Navigating bank holidays can be tricky, especially when they coincide with significant religious observances. Ahead of Easter, many people wonder about financial institution operating hours. Specifically, the question arises: are banks open on Good Friday? For those planning their finances around the Easter weekend, the answer is crucial.
The good news for those needing to visit their local branch is that Good Friday is typically not a bank holiday in the United States. This means that, unlike some other holidays, you can expect banks to be open and operating under their regular business hours on Good Friday. So, if you need to deposit a check, make a withdrawal, or handle other banking transactions, you should be able to do so without disruption.
People reviewing financial documents at a table
However, while banks remain open, it’s important to note that Good Friday is a recognized holiday for the stock market. If you’re also tracking the market or planning any stock trades, be aware that the stock market will be closed on Good Friday. This also extends to the bond market, which actually closes early on Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday, at 2 pm Eastern Time. Therefore, any stock market or bond market related activities will need to be scheduled around this closure.
For typical trading days, both the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) operate from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm Eastern time, Monday through Friday. But these hours do not apply on Good Friday or other stock market holidays.
As tax season often overlaps with the Easter holiday, it’s worth remembering that while banks are available, you might find extra time during the long weekend to focus on personal finances, including tax preparations. Whether it’s looking into tax extensions, understanding tax credits, or reviewing capital gains tax rates, a quieter Good Friday (without stock market activity) could be an opportune time for financial planning.
To help you plan for the rest of the year, here is a complete list of US bank holidays for 2024:
2024 Bank Holidays
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Monday | New Year’s Day |
| January 15 | Monday | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
| February 19 | Monday | Presidents’ Day/Washington’s Birthday |
| May 27 | Monday | Memorial Day |
| June 19 | Wednesday | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| July 4 | Thursday | Independence Day |
| September 2 | Monday | Labor Day |
| October 14 | Monday | Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day |
| November 11 | Monday | Veterans Day |
| November 28 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day |
| December 25 | Wednesday | Christmas Day |
This schedule aligns with the recommended bank holiday schedule from the Federal Reserve and is subject to possible changes.
In conclusion, if you’re wondering about visiting your bank on Good Friday, you can generally expect them to be open. However, remember that the stock market and bond markets observe Good Friday as a holiday. Planning your financial activities around these holiday schedules ensures a smoother management of your banking and investment needs.
