December 26 is not a federal bank holiday in the United States
Banks will be open on December 26 for normal business hours. The federal government does not recognize December 26 as a holiday, so banks operate as they would on any other weekday. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or handle banking business on December 26, you can do so during your bank's regular hours.
The confusion often arises because December 26 is Boxing Day in Canada, the United Kingdom, and several other countries. In those places, it is a statutory holiday and banks close. But in the United States, the day after Christmas has no federal holiday status.
However, some individual banks or credit unions may choose to close on December 26 as a courtesy to staff, especially if Christmas fell on a Thursday or Friday and the bank gave employees an extra day off. Check with your specific bank before you plan to visit.
Key Takeaways
- December 26 is a regular business day for U.S. banks and financial institutions — it is not a federal holiday.
- Most banks will be open during standard hours on December 26, but some individual institutions may close at their own discretion.
- Contact your bank directly if you are unsure whether your branch will be open on December 26.
- If you need to deposit a check or handle banking business around the Christmas period, plan ahead in case your bank has adjusted its schedule.
When banks close for federal holidays versus regular closures
Federal bank holidays are set by law and apply to all banks nationwide. When a federal holiday falls on a weekday, banks must close. The federal holidays that affect banking are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
December 26 does not appear on that list. Even though Christmas is a federal holiday, the day after Christmas is not. Banks treat December 26 as a normal business day unless their own policies say otherwise.
Some banks do close on days that are not federal holidays — for example, the day after Thanksgiving or the day after Christmas — as a benefit to employees. This is a bank's choice, not a legal requirement. If your bank has done this in past years, it may do so again, but you should confirm rather than assume.
How to learn about your bank will be open on December 26
The fastest way to know is to call your bank's customer service line or visit their website. Most banks publish their holiday hours in November and December, and you can usually find this information under "Hours" or "Holiday Hours" on their website.
If you bank with a large national chain like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, you can also check their mobile app, which often displays branch hours and holiday closures. Local credit unions and smaller regional banks may post their schedule on their homepage or require a phone call.
If December 26 falls on a weekend (Saturday or Sunday), the question of whether the bank is open does not apply — banks are closed on weekends regardless of holidays. In 2024, December 26 is a Thursday, so banks will operate on their normal Thursday schedule unless they have chosen to close.
What to do if you need banking services around Christmas
If you have transactions that must happen between Christmas and New Year's, plan ahead. December 25 (Christmas Day) is a federal holiday, so banks will be closed. December 26 is open at most banks, but December 31 and January 1 may have limited hours or closures depending on when they fall.
Use ATMs and online banking for deposits, transfers, and payments during holiday periods. Most banks allow you to deposit checks through their mobile app, transfer money between accounts online, and pay bills through their website or app without visiting a branch. These services work 24/7, even when branches are closed.
If you need to speak to someone or handle a transaction that requires a teller, visit your branch on December 26 or earlier in the week of December 23–24. Avoid waiting until December 27 or later if you have time-sensitive banking needs, because some banks may have reduced staffing or extended closures after the holiday.
Federal holidays that do close banks
To avoid confusion, here are the federal holidays when all U.S. banks must close:
| Holiday | Typical Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January |
| Presidents' Day | Third Monday in February |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May |
| Juneteenth | June 19 |
| Independence Day | July 4 |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday in October |
| Veterans Day | November 11 |
| Thanksgiving | Fourth Thursday in November |
| Christmas | December 25 |
Christmas (December 25) is the only December federal holiday that closes banks. December 26 is not on this list and does not carry federal holiday status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my check deposit clear on December 26 if I deposit it on December 24?
Deposits made on December 24 (Christmas Eve) will likely not be processed until December 26 or later, depending on your bank's cutoff time and processing schedule. Most banks do not process deposits on federal holidays like Christmas Day. Contact your bank to ask about their specific deposit processing timeline during the holiday period.
Can I use my debit card or ATM on December 26?
Yes. ATMs and debit cards work 24/7, even when bank branches are closed. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts using an ATM on December 26. Online banking and mobile apps also work around the clock.
What if December 26 falls on a Saturday or Sunday?
Banks are closed on weekends regardless of whether a holiday falls on that day. If December 26 is a Saturday or Sunday, your bank will be closed. The next business day would be Monday, December 27 or 28, depending on the year.
Do credit unions follow the same holiday schedule as banks?
Most credit unions follow the federal holiday schedule, so they will be open on December 26. However, some credit unions may close on days that are not federal holidays as a benefit to their members and staff. Check with your credit union directly to confirm their December 26 hours.
If my bank is closed on December 26, can I still pay my bills online?
Yes. Online bill payments, transfers, and other digital banking services work 24/7, regardless of whether your bank's physical branches are open. You can schedule payments or make transfers through your bank's website or app on December 26 without visiting a branch.