Are Banks Open on Black Friday 2023?

Though it may seem like an unofficial federal holiday, many banks are actually open on Black Friday. However, in many states the day after Thanksgiving is considered a state holiday, which means bank locations in those states may be closed. For 2023, Black Friday is on November 24.

If you need financial advice beyond banking, a financial advisor can help you create a financial plan. 

Is Your Bank Open on Black Friday?

Although many would consider Black Friday a holiday unto itself, it is not a federal holiday. So, unlike on a true bank holiday, most banks with stand-alone brick-and-mortar locations will be open that Friday. It’s possible, however, that these banks may have shortened hours, so you may want to check with your local branches to inquire about the day’s hours ahead of time.

Another thing to keep in mind is that in about half of U.S. states, the day after Thanksgiving is considered a state holiday. Some local banks and credit unions may be closed in these states as a result. Additionally, bank branches that operate within other businesses, such as locations in supermarkets and on college campuses, may also be closed as a result of these businesses being closed.

The states in the table below have state holidays on the day after Thanksgiving. If you live in one of these states, call your local branch or checking the bank’s website before visiting that day.

States That Consider Black Friday a Holiday

Breaking Down Federal Holidays When Banks Are Closed

While most banks will be open on Black Friday, Thanksgiving is a different matter. Thanksgiving Day is a federal holiday, meaning it was established by law as a day non-essential government businesses are closed. This in turn means that it’s a bank holiday, so you can be sure that your local bank will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Many businesses also close their doors early on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving to give their employees extra time to travel and/or spend time with family. Although banks usually don’t abide by this policy, it couldn’t hurt to call your bank and make sure they’re not closing early that Wednesday.

Here are all the U.S. federal holidays, meaning bank branches will be closed on all of these days:

U.S. Bank Federal Holidays

How to Access Your Bank Account on Thanksgiving 

You may be planning on starting your shopping on Thanksgiving itself, as some stores are open late that day. If you don’t have time to stop by your bank in the days before you go shopping, simply visit one of its fee-free ATMs. Any bank with physical locations will have these cash machines. These can normally be found at your bank’s branches and at stand-alone locations, but they may also have a partnership with a larger ATM network like Allpoint. You’ll need just your debit card to make an ATM withdrawal.

If you want to check your account balance or transaction history, make an inter-account transfer or pay your bills, online banking is the quickest way to go. This service is available at virtually every bank and can be extremely valuable. Mobile banking apps almost always provide many of the same benefits, along with mobile check deposit and an ATM locator. Offerings such as these could be lifesavers on Thanksgiving.

Need to borrow money from family or friends to fund that Black Friday excursion? Money transfer apps like Venmo and PayPal will let you do so from your phone. Many banks are also building their own money transfer services or teaming up with existing apps. One of the most popular names in this market is Zelle®. If you need to lend or borrow money to friends or family, you might be able to do so from your bank’s mobile app.

Bottom Line

In the world of modern banking, there are tons of ways in which you can access your bank account’s funds without needing to speak to a teller at a branch location. In this regard, ATMs, debit cards and mobile banking apps technically make bank branches fairly outdated. However, because Black Friday doesn’t hold federal holiday status, you may very well be able to visit your bank before you do some shopping. Simply remember to check with your bank ahead of time.

Tips to Better Your Banking Experience

• You don’t need to worry about your bank’s branches closing if your bank doesn’t have any branches. Online-only banks offer great desktop and mobile portals for conducting your banking business 24/7. Plus, these online banks tend to have much better interest rates on savings accounts and other deposits.
• Your bank account is just one part of your financial picture. If you want to grow your money and be financially secure, a financial advisor can help you create a financial plan. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

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