Good Friday 2024: Are banks and stores open on Good Friday? Hours and closures
Good Friday is one of the most important days of the Lenten season, but is it a national holiday? Will banks and stores open during Good Friday?
The Lenten season is about to come to an end. On Friday, March 29, the Catholic Church celebrates Good Friday, which marks the death and crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth.
Good Friday is followed by the liturgical celebrations of Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, which is the last day of Lent. This period represents the 40 days and 40 nights that Jesus spent in the desert prior to his return to Jerusalem.
The United States has one of the largest Christian populations in the world, so Holy Week is a period of celebration for many in the country. However, none of the liturgical celebrations this weekend is considered a federal holiday.
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Good Friday 2024: Are banks and stores open on Good Friday? Hours and closures
Given that no day of Holy Week, including Good Friday, is considered a holiday at the federal level, public and private companies and institutions reserve the right to suspend or maintain their operations during this day.
Banks
Banks follow the Federal Reserve’s holiday calendar, which does not recognize Good Friday as a holiday, so most banking institutions in the US, including banks such as Capital One, Bank of America, CitiBank and JPMorgan Chase, will be open during their usual hours.
However, the stock exchange, which does recognize Good Friday as a holiday, will be closed. Bond markets will remain open until 2 p.m.
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Postal service
The United States Postal Service does not recognize Good Friday as a holiday, so its services and offices will operate at their usual hours. FedEx, UPS and Amazon will also be making deliveries.
Shops and supermarkets
Most stores and supermarkets such as Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, and Target, usually operate normally on Good Friday. Since the hours may vary depending on location, we recommend that you check the store hours before heading to your preferred outlet.