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whats open on thanksgiving

Are Credit Unions and Banks Open on Thanksgiving Day 2019?

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banks open on thanksgiving

Fewer retailers are shutting their doors for Thanksgiving, making it necessary to be able to access your bank account on the holiday. However, many banking institutions still adhere to the federal holiday schedule. So, are credit unions and banks open on Thanksgiving?

Are Banks Open on Thanksgiving?

Banks will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Because Thanksgiving Day is a federal holiday, banks are typically closed. While there are some exceptions to this rule on other federal holidays, there are no banks open on Thanksgiving.

Credit Unions Thanksgiving Hours

Just as banks will be closed, credit unions will not be open on Thanksgiving Day. Most credit unions follow the same policy as banks and close in observance of federal holidays. If your credit union is local, you should check with them for their hours throughout the week as some locations may close early on Wednesday and remain closed on Friday.

Thanksgiving Week Bank Schedule

Because Thanksgiving falls in the middle of the week, business schedules can be confusing. The banking hours for Thanksgiving week are below.

  • Monday, November 25: Most banks will hold regular hours.
  • Tuesday, November 26: Regular hours will be held.
  • Wednesday, November 27: Some banks will close early.
  • Thursday, November 28: Banks and credit unions are closed.
  • Friday, November 29: Most banks will reopen for regular business hours.
  • Saturday, November 30: If your bank has regular hours on Saturday, they will be open those hours.

It is recommended that you call and check with your bank to verify their business hours the week of Thanksgiving.

Banking on Thanksgiving Day

Although banks will be closed on Thursday, it doesn’t mean you can’t do any banking. Most customers rarely visit the brick-and-mortar bank locations anyway. ATMs and banking apps are typically available 24 hours a day, 265 days a year. For the most part, you can perform basic banking transactions through these mediums. Deposits and withdrawals can be made at ATMs. You can also make deposits and pay bills through the bank’s app or websites.

It is important to remember that some transactions will not post to your account until the next banking day. So, you’ll want to pay bills ahead of time if they are due on Thursday. You’ll also want to make sure you can wait for any cash you’re depositing in your account. Most deposits will not be available until the next banking day (Friday) and some will be held until Monday, December 2.

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What is Open and What is Closed on Thanksgiving?

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what is open and what is closed on thanksgiving
Not long ago, it was nearly impossible to find anything open on Thanksgiving Day. But, as retailers began expanding Black Friday sales to draw in customers, more started toying with the idea of opening on the holiday, and many took the leap. However, over the years, a small rebellion against the idea sprung up, leading some stores to retreat back to closing on the holiday. Now, figuring out what will or won’t open is harder than ever. Below, you’ll find out what is likely to be open or closed on Thanksgiving.

Drug Stores and Pharmacies

Drug stores are open. In most cases, drug store chains do open on the holiday, but may limit their hours. However, some may not have their pharmacy counters open even if the main store is accessible. Additionally, independent drug stores may choose to close. In any case, it’s wise to call ahead to make sure what you need is available.

Gas Stations

Gas stations are open. Since Thanksgiving is a big traveling day, most gas stations open. The convenience store may operate on holiday hours, but the pumps remain accessible, so you can always pay at the pump if you need fuel.

Grocery Stores

Grocery stores are open. Many large grocery chains open on Thanksgiving, but usually on a holiday schedule. However, both Publix and Trader Joe’s will close for the entire day.

If you need to grab some items, you may want to call ahead or check online to see when the store is open. Smaller stores may choose to close, so checking their schedule before you head out the door is wise.

Retail Stores

Retail stores may or may not be open. Even major retailers are divided regarding opening on Thanksgiving. For example, Costco will close for the holiday. Walmart, on the other hand, will open, and their Black Friday sales will actually begin at 6:00 pm local time on Thanksgiving.

Best Buy, Cabela’s, JC Penney, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Old Navy, Target, and many others will be open. However, the list of major closures is substantial, including Burlington, Dillard’s, Home Depot, IKEA, Marshalls, Nordstrom, Petco, Pier 1, REI, TJ Maxx, and many more.

Garbage Services

Garbage services may or may not be available. Usual garbage pick up holiday schedules vary by location. Some cities pick up regardless of the holiday while others don’t. If yours doesn’t run on Thanksgiving, your service day is adjusted to later in the week in most cases. When in doubt, contact your provider to find out for certain.

Restaurants

Many restaurants will open. A number of chain restaurants open on Thanksgiving, as well as some independent eateries. In fact, some offer Thanksgiving specials. However, not all locations choose to open on the holiday, so you may want to check before you head out the door.

Banks and Credit Unions

Banks and credit unions are closed. By and large, banks and credit unions close for federal holidays, and Thanksgiving is no exception. However, online banking account access is usually available, though transactions may not complete until after the holiday.

U.S. Stock Markets

U.S. stock markets are closed. The major US stock exchanges, including the NYSE and NASDAQ, close for Thanksgiving. Additionally, they will close early (at 1:00 pm Eastern Time) on Friday, November 23. Normal hours resume on Monday, November 26.

Federal Government Offices

Federal government offices are closed. Since Thanksgiving is a federal holiday, all nonessential employees have the day off. This means most offices close for the day.

State and Local Government Offices

State and local government offices are closed. For federal holidays, state and local government offices also usually close. However, agencies in charge of public safety, like police and fire, are operational.

Schools, Colleges, and Universities

Schools, colleges, and universities are closed. Essentially all educational institutions close for Thanksgiving, including public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities. However, locations with students living on-site may have some basic amenities available, such as cafeteria service, but this varies by school.

Libraries

Libraries are closed. Public libraries are usually not open on federal holidays, so they will close on Thanksgiving Day.

Public Transit

Public transit may operate on holiday hours. Many public transportation services shift to reduced hours for holidays, including Thanksgiving. Check with your local provider to see what services are available and when they run.

Do you have big plans for Thanksgiving? Tell us about them in the comments below.

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What is Open and What is Closed on Thanksgiving?

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what is open and what is closed on thanksgiving

In modern times, when we think of Thanksgiving, we primarily think of family, feasting and reflecting on things we appreciate. Black Friday has become a part of this celebration and really took off following the 1924 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Retailers quickly saw how the discounts drew in crowds for Christmas shopping and a tradition was born. In recent years, stores began opening increasingly earlier, with sales starting as soon as Thanksgiving night. However, retailers are taking more of a stand-in 2016, refusing to open their doors until Friday. Below, you’ll find what is open and what is closed for Thanksgiving.

Banks and Credit Unions

Banks and credit unions are closed.  Because Thanksgiving is recognized as a federal holiday the fourth Thursday of November every ear, banks will be closed Thanksgiving Day. Customers should still be able to access their bank accounts and execute most banking needs online though.

Drug Stores

Drug stores are open. Most drugstore chains like Walgreens, Rite Aid, and CVS will have Thanksgiving Day hours for customers. These may, of course, vary from location to location. Some may also have limited store hours for the holiday so be sure to call and check before attempting to pick up any prescriptions.

Federal Government Offices

Federal government offices are closed. Thanksgiving is one of the 10 federal holidays recognized by the U.S. government, and therefore, non-essential federal government offices will not be open Thursday, such as the post office.

State and Local Government Offices

State and local government offices are closed. Most state and local government offices also close on federal holidays. However, police and fire departments, which are considered essential, will remain open.

Gas Stations

Most gas stations should be open. Some gas stations in your area may decide to close for the holiday, but you should not have an issue finding one near you, especially for those traveling on the highway.

Grocery Stores

Major grocery stores are open. Although most major grocery chains will be open on Thanksgiving, many will also have limited holiday hours. Make sure to plan ahead and be prepared for any such changes in your local stores regular hours. Smaller stores will likely be closed, but it will not hurt to double check.

Some grocery stores actually offer freebies with their rewards programs. In the spirit of the holiday, some actually give way a turkey. This is good news for those of you who did not buy yours yet.

Garbage Services

Garbage services may or may not pick up. Garbage day services will vary. It is likely that services will be rescheduled by being pushed back a day, but you can call your local waste management to retrieve a holiday schedule.

Libraries

Public libraries are closed. Public libraries tend to observe the federal holidays, and so they will not be open Thanksgiving Day. Some will reopen Friday for their regular operating hours following the holiday. Most, however, will reopen on Monday, Nov. 27.

Retail Stores

Retail stores may or may not be open. Some major retail stores like Kohl’s and Macy’s will be open for limited hours on Thanksgiving. In fact, Macy’s is actually opening earlier this year. Regardless, more and more retailers are refusing to open on Thanksgiving. If you plan on shopping Thursday, make sure to plan ahead and know what stores will be open. Remember, though, don’t just participate in sales because it is happening; shop with a purpose. Will your favorite stores be open?

Public Transportation

Public transportation may have limited hours. Many public transportation services will be operating on reduced holiday schedules. It might be best for you to plan your traveling by such (bus, train) ahead of time instead of attempting to utilize their services on Thanksgiving day especially since office hours may be closed.

Restaurants

Many restaurants will remain open. Many national chains will be open for Thanksgiving as well as private, independently-owned restaurants offering special Thanksgiving meals. If you plan on going out to eat Thursday, call ahead to confirm their holiday hours.

Some restaurants like Bob Evans and Cracker Barrel are actually offering meals-to-go specials with a notice for those who may not be planning to cook this year. Whole Foods even has holiday foods and catering to consider.

Schools

Schools will be closed. Both public and private schools will be closed for Thanksgiving. Many choose to have Friday off as well.

US Stock Markets

The stock markets are closed. Major U.S. Stock Exchanges, including the NYSE, Nasdaq, and NYSE AMEX, will all be closed on Thanksgiving.  They will also close trading early on Friday, November 24 at 1 p.m. ET. To see the full holiday schedule for the stock market, click here.

What is open and what is closed on Thanksgiving will also depend on your area. But, remember to take some time to relax and not worry as much about what’s open or not if you can. Errands can wait another day.

Are Banks and Credit Unions Open on Thanksgiving Day 2017?

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banks open on thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day used to be a day for family, football, and turkey. Almost all businesses were closed, but more and more stores are opening for shopping on Thanksgiving Day. With all the holiday store openings, it’s hard to know what is open and closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Most people know that banks and credit unions will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. But it can be confusing figuring out when banks and credit unions will be open over the holiday weekend.

Are Banks Open on Thanksgiving?

Banks are closed on Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving Day is a federal holiday. Banks normally close on federal holidays. Although some banks make an exception and open on some federal holidays such as Veterans Day, Thanksgiving is no exception. We are not aware of any banks that will be open on Thursday, November 23, 2017.

Will Credit Unions Be Open on Thanksgiving?

Credit unions are closed on Thanksgiving Day. Most credit unions follow the same policy as banks and close in observance of federal holidays. On Thanksgiving Day credit unions will be closed.

Banking on Thanksgiving

Even though the banks and credit unions will not be open on Nov. 23, it does not mean that you cannot do any banking on Thanksgiving Day. With computer technology, most customers rarely visit their bank branch in person now. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and banking apps are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Most banking customers will be able to do the majority of their regular banking transactions on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017, even though the banks are closed. Deposits and withdrawals can be made at ATMs. Deposits can also be made via the banking institution’s app. Bill payments can be made through the bank’s app or online banking.

Customers should remember that although they are able to perform banking transactions on Thanksgiving Day, those transactions will not post to their account until the next banking day. Don’t wait until Thursday to pay a bill that is due Thursday. Transactions will take a day longer to process because of the holiday. If a bill payment is scheduled, the bank will not begin processing payment on Thursday. The bank will begin processing payment on Friday, the next banking day. Also, depending on your bank’s funds availability policy, a check deposited on Thanksgiving Day may not be available immediately and will not be processed until the next banking day. For example, if your bank makes deposits available the next business day a check deposited on Thanksgiving Day will not be available on Friday. The funds may not be available until Monday.

Thanksgiving Banking Hours

Thanksgiving Day is on Thursday. Banks and credit unions will be open regular business hours on Monday, November 20 and Tuesday, Nov. 21. Most banks will close early on Wednesday, November 22. They will reopen for regular business hours on Friday, Nov. 24, the day after the holiday. If your bank has Saturday banking hours, they will be open those hours on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. Check with your bank to verify their business hours the week of Thanksgiving.

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Photo: Jason Devaun