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 nationwide. However, many banks choose to stay closed anyway because they observe the day after Christmas as an unofficial holiday or because their staff is still on holiday break from December 25. Call your specific bank before you go — hours vary widely by branch and by institution.
If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash on December 26, your best option is an ATM, which operates 24 hours regardless of whether the branch is staffed. If you need to speak to someone — to dispute a charge, open an account, or get a cashier's check — you will likely need to wait until December 27 or later.
Key Takeaways
- December 26 is not a federal holiday, so banks are not legally required to close, but many do anyway.
- ATMs work around the clock on December 26, even if the branch itself is closed.
- Call your bank's customer service line or check their website to confirm whether your specific branch is open.
- If you need in-person service on December 26, credit unions and online banks may have different hours than traditional banks.
How to find your bank's December 26 hours
The fastest way is to call the branch directly or check the bank's website. Most banks post holiday hours online in early December, and the website usually shows whether a specific branch is open. Search for "[Your Bank Name] hours December 26" or go to the bank's locator tool and enter your zip code.
If you cannot reach anyone by phone, try the bank's mobile app — many apps show real-time branch status and hours. You can also visit the branch in person and look for a posted notice on the door, though this is slower than calling ahead.
Which banks typically close on December 26
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank often close on December 26, though not all branches do. Regional banks and credit unions vary — some close, some stay open with reduced hours. Community banks are more likely to close because they have smaller staff and often give employees the full week off.
Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover do not have physical branches, so there is no "closed" in the traditional sense. You can transfer money, check balances, and use ATMs anytime, though customer service phone lines may have reduced hours or be closed.
What you can do on December 26 even if your branch is closed
ATMs work 24 hours, so you can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your bank has mobile deposit or ATM check deposit), and check your balance. Many banks now offer mobile check deposit through their app, which you can use anytime from your phone.
You can also transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills online, and send money to other people through your bank's website or app. What you cannot do is speak to a teller, open a new account, get a cashier's check, or resolve disputes that require a person on the other end.
If you need cash or a deposit on December 26
Use an ATM. If your bank's ATM is not nearby, use any ATM in the network your bank belongs to — most banks are part of a shared network (Allpoint, MoneyPass, Surcharge-Free Network) that lets you use other banks' ATMs without a fee. If you do not know your bank's network, call customer service or check the website.
If you need to deposit a check and your bank offers mobile deposit, photograph the front and back of the check with your phone and submit it through the app. The funds usually appear in your account within one business day. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, wait until December 27 to visit a branch or ATM that accepts checks.
Planning ahead for the December 26 to January 2 period
If you know you will need cash or to make a deposit between December 26 and January 2, withdraw money and handle deposits before December 25. Many banks close on December 25 (Christmas), December 26 (observed), and January 1 (New Year's Day), and some stay closed through the weekend if it falls in that range.
Check your bank's full holiday schedule on their website. Most banks post it in November or early December. If you have bills due during this period, pay them online before December 24 so the payment clears before the holidays.
Credit unions and smaller banks on December 26
Credit unions often have different holiday schedules than big banks. Some close on December 26, others stay open. Call your credit union's main number to confirm. Smaller regional banks vary widely — some close for the full week between Christmas and New Year's, others open as usual.
If you belong to a credit union, check whether it is part of a shared branching network. If it is, you can visit another credit union's branch on December 26 to withdraw cash or make deposits, even if your own branch is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on December 26 if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and any store 24 hours a day, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. You can also make online purchases and pay bills through your bank's website or app.
Will my check deposit clear if I deposit it on December 26?
If you use mobile deposit or an ATM that accepts checks on December 26, the check will be processed, but it may not clear until December 27 or later because banks do not process deposits on weekends or holidays. The exact timing depends on when December 26 falls and your bank's processing schedule.
What if I need a cashier's check on December 26?
You cannot get one on December 26 if the branch is closed. Plan ahead and get it on December 24 or earlier. If you need it urgently after the holidays, call the branch on December 27 and ask if they can issue one the same day or next business day.
Do online banks close on December 26?
Online banks do not have physical branches, so they do not "close" in the traditional sense. You can access your account, transfer money, and use ATMs anytime. Customer service phone lines may have reduced hours or be closed, but you can usually handle most tasks through the website or app.
Can I transfer money between banks on December 26?
Yes, you can initiate a transfer through your bank's website or app on December 26. The transfer will process, but it may not complete until December 27 or later because banks do not process transfers on weekends or federal holidays.