Most banks close early or stay shut on December 31st
Most U.S. banks close on December 31st because it is a federal holiday (New Year's Eve observance). Some branches open for a few hours in the morning, but many stay closed all day. A few banks with extended hours or locations in certain states may open later in the afternoon, but this is uncommon. Your best move is to check your specific bank's website or call the branch directly — hours vary widely by location and bank.
If you need cash or to deposit a check on December 31st, plan ahead. ATMs work 24/7 at most banks, so you can withdraw money or deposit checks at a machine even when the branch is closed. Mobile banking apps let you transfer money, pay bills, and check balances without visiting a branch at all.
Key Takeaways
- Most bank branches close entirely on December 31st because it is a federal holiday, though some open for limited morning hours.
- ATMs and mobile apps work around the clock, so you can withdraw cash, deposit checks, and transfer money without a staffed branch.
- Call your bank or check its website before December 31st to confirm whether your specific branch will be open and for how long.
- If you need to speak to a person, plan to visit on December 30th or wait until January 2nd, since January 1st is also a federal holiday.
How to find your bank's December 31st hours
Go to your bank's website and search for "branch hours" or "holiday hours." Most banks post their December 31st schedule by mid-December. You can also call your branch directly — the phone line usually lists the day's hours in an automated message, even if nobody picks up.
If you bank with a large national chain like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, check their main website first. Smaller regional banks and credit unions often have hours posted on their homepage. If you cannot find the information online, a quick phone call to the branch takes two minutes and removes the guesswork.
What you can do without visiting a branch
ATMs let you withdraw cash and deposit checks 24 hours a day on December 31st. Most ATMs accept check deposits — you photograph the front and back of the check, the machine scans it, and the deposit posts to your account within one or two business days. Withdrawals show up in your account immediately.
Mobile banking apps handle transfers between your own accounts, bill payments, and money transfers to other people. You can also use your bank's website from a computer to do the same things. If you need to send money to someone else's account, services like Zelle (which most banks offer through their app) transfer money in minutes.
When you actually need to speak to a bank employee
Some tasks require a person: opening a new account, getting a cashier's check, disputing a transaction, or handling a fraud claim. If you need to do any of these on or around December 31st, visit on December 30th instead. Most banks are open normal hours that day.
If something urgent comes up on December 31st itself, call the bank's customer service line. Large banks staff phone lines even on holidays, and they can often solve problems without you visiting a branch. Have your account number and ID ready when you call.
January 1st is also closed
January 1st (New Year's Day) is a federal holiday, so banks are closed that day too. If you need to handle something in person, the next business day is January 2nd. Plan accordingly if you are low on cash or need to deposit a check — use an ATM on December 31st or January 1st instead.
Credit unions follow the same federal holiday schedule as banks, so they will also be closed on December 31st and January 1st. Check your credit union's website for its specific hours, as some credit unions have different policies than banks.
Planning ahead for year-end banking
If you have checks to deposit, bills to pay, or transfers to make before the year ends, do them on December 30th or earlier. This avoids the rush and removes the risk of missing a deadline because the bank was closed.
If you need a statement or tax document for the year, request it online through your bank's website or app. Most banks let you download statements and tax forms instantly without visiting a branch. If you need a printed copy mailed to you, request it by December 28th to have a chance of receiving it before the year ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on December 31st if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and at stores 24/7, regardless of whether your bank branch is open. You can also use it to pay bills online or through your mobile app.
Will my check deposit post on December 31st if I use an ATM?
The deposit will be recorded on December 31st, but the funds typically do not post to your account until January 2nd because January 1st is also a holiday. Some banks post deposits the next business day; others take longer. Check your bank's deposit policy.
What if I need cash and the ATM is out of money?
This is rare, but if it happens, try another ATM at a different branch or a different bank. Grocery stores and pharmacies also offer cash back when you use your debit card to buy something, even on holidays.
Can I wire money on December 31st?
Wire transfers sent through your bank's website or app may be processed, but they typically do not reach the other bank until January 2nd because the banking system is closed on holidays. If the transfer is urgent, use a service like Western Union or MoneyGram instead.
Do online banks have different hours on December 31st?
Online banks (like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Marcus) do not have physical branches, so they do not have "hours." You can access your account and move money 24/7. However, transfers to other banks and wire transfers may not process until January 2nd.