Most banks are closed on December 26 in the United States
December 26 is not a federal holiday, so banks are not required to close. However, many banks do close on December 26 because it falls the day after Christmas, when many employees are still off work or using remaining holiday time. Whether your specific bank is open depends on the bank's own holiday schedule, not on federal law.
The safest approach is to check your bank's website or call the branch directly. Most banks post their holiday hours online by early December, and you can usually find this information under "Hours" or "Locations" on their site. If you need to do banking on December 26, calling ahead takes two minutes and removes the guesswork.
Key Takeaways
- December 26 is not a federal holiday, so banks are not legally required to close, but many choose to anyway.
- Your bank's decision to open or close on December 26 depends on its own holiday policy, which varies by institution and sometimes by branch.
- Check your bank's website or call your local branch to confirm hours before you need to visit.
- If your bank is closed on December 26, you can still use ATMs, mobile banking, and online transfers.
- Banks that do open on December 26 may have reduced hours or limited services compared to a normal business day.
Why some banks close on December 26
Banks that close on December 26 do so because their staff is still observing the Christmas holiday. Many employees take December 24 through 26 off, or use vacation days to extend the break. Rather than operate with a skeleton crew, some banks choose to close the branch entirely.
Larger national banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo typically make a single decision for all branches, while smaller regional banks and credit unions may let individual branches decide. This means two branches of the same bank in different towns might have different hours on December 26.
How to learn about your bank is open December 26
The fastest way is to visit your bank's website and search for "holiday hours" or look under the "Locations" section. Most banks publish their full December schedule by the first week of December. You should see a list of dates when branches are closed, or a note that says "Open with regular hours" for dates that are not holidays.
If you cannot find the information online, call your branch directly. Have your branch number or address ready. The person who answers can tell you the exact hours for December 26 and whether all services will be available or if certain functions (like loan processing) will be limited.
You can also check your bank's mobile app. Many apps show branch hours and let you tap to call or get directions. This is often faster than navigating the website.
What you can do if your bank is closed on December 26
ATMs work 24/7, regardless of whether the branch is open. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has mobile deposit), and transfer money between your own accounts at any time on December 26.
Online banking and mobile banking are also available around the clock. You can pay bills, transfer money to other people, set up automatic payments, and check your balance without visiting a branch. Transfers between your own accounts process immediately; transfers to other banks may take one to three business days depending on the receiving bank.
If you need to deposit a check and your ATM does not have mobile deposit, you can take a photo of the front and back of the check using your bank's mobile app. Most banks process mobile check deposits within one business day.
Banks that are definitely closed on December 26
Federal credit unions close on December 26 because the National Credit Union Administration observes it as a holiday for federal employees. If you bank at a federal credit union, assume your branch is closed unless you see otherwise on their website.
State-chartered credit unions vary by state. Some follow federal holidays, others follow their own schedule. Check your credit union's website or call to confirm.
What happens if you need to deposit money on December 26
If you have a check that needs to deposit, use mobile deposit through your bank's app. Take clear photos of the front and back, and the deposit will be recorded in your account. The funds typically become available within one business day, sometimes the same day depending on the amount and your bank's policy.
If you need to deposit cash and your bank is closed, you have two options: wait until December 27, or use an ATM that accepts cash deposits (not all do). Check your bank's website to see which ATMs near you have cash deposit capability.
Planning ahead for the December 26 banking day
If you know you will need to do banking on December 26, handle it on December 24 or 25 instead. Most banks stay open on December 24 with regular or slightly reduced hours, and some open on December 25 (though this is rare). Checking your bank's schedule early in December gives you time to plan.
If you have a time-sensitive transaction — like a wire transfer or a loan closing — contact your bank by December 23 to confirm whether it can be completed before the holiday. Some services require a branch employee and cannot be done online or at an ATM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December 26 a bank holiday?
No, December 26 is not a federal holiday in the United States. Banks are not required to close. However, many banks choose to close because their staff is still off from the Christmas holiday. Check your specific bank's schedule to know for sure.
Can I use my debit card on December 26 if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and at any store, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. You can also use it for online purchases and bill payments through your bank's website or app.
Will my check deposit process on December 26?
If you use mobile deposit through your bank's app, yes — you can deposit anytime. The funds typically show up within one business day. If you need to deposit in person at a branch, you will have to wait until the branch reopens.
What if I need to wire money on December 26?
Wire transfers usually require a branch employee. If your bank is closed on December 26, you will not be able to send a wire that day. Contact your bank by December 23 to ask if they can process it on December 24 or 27 instead, or whether they have a special procedure for holiday wire transfers.
Are online banks open on December 26?
Yes. Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and others do not have physical branches, so they do not close on holidays. You can transfer money, deposit checks by photo, and manage your account normally on December 26.