Most banks are closed the day after Christmas

The day after Christmas — December 26 — is not a federal holiday, so banks are not required to close. However, most major banks do close on December 26 because they observe the Christmas holiday on that day if Christmas falls on a weekend. When Christmas lands on a Friday, banks close on Friday and reopen Monday. When Christmas lands on a Saturday, banks close on Saturday and reopen Monday. When Christmas lands on a Sunday, banks close on Monday, December 26, as the observed holiday.

In 2024, Christmas is on a Monday, so banks will be closed on Monday, December 25. Most banks will reopen on Tuesday, December 26. However, some regional banks and credit unions may still be closed on December 26 as part of their holiday schedule, so you should check with your specific bank before you count on it being open.

ATMs and online banking remain available even when physical branches are closed. You can withdraw cash, check balances, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills through your bank's website or mobile app or at an ATM on December 26, regardless of whether the branch itself is staffed.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major banks reopen on December 26 in years when Christmas falls on a weekday, but some regional banks and credit unions may stay closed.
  • When Christmas falls on a weekend, banks observe the holiday on the following Monday, so December 26 may be closed depending on the day of the week.
  • ATMs and online banking work 24/7, so you can access your money and conduct most transactions even if your branch is closed.
  • Call your bank's customer service line or check their website to confirm December 26 hours before you plan to visit a branch.

How to find your bank's December 26 hours

The fastest way is to call your bank's customer service number — it's on your debit card, your statements, or your bank's website. A representative can tell you whether your specific branch is open on December 26 and what time it opens. Many banks have different hours at different locations, so calling beats checking the website if you need to know about a particular branch.

You can also visit your bank's website and look for a branch locator tool. Enter your zip code or the address of the branch you plan to visit, and the site will show you the hours for that location. Some banks display holiday hours prominently on their homepage in December; others bury them in a FAQ or holiday schedule page.

If you need to do something on December 26 and your branch is closed, check whether you can handle it online or by phone. Most routine transactions — deposits, transfers, bill payments, balance inquiries — work through your bank's app or website. Notarization, cashier's checks, and account disputes usually require a visit, so plan ahead if you need those services.

Federal holidays that close banks every year

Banks close on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. These are the only days when federal law requires banks to close. All other holidays — including the day after Thanksgiving, New Year's Eve, and the day after Christmas — are not federal holidays, so banks can choose whether to close.

Some banks close on additional days beyond the federal list. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, and Veterans Day close many banks, though not all. A few banks close on the day after Thanksgiving or the day after Christmas as a courtesy to staff, but this varies by bank and region. Your bank's website or a phone call will tell you which days beyond the federal six your bank observes.

What to do if you need cash on December 26

If your branch is closed but you need cash, use an ATM. Your bank's ATMs are available 24/7, and most do not charge a fee when you use your own bank's machine. If you need cash from a different bank's ATM, you will likely pay a fee — usually $2 to $3 — though some banks reimburse out-of-network ATM fees at the end of the month.

If you need more cash than your daily ATM withdrawal limit allows, plan ahead. Most banks set daily limits between $300 and $1,000, though you can often request a higher limit by calling customer service before December 26. Some banks will increase your limit temporarily if you explain why you need it.

If you need a cashier's check, money order, or other service that requires a teller, you will have to wait until your branch reopens. These services cannot be done through an ATM or online. If you know you will need one, visit your branch before December 25 or plan to go on December 27 or later.

Credit unions and online banks on December 26

Credit unions follow their own holiday schedules and are not bound by federal banking rules. Some credit unions close on December 26; others stay open. Check your credit union's website or call their main number to confirm. Many credit unions are smaller than major banks and may have fewer branches, so knowing their hours in advance matters more.

Online banks — those with no physical branches — do not close on any day, including December 26. You can deposit checks through your phone, transfer money, pay bills, and access customer service on December 26 through an online bank. However, some online banks partner with other banks' ATM networks, and those ATMs may be closed or have limited availability on holidays.

Planning ahead for the holiday week

If you know you will need to visit a bank during the week after Christmas, plan your visit for December 27 or later. Branches are often busier than usual in the days after a holiday because customers who could not visit during the closure come in all at once. You may face longer wait times and shorter hours at some locations.

If you need to deposit checks, transfer money, or pay bills, do it online or through your app before December 25. This keeps you from having to visit a branch during the busy post-holiday period. Most transactions process the same day or the next business day when you submit them online, even if you submit them on a holiday.

If you have automatic bill payments or recurring transfers set up, they will process on their normal schedule even if your bank is closed. You do not need to do anything special to keep them running during the holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online retailer on December 26 regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The bank's computer systems process transactions 24/7. You only need a physical branch if you need to speak to a teller or use a service that requires one.

Will my direct deposit process on December 26?

Direct deposits scheduled for December 26 will process normally if December 26 is a regular business day. However, if your employer's payroll system treats December 26 as a holiday, your deposit may arrive on December 27 instead. Check with your employer's payroll department if you are unsure when your next deposit will arrive.

What if I need to dispute a charge on December 26?

Call your bank's customer service line — it operates 24/7 even on holidays. A representative can start the dispute process over the phone. You do not need to visit a branch to report fraud or unauthorized charges. Document the charge and the time you reported it, and follow up in writing if your bank requests it.

Do wire transfers work on December 26?

Outgoing wire transfers initiated on December 26 may not process until December 27 or later, depending on your bank and the receiving bank. Many banks do not process wires on holidays. If you need to send money urgently, ask your bank whether they process wires on December 26 before you initiate the transfer.