Schedule of Bank opening hours: what are they? And on holidays? How do they work?

What are bank opening hours? Knowing exactly when banks are open is essential for anyone who needs to handle financial matters, such as deposits, withdrawals, payments, or even request specific services.

In this article, we'll clarify any questions you may have about bank opening hours in Brazil. We'll cover the days of the week branches are open, standard business hours, and holidays and special circumstances that may affect normal operations. If you want to plan ahead and avoid surprises, keep reading for all the information you need.

You will see in this text:

• Standard Bank Opening Hours
• What happens when banks don't work?
• Bank Opening Hours in Special Periods
• What banking services are available outside bank opening hours?
• How do I check my bank's opening hours?
• Tips for Visiting the Bank at the Best Time

Standard Bank Opening Hours

Bank opening hours in Brazil generally follow a standard weekday schedule, but it's important to note that there may be variations depending on the city or state.

In most cases, banks open their doors to the public from 10 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. However, in some locations, opening hours may be adjusted to better meet the needs of the local population, such as cities with different time zones or high demand for banking services.

See below the most common bank opening hours on weekdays:

• Opening: 10am
  • This range allows customers to perform a variety of transactions, from withdrawals and deposits to credit applications and financial inquiries.
• Closing: 4pm
• Regional variations: In some cities and states, opening and closing times may vary. For example:
  • In regions with a different time zone from Brasília, banks may open earlier or close later.
  • In smaller cities or areas with less demand, banks may have reduced hours.
• Exceptions: Some branches located in shopping centers or malls may operate with extended hours, following the opening hours of these establishments.

What happens when banks don't work?

In addition to regular business hours on weekdays, it's crucial to be aware of bank closing times. Banks are generally closed on weekends, meaning they're closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

The main national holidays on which banks are closed are:

• New Year (January 1st)
• Carnival (Tuesday)
• Good Friday (Friday of Holy Week)
• Tiradentes Day (April 21)
• Labor Day (May 1)
• Independence of Brazil (September 7)
• Our Lady of Aparecida (October 12)
• All Souls' Day (November 2)
• Proclamation of the Republic (November 15)
• Christmas (December 25)

In addition to national holidays, there are also regional holidays that can affect bank opening hours in certain locations. For example, city anniversaries, state holidays, and other local holidays may result in branch closures only in that specific region. It's important to check the local calendar for information on these dates.

Long holidays, such as Carnival or others that fall near weekends, may result in longer closures. In some cases, banks may operate under special conditions, opening for a few hours on the eve of holidays, but this isn't a rule and varies by branch and location.

Bank Opening Hours in Special Periods

During certain periods of the year, such as the end-of-year holidays and other celebratory dates, bank opening hours may be adjusted to better serve the public or due to specific protocols. During Christmas and New Year's, for example, it is common for banks to operate with reduced hours on the eve of the festivities, closing earlier than usual. On December 25th and January 1st, branches remain closed nationwide.

In addition to end-of-year festivities, other special dates, such as Carnival, can also affect bank opening hours. In many cities, banks are closed on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, reopening only on Ash Wednesday, usually after noon. These different opening hours are implemented to accommodate local celebrations and extended vacations.

In exceptional circumstances, such as pandemics or extraordinary events (e.g., natural disasters or public emergencies), bank opening hours may be significantly altered. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, many banks reduced their opening hours, adopted strict access control measures, and encouraged the use of digital services to minimize physical presence in branches. These unpredictable events highlight the importance of checking opening hours directly with the branch or through the bank's official website during times of uncertainty.

What banking services are available outside bank opening hours?

Although bank branches have specific opening hours, many banking services remain available outside of these hours, offering convenient alternatives for customers who need to conduct transactions at any time. These options include ATMs, telephone services, online banking, and mobile apps, which enable a variety of transactions quickly and securely.

See below the main service alternatives outside of traditional business hours:

• Automated Teller Machines (ATMs): Available 24 hours a day in many locations, ATMs allow you to make withdrawals, deposits, transfers, pay bills, check balances and statements, among other operations. They are located not only in branches but also in shopping malls, gas stations, and other strategic locations.
• Telephone Service: Many banks offer telephone customer service, allowing customers to check account information, request card freezes, obtain information about products and services, and perform certain transactions. This service is generally available 24 hours a day, but some transactions may be limited to certain hours.
• Internet Banking: Through the bank's website, customers can access online banking to manage their accounts, make transfers, pay bills, check balances and statements, apply for loans and other financial products, and more. Access is available at any time, as long as there is an internet connection.
• Mobile Applications: Most banks have mobile apps that allow customers to perform virtually all common banking transactions, such as transfers, payments, inquiries, investments, and more, directly from their smartphones or tablets. These apps are secure, easy to use, and available 24/7.

How do I check my bank's opening hours?

To find out your bank branch's opening hours, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the official website of the bank and look for the “Branches” or “Find a branch” section.
2. Use the bank app on your cell phone. Most apps have a branch search function with opening hours information.
3. Call the call center from the bank to confirm the times.
4. Check Google Maps, which usually displays the opening hours of branches near you.

Tips for Visiting the Bank at the Best Time

Check out some tips that can help you cut corners when going to the bank:

1. Avoid peak times: It is best to go to the bank right when it opens (10am) or after lunchtime (2pm), when there are usually fewer people.
2. Avoid Mondays and Fridays: These days usually have a higher flow of customers, especially at the beginning and end of the month.
3. Pay attention to paydays and benefits: Avoid days close to salary, pension, and social benefit payments, which tend to have longer lines.
4. Use the app or website to schedule: Some banks allow you to schedule appointments, reducing waiting times.
5. Take advantage of ATMs: For simple transactions, such as withdrawals and deposits, use ATMs during off-peak hours.
6. Check the holiday calendar: Plan your visits outside of holidays and special dates that may affect opening hours.

By following these tips, you can avoid lines and ensure faster, more efficient service.