Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping days of the year. But before hitting the stores on November 24th, many wonder – are banks open on Black Friday? While it’s not an official federal holiday, policies vary by state and institution. Here’s what to expect this Black Friday, banking-wise.
Federal holiday status
Black Friday is not a federal holiday in the United States. The federal government designates holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s as bank holidays when financial institutions must close.
Since Black Friday does not have this federal holiday designation, most national banks are open for regular business hours. However, some locations may opt for shortened hours or limited services. Calling ahead is wise to confirm hours and availability.
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State-level variations
Though not a blanket federal holiday, Black Friday is considered a state holiday in over 20 states. Some states, like California and Texas, provide employees with time off. Others, like Indiana, instead celebrate historical events like Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.
In these states, local banks may opt to close branches for the day. State-chartered credit unions also frequently close on state holidays. So customers in these areas should verify their bank’s Black Friday status.
Credit unions closing
While rare, a handful of credit unions close on Black Friday regardless of state holiday status. Examples include Members Credit Union, Mobiloil Credit Union, and Unify Financial Credit Union. Credit union members should verify closures directly with their institution.
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Major national banks open on Black Friday
Most large national banks remain open on Black Friday, though some adjust hours. Customers can likely visit branches of:
- Bank of America
- Wells Fargo
- Chase
- Citi
- U.S. Bank
- PNC Bank
- Capital One
- TD Bank
- BB&T
- Fifth Third Bank
As always, confirming with local branches is recommended. But major banks understand customers may need in-person services even on busy shopping days.
Online and mobile banking options
Even national banks that remain open may operate under limited hours. So online and mobile banking provide useful alternatives. Most banks offer robust digital tools for:
- Checking balances
- Transferring funds
- Paying bills
- Depositing checks
- Managing accounts
Mobile apps also help locate fee-free ATMs for cash withdrawals. And peer-to-peer services like Zelle allow transferring funds to others. With planning, customers can bank digitally on Black Friday as needed.
Preparing for Black Friday banking
A few tips help ensure banking access on busy Black Friday:
- Verify your bank’s holiday policy and branch hours.
- Set up online banking and download your bank’s app.
- Locate nearby ATMs for cash needs.
- Transfer funds in advance to digital wallets or accounts.
- Download peer-to-peer payment apps for transferring money.
- Schedule online bill payments in advance.
- Charge shopping items to minimize cash withdrawals.
While most national banks remain open, preparing for limited branch access with digital tools ensures a smooth Black Friday. Reaching out to local banks ahead of time provides peace of mind.
And taking advantage of online conveniences can make in-person visits unnecessary. With some advance planning, customers can focus on sales rather than bank availability this Black Friday.
