Is Good Friday a Bank Holiday? – Everything You Need to Know

Is Good Friday a Bank Holiday in the US?

Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday, is a significant religious holiday that marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. While it is widely observed, its status as a holiday varies across the United States. Many people wonder if Good Friday is a bank holiday and how it affects various services and institutions.

In the US, Good Friday is not a federal holiday, meaning that it is not recognized by the federal government as a day off for its employees. However, some states and municipalities do observe Good Friday as a holiday, leading to closures of government offices, schools, and other public services in those areas.

Good Friday’s Status as a Federal Holiday

The United States government recognizes ten federal holidays, which include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Good Friday is not on this list, so it is not considered a federal holiday in the US.

As a result, many businesses, including banks, remain open on Good Friday. However, some institutions may have reduced hours or be closed in observance of the holiday, particularly in areas with large Christian populations.

States That Recognize Good Friday as a Holiday

While Good Friday is not a federal holiday, several states recognize it as a state holiday. In these states, government offices, schools, and some businesses may be closed or have limited hours on Good Friday. The states that observe Good Friday as a holiday include:

• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• New Jersey
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas

If you live in one of these states, it’s essential to check with your local government offices, schools, and businesses to determine their operating hours on Good Friday.

Are Banks Open on Good Friday?

Since Good Friday is not a federal holiday, most banks remain open. However, some banks may have reduced hours or be closed in states where Good Friday is recognized as a state holiday. It’s always a good idea to check with your specific bank to confirm their operating hours on Good Friday.

Operating Hours of Major US Banks on Good Friday

Here’s a quick overview of the operating hours of some major US banks on Good Friday:

While these major banks are generally open on Good Friday, it’s still recommended to verify their hours with your local branch, as some locations may have different schedules.

Tips for Banking on Good Friday

If you need to conduct banking transactions on Good Friday, consider the following tips:

• Check your bank’s website or call your local branch to confirm their operating hours on Good Friday.
• Take advantage of online and mobile banking services, which allow you to manage your accounts, pay bills, and transfer funds remotely.
• If your bank is closed, remember that ATMs are still accessible for cash withdrawals and some other transactions.
• Plan ahead and complete any necessary banking tasks before Good Friday to avoid potential inconveniences.

What Other Services Are Affected by Good Friday?

Apart from banks, various other services and institutions may be affected by Good Friday closures, particularly in states that observe it as a holiday. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect:

Post Offices, UPS and FedEx on Good Friday

The United States Postal Service (USPS) remains open on Good Friday, as it is not a postal holiday. However, some post office branches may have reduced hours. UPS and FedEx also generally operate on Good Friday, but it’s always best to check with your local office for specific hours and any potential service adjustments.

Government Offices and Public Schools

In states that recognize Good Friday as a holiday, government offices and public schools are likely to be closed. However, the status of these institutions on Good Friday varies by location, so it’s essential to check with your local government and school district for accurate information.

Catholic schools and some private schools may also be closed on Good Friday, even in states where it is not recognized as a holiday.

Stock Markets, Libraries and Retail Stores

The US stock markets, including the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, are closed on Good Friday. This closure applies nationwide, regardless of whether a state recognizes Good Friday as a holiday.

Public libraries may be closed or have reduced hours on Good Friday, particularly in states that observe it as a holiday. It’s best to check your local library’s website or contact them directly for their specific hours.

Most retail stores, restaurants, and grocery stores remain open on Good Friday, although some may have adjusted hours. It’s always a good idea to check with individual establishments for their specific operating hours on the holiday.

See also:

• Is Columbus Day a Bank Holiday? | Federal Bank Holidays
• Is Patriots Day a Bank Holiday? What’s Open and Closed
• Is Veterans Day a Bank Holiday – Everything You Need to Know
• Is Indigenous Peoples Day a Bank Holiday: What’s Open and Closed on Columbus Day
• Is Martin Luther King Day a Bank Holiday: What You Need to Know