Most banks are closed on December 26 if it falls on a weekday
December 26 is not a federal holiday in the United States, so banks that follow the standard federal holiday calendar will be open on that date if it is a Monday through Friday. However, many banks choose to observe the day after Christmas as a holiday anyway, especially if Christmas falls on a Thursday or Friday and December 26 becomes a natural extension of the holiday period.
The safest approach is to check with your specific bank directly. Call the branch, check their website, or look at their mobile app — most banks post holiday hours in early December. If you need to do banking on December 26, do not assume based on what happened last year, because the day of the week changes annually and banks update their policies.
If your bank is closed on December 26, you can still access your money through ATMs, mobile banking, and online transfers. These services run 24/7 regardless of branch hours.
Key Takeaways
- December 26 is not a federal holiday, so many banks will be open if it falls on a weekday, but some banks close anyway as a courtesy.
- The only way to know your bank's specific hours is to call the branch, check their website, or look at their app before you need to visit.
- ATMs and online banking work around the clock, even when branches are closed.
- If you need to deposit a check or handle cash on December 26, plan ahead by visiting the day before or using mobile deposit if your bank offers it.
- Credit unions sometimes follow different holiday schedules than banks, so check with yours separately.
How to find your bank's December 26 hours
Most banks publish their holiday schedule on their website by early December. Look for a link labeled "Holiday Hours," "Branch Hours," or "Locations." You can also call your branch directly — the phone number is usually on your debit card or bank statement.
If you use a national bank like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, you can search for your specific branch on their website and see the hours listed for each day. Regional banks and credit unions may have a single holiday schedule that applies to all branches, or they may vary by location.
Mobile banking apps often show branch hours too. Open your bank's app, tap "Locations" or "Branches," find your branch, and the hours for the next several days should appear.
What you can do if your bank is closed
ATMs work 24/7, so you can withdraw cash, check your balance, or transfer money between your own accounts at any hour. Most ATMs are free if they belong to your bank's network, though out-of-network ATMs usually charge a fee.
Online banking and mobile apps let you pay bills, transfer money to other people, deposit checks by photograph (if your bank offers mobile deposit), and send wire transfers. These transactions process during business hours but you can initiate them anytime.
If you need to deposit cash or handle a transaction that requires a teller, you will have to wait until the branch reopens. Plan ahead by visiting on December 24 or 25 if those days are open, or on December 27 if the branch is closed on the 26th.
Banks that typically close on December 26
Some banks treat December 26 as a holiday even though it is not federally mandated. This is more common at smaller regional banks and credit unions, which may choose to give staff extra time off during the holiday season.
Banks owned by larger holding companies often stay open on December 26 because they operate on a strict federal holiday calendar. However, individual branches may still close if the bank's policy allows local discretion.
If your bank closed on December 26 last year, that does not may provide it will close this year. Holiday policies can change, and the day of the week matters — a bank might close on December 26 when it falls on a Friday but stay open when it falls on a Monday.
Planning ahead for holiday banking
If you know you will need to handle banking around the holidays, take care of it before December 24. Deposit checks, withdraw cash, and pay bills early so you are not caught short if your branch is closed longer than you expected.
If you do not have mobile deposit set up and you receive a check on December 25 or 26, you can still deposit it on December 27 or later. Checks do not expire, so there is no rush unless you need the money immediately.
For wire transfers and urgent transactions, remember that even if your branch is open, the receiving bank may be closed, which can delay processing. Plan for extra time during the holiday period.
Credit unions and smaller banks
Credit unions often follow different holiday schedules than large national banks. Some close on December 26, others stay open. The only way to know is to contact your credit union directly or check their website.
Smaller regional banks may also have unique policies. If you bank at an institution with fewer than 10 branches, call ahead rather than assuming they follow the federal holiday calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December 26 a bank holiday?
No, December 26 is not a federal holiday in the United States. However, individual banks may choose to close anyway. Check with your bank directly to confirm whether they will be open.
Can I use my debit card if the bank is closed on December 26?
Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs and online retailers 24/7, regardless of branch hours. You can also use your card to pay bills through online banking or your bank's mobile app.
What if I need to deposit a check on December 26?
If your bank has mobile deposit, you can photograph the check and deposit it through the app anytime. If not, you will need to wait until the branch reopens or visit an ATM that accepts deposits (not all do).
Do all branches of the same bank have the same hours on December 26?
Usually yes, but not always. Large banks sometimes allow individual branches to set their own holiday hours. Call your specific branch or check the bank's website for your location.
What time do banks usually close on December 24?
Most banks close at their normal time on December 24 (usually 5 or 6 p.m.), though some close early. Check your bank's website or call ahead if you plan to visit that day.