Most banks close early or stay closed on New Year's Eve
Most banks in the United States close at their normal time on December 31st, or close early — often by 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Some banks stay open until 5 p.m. or 6 p.m., but this varies by branch and by bank. A few banks remain open standard hours, but they are the exception. The safest assumption is that your branch will close earlier than usual or not be open at all.
New Year's Eve is not a federal holiday, so banks are not required by law to close. However, most major banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — choose to close early or shut down entirely because staffing is reduced and customer traffic is low. Credit unions follow similar patterns, though some remain open longer than traditional banks.
The exact hours depend on your specific branch, your bank, and your region. A branch in a busy downtown area may stay open longer than one in a residential neighborhood. Your best move is to call your branch directly or check your bank's website for New Year's Eve hours before you need cash or services.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank or check its website for New Year's Eve hours — do not assume standard hours apply.
- Most branches close early on December 31st, often by 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., rather than staying open all day.
- ATMs and online banking remain available even when branches are closed, so you can withdraw cash or transfer money 24/7.
- If you need cash or services on New Year's Eve, plan ahead and visit your branch in the morning or early afternoon.
- New Year's Day (January 1st) is a federal holiday, so all banks will be closed that day.
How to find your branch's New Year's Eve hours
The fastest way is to visit your bank's website and search for "hours" or "locations." Most banks have a branch locator tool where you can enter your zip code or address and see the hours for that specific branch. The hours listed are usually accurate as of the day you check, though some banks update them only once a week.
If the website does not show New Year's Eve hours clearly, call the branch directly. The phone number is on your bank card, on your statements, or on the bank's website. Ask specifically: "What time do you close on December 31st?" This takes 30 seconds and removes all doubt.
You can also use Google Maps. Search for your bank name and branch location, and Google often displays holiday hours in the business information panel on the right side of the screen. This information comes from the bank itself, so it is usually current.
ATMs and online banking work when branches close
Even if your branch is closed on New Year's Eve, you can withdraw cash from any ATM owned by your bank or in your bank's network. ATMs run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of branch hours. If you need cash before the branch closes, an ATM is your backup plan.
Online banking, mobile apps, and phone banking also work around the clock. You can transfer money between accounts, pay bills, check balances, and deposit checks by phone or app on New Year's Eve without visiting a branch. The only thing you cannot do online is speak to a person — that requires a branch or a customer service line, and those may have reduced hours or be closed.
If you use a bank that charges fees for out-of-network ATM withdrawals, plan ahead. Withdraw cash from your own bank's ATM on December 30th or earlier to avoid fees on New Year's Eve.
What counts as a banking day for deposits and transfers
Deposits made on New Year's Eve may not post to your account until January 2nd, because January 1st is a federal holiday and banks do not process transactions that day. If you deposit a check at an ATM on December 31st, it typically posts on January 2nd. If you transfer money online on December 31st, it may post on January 2nd or later, depending on the type of transfer.
Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated on New Year's Eve will not be processed until January 2nd at the earliest. If you need money to arrive by a specific date, do not wait until December 31st. Initiate transfers on December 30th or earlier.
Mobile check deposits (taking a photo of a check through your bank's app) follow the same rule. The image is received on December 31st, but the check is not processed until January 2nd.
Plan ahead if you need cash or services
If you know you will need cash on New Year's Eve, withdraw it on December 30th or the morning of December 31st before your branch closes. This avoids the risk of an ATM being out of service or running out of cash during a busy holiday.
If you need to deposit a check or handle a transaction that requires a teller, do it before December 31st. Do not count on being able to visit a branch on New Year's Eve unless you have confirmed that your specific branch is open and staffed.
If you are traveling on New Year's Eve, locate a branch or ATM in your destination before you leave home. Use your bank's website or the ATM locator tool to find machines near your hotel or destination. Many banks participate in shared ATM networks, so you may be able to use another bank's ATM without a fee — check your account terms to confirm.
New Year's Day is a federal holiday — all banks close
January 1st is a federal holiday, so every bank in the United States is closed that day. No branches are open, no tellers are working, and customer service lines are closed. ATMs and online banking still work, but you cannot speak to a person or conduct business that requires a teller.
If you need banking services on January 1st, use an ATM or online banking. If you need to speak to someone, wait until January 2nd. Plan accordingly if you have bills due or transactions that need to be completed around the New Year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check on New Year's Eve and have it available on January 1st?
No. January 1st is a federal holiday, so banks do not process deposits that day. A check deposited on December 31st will not post until January 2nd at the earliest. If you need funds available on January 1st, deposit the check on December 30th.
Will my ATM card work on New Year's Eve?
Yes. ATMs operate 24 hours a day, including New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between accounts at an ATM anytime. Be aware that some ATMs may run out of cash during busy holidays, so withdraw money early if possible.
Can I call my bank's customer service on New Year's Eve?
Most banks have reduced customer service hours on New Year's Eve, and many close their phone lines entirely. Check your bank's website for holiday hours, or call before December 31st to confirm. Online chat and mobile app support may also be limited or unavailable.
What if I need to wire money on New Year's Eve?
Wire transfers initiated on December 31st will not be processed until January 2nd, because January 1st is a federal holiday. If you need money to arrive by a specific date, initiate the wire on December 30th or earlier. Call your bank to confirm processing times if you are unsure.
Are credit unions open on New Year's Eve?
Credit union hours vary by institution. Some close early on December 31st, and some stay open standard hours. Call your credit union directly or check its website for New Year's Eve hours. Like banks, credit unions are closed on January 1st because it is a federal holiday.