card networks, not through the Federal Reserve. The bank being closed does not stop you from spending money or withdrawing cash.
Will my direct deposit post on Good Friday?
No. If your employer normally deposits your paycheck on Friday and that Friday is Good Friday, the deposit will post on Monday instead. Payroll deposits are processed through the Federal Reserve's ACH system, which does not run on holidays.
What if I need to deposit a check on Good Friday?
Use a mobile deposit through your bank's app (photograph the check) or deposit it into an ATM envelope. The check will not post until Monday, but you can get it into the system on Friday. Do not mail a check if you need it processed quickly.
Do credit unions close on Good Friday?
Most do, but not all. Contact your credit union directly to ask about their Good Friday hours. Some credit unions stay open because they are not part of the Federal Reserve system, but many choose to close anyway.
Will wire transfers process on Good Friday?
No. Wire transfers initiated on Good Friday will not process until Monday because the Federal Reserve's wire transfer system is closed. If you need to send money urgently, do it Thursday.