Most banks close early or stay closed on Christmas Eve
Whether your bank is open on Christmas Eve depends on the day of the week and your bank's individual policy. If Christmas Eve falls on a weekday, many banks open for part of the morning or early afternoon, then close early — often by noon or 1 p.m. If Christmas Eve falls on a weekend, most banks are already closed and will not open that day.
The Federal Reserve does not require banks to close on Christmas Eve itself, only on Christmas Day (December 25). This means each bank decides its own Christmas Eve hours. Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase typically close by early afternoon on Christmas Eve weekdays, but smaller regional banks and credit unions may have different schedules.
Your best move is to check your specific bank's website or call the branch directly, because posted hours vary by location. Some branches in busy areas stay open longer than others, and holiday hours often differ from regular schedules.
Key Takeaways
- Christmas Eve bank hours depend on what day of the week it falls on and your individual bank's policy — there is no single federal rule for Christmas Eve closures.
- If Christmas Eve is a weekday, expect most banks to open late morning and close by early afternoon, often around noon or 1 p.m.
- If Christmas Eve falls on a Saturday or Sunday, your bank will almost certainly be closed that day.
- Call your branch or check the bank's website for exact hours, because closures and early closings vary by location and institution.
- Plan cash withdrawals and deposits for the business day before Christmas Eve if you need money over the holiday.
When banks close for Christmas Eve by day of the week
Christmas Eve 2024 falls on a Monday. On weekday Christmas Eves, most major banks open their branches but close several hours earlier than normal. A typical schedule is 9 a.m. to noon or 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., though some branches may stay open until 3 p.m. or later. Call ahead to confirm, because even branches of the same bank can have different hours.
If Christmas Eve falls on a Saturday or Sunday — which it will in some years — your bank will be closed that entire day. ATMs and online banking will still work, but you cannot visit a teller or conduct in-person business.
Credit unions often follow the same pattern as banks, closing early or staying closed on Christmas Eve, but some credit unions have different holiday schedules than national banks. Check with your credit union directly if you bank with one.
What you can and cannot do on Christmas Eve
ATMs work 24/7 on Christmas Eve, even if branches are closed. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM accepts mobile deposits), and check your balance at any time. Online banking and mobile apps also work normally — you can transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and send money to other people without visiting a branch.
What you cannot do on Christmas Eve if the branch is closed: speak to a teller, get a cashier's check, open a new account, apply for a loan, or resolve account problems that require a person. If you need any of these services, do them on the business day before Christmas Eve.
Wire transfers initiated before the bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.) may still process on Christmas Eve, but transfers initiated after the cutoff will not leave your account until the next business day after Christmas. Check your bank's wire transfer cutoff time if this matters for your plans.
Planning ahead to avoid Christmas Eve banking problems
If you need cash over the Christmas holiday, withdraw it the business day before Christmas Eve. ATMs work during the closure, but if you need a large amount or a specific form of cash, get it from a teller earlier in the week.
If you are expecting a deposit — a paycheck, a refund, or a transfer from someone else — deposits made on Christmas Eve may not show in your account until December 26 or later, depending on the type of deposit and your bank's processing schedule. Checks deposited on Christmas Eve typically do not clear until after the holiday. If you need that money before then, ask the sender to deposit it earlier.
Payments you make online or through your bank's bill-pay system on Christmas Eve will usually process on the next business day (December 26), not immediately. If you have a bill due on December 25 or 26, pay it before Christmas Eve to avoid a late payment.
How to find your bank's Christmas Eve hours
Visit your bank's website and look for "Holiday Hours" or "Branch Locator." Enter your zip code or branch name to see the specific hours for your location. Most banks post holiday hours at least two weeks in advance.
Call your branch directly if the website does not list Christmas Eve hours. The phone number is usually on your bank card or statement. Ask specifically about Christmas Eve hours, because staff may assume you are asking about Christmas Day (which is always closed).
If you bank with a smaller regional bank or credit union, call their main customer service line. They can tell you whether your branch is open, what time it closes, and whether any branches in your area have different hours.
What happens if you need banking services on Christmas Day
All banks are closed on Christmas Day (December 25) — this is a federal holiday. No teller services, no branch visits, no wire transfers. ATMs and online banking work as usual. If you need cash or have an urgent banking problem, use the ATM or call customer service (most banks have phone lines open on holidays for account emergencies).
If your bank is closed on Christmas Day and you have a genuine emergency — a fraudulent charge, a locked account, or a critical payment issue — call the customer service number on the back of your card. Many banks staff phone lines on major holidays to handle urgent problems, even if branches are closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check on Christmas Eve?
Yes, if you use an ATM that accepts mobile check deposits or mail the check. If you deposit in person at a branch, confirm the branch is open and what time it closes. Checks deposited on Christmas Eve typically do not clear until after the holiday, so the money may not be available until December 26 or later.
Will my paycheck deposit on Christmas Eve?
Direct deposits scheduled for Christmas Eve may process on that day if your employer sends them early enough, but many employers hold payroll until after the holiday. Check with your employer about their holiday schedule. If your paycheck is scheduled for December 25, it will likely deposit on December 26 instead.
Can I get a cashier's check on Christmas Eve?
Only if your bank branch is open and you arrive before it closes. Most branches close by early afternoon on Christmas Eve, so visit in the morning. If you need a cashier's check and your branch is closed, you will have to wait until after Christmas.
Do online banks close on Christmas Eve?
Online banks do not have physical branches, so there are no branch closures. You can transfer money, pay bills, and manage your account normally on Christmas Eve. ATM withdrawals at partner ATM networks work as usual, though some ATM networks may have limited availability on the holiday itself.
What if I need money and the bank is closed?
Use an ATM to withdraw cash. If you need more cash than your daily ATM limit allows, withdraw the maximum each day starting a few days before Christmas. If you need a service only a teller can provide, plan to do it before Christmas Eve or after Christmas Day.