Most banks are closed on December 26th in the United States
December 26th is not a federal holiday in the U.S., so most banks operate on their regular schedule that day. However, some banks close on the day after Christmas if their policy treats the 26th as an observed holiday, or if Christmas fell on a Friday or Saturday the year before and they observed it on Monday the 25th. The safest approach is to check your specific bank's holiday calendar rather than assume.
If you need to handle banking on December 26th, call your bank's customer service line or check their website before you go. Many banks publish their holiday hours in November, and you can also find this information by logging into your online banking account or visiting a branch in person.
Key Takeaways
- December 26th is not a federal holiday, so most U.S. banks operate normally that day.
- Some individual banks close on December 26th based on their own holiday policies, so you should verify with your bank directly.
- Bank websites and mobile apps usually display holiday hours by late November.
- If your bank is closed, you can still use ATMs, mobile banking, and online transfers on December 26th.
How to find your bank's December 26th hours
The quickest way is to search "[Your Bank Name] holiday hours" online, which usually takes you to a page listing closures for the entire year. Most major banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank—publish this information on their websites by early November.
You can also call your bank's main customer service number and ask directly. Have your account number or the branch address ready if you want to know about a specific location, since some branches may have different hours than others.
If you use online banking, log in and look for a "Locations" or "Branch Finder" section. Many banks display holiday hours right there, and you can filter by the date you need. Some banks also send email notifications about holiday closures to account holders in late October or early November.
What you can do if your bank is closed on December 26th
ATMs work 24/7 regardless of bank hours, so you can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks at any ATM your bank operates. If you need to deposit a check and your bank is closed, use the mobile deposit feature in your bank's app instead—most banks process mobile deposits within one business day.
Online transfers between accounts at your bank or to other banks usually process immediately or by the next business day, even if the bank is closed. Bill payments, account transfers, and peer-to-peer payments through apps like Zelle or Venmo all work on December 26th without waiting for the bank to open.
If you need to speak to someone at the bank, most have phone support available even on holidays, though wait times may be longer. Check your bank's website for holiday customer service hours before you call, since some banks reduce their phone support staff on days after major holidays.
Banks that may close on December 26th
Some banks observe December 26th as a holiday if they follow a policy of closing the day after Christmas, or if they observed Christmas on a different date that year. Regional banks and credit unions are more likely to close than large national banks, though this varies by institution. For example, some credit unions close on both December 25th and 26th, while others only close on the 25th.
If your bank is part of a larger network—for example, a local credit union that belongs to a national co-op—check both the local branch's policy and the network's policy, since they may differ. Some branches within the same bank may have different hours based on local holidays or staffing decisions.
Planning ahead for banking needs around Christmas
If you know you will need to deposit checks, withdraw large amounts of cash, or handle other in-person banking between December 24th and December 27th, do it before December 24th. This avoids any surprises if your bank closes unexpectedly or has reduced hours.
For bill payments and transfers, schedule them a day or two early so they process before any potential closure. Most banks let you schedule transactions up to 30 days in advance through online banking. If you have a payment due on December 27th or later, scheduling it on December 23rd ensures it will process on time even if your bank is closed on the 26th.
If you receive regular paychecks via direct deposit, those will deposit on schedule even if the bank is closed, since direct deposits are processed automatically by the employer's payroll system and your bank's automated systems.
What happens to transactions on December 26th
Transactions you initiate on December 26th—such as online transfers, bill payments, or debit card purchases—will process normally. The bank's closure does not stop automated systems or digital transactions. However, if you need to speak to a representative about a problem with a transaction, you may have to wait until the bank reopens on December 27th.
Checks deposited in person at a closed branch will not be processed until the bank reopens. Checks deposited via ATM or mobile deposit will process according to the bank's normal schedule, which is usually within one business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December 26th a bank holiday?
No, December 26th is not a federal holiday in the United States. Banks are not required to close. However, individual banks may choose to close based on their own policies, so check with your bank.
Can I use my debit card on December 26th if the bank is closed?
Yes. Debit cards work at any merchant or ATM regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. You can make purchases and withdraw cash anytime.
Will my check deposit process if I deposit it on December 26th?
If you use mobile deposit through your bank's app, it will process on December 26th. If you deposit at an ATM, it may process that day or the next business day depending on your bank's policy. In-person deposits at a closed branch will not process until the bank reopens.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on December 26th?
Most large banks have phone support available on December 26th, though wait times may be longer than usual. Check your bank's website for holiday customer service hours before you call.
Can I schedule a bill payment for December 26th if my bank is closed?
Yes. You can schedule bill payments through online banking, and they will process on the date you choose even if the bank is closed. Schedule payments at least one business day before they are due to ensure they arrive on time.