Most banks are closed on December 26th in the United States

December 26th is not a federal holiday, so banks are not required to close. However, many large banks choose to stay closed anyway because they observe the day after Christmas as an unofficial holiday. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank are typically closed on December 26th. Smaller regional banks and credit unions vary — some close, some stay open.

Your best move is to check your specific bank's website or call the branch directly rather than assume. Most banks post holiday schedules online by early December, and a quick phone call takes 30 seconds. If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash, ATMs work 24/7 regardless of whether the branch is staffed.

Key Takeaways

  • Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank close on December 26th, but this is not a federal requirement.
  • Regional banks and credit unions have different policies — call ahead or check their website to confirm hours for your location.
  • ATMs and online banking work on December 26th even if your branch is closed.
  • If you need cash or to deposit a check, use an ATM or wait until December 27th when most banks reopen.

How to find your bank's December 26th hours

Go to your bank's website and search for "holiday hours" or "branch hours." Most banks publish a full holiday schedule in November or early December. Look for the specific date or search for "day after Christmas." If the website does not list December 26th separately, it usually means the branch is open on regular hours.

If you cannot find the information online, call your branch directly. The phone number is on your debit card, your statements, or the bank's website. Ask whether they are open on December 26th and what time they open and close. This takes less than a minute and removes all doubt.

What you can do on December 26th if your bank is closed

ATMs work around the clock. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), transfer money between accounts, and check your balance. Mobile check deposit — taking a photo of a check through your bank's app — also works on December 26th as long as you have the app installed.

Online banking and bill pay work on December 26th. You can transfer money between your accounts, pay bills, and send money to other people through your bank's website or app. These transactions may not process until December 27th, but you can set them up on the 26th.

When banks reopen after December 26th

Most banks reopen on December 27th (Friday) at their normal hours. If December 27th falls on a weekend in your area, they reopen on Monday, December 30th. Check your bank's website to confirm the exact date, because some regional banks have different schedules.

If you have a time-sensitive transaction — paying a bill that is due, depositing a check before a deadline — do it on December 24th or 25th instead. Do not wait until December 26th if the timing matters.

Banks that are definitely open on December 26th

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Discover Bank do not have physical branches, so they have no "closed" hours. You can transfer money, deposit checks by photo, and withdraw cash through ATM networks on December 26th. If you bank primarily online, December 26th makes no difference to you.

Credit unions vary widely. Some close on December 26th, others stay open. Call your credit union or check their website — do not assume they follow the same schedule as a national bank.

What happens if you need money on December 26th

If you need cash and your bank branch is closed, use an ATM. Most ATMs are in grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, and other retail locations that are open on December 26th. You can withdraw up to your daily limit (usually $500 to $1,000, depending on your bank).

If you need to deposit a check and your ATM does not have a deposit slot, wait until December 27th. Checks deposited on December 26th at an ATM may not clear until December 28th or later anyway, so one day usually does not matter unless you have a specific deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on December 26th if the bank is closed?

Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs, stores, and online merchants on December 26th regardless of whether your bank branch is open. The branch closure does not affect card transactions.

Will checks I deposit on December 26th clear the same day?

No. Checks deposited on December 26th will not clear until at least December 27th, and often not until December 28th or later. The day of the week and your bank's processing schedule both matter. If you need the money urgently, deposit the check earlier in the week.

What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on December 26th?

Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card. Most large banks have phone support on December 26th even if branches are closed. You can also use online chat or email if your bank offers it.

Do credit unions close on December 26th?

Some do, some do not. Call your credit union or check their website. Credit unions are not required to follow the same holiday schedule as national banks.