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 branches close entirely for the day. A few banks stay open until their regular closing time, usually 5 p.m. or 6 p.m., but this varies by location and by bank.
New Year's Eve is not a federal holiday, so banks are not required by law to close. Whether your branch is open depends on the bank's own policy and the specific branch location. A branch in a busy downtown area may stay open longer than one in a smaller town.
The safest approach is to call your branch directly or check your bank's website before you go. Most banks post their holiday hours online by mid-December, and you can also call the branch phone number to confirm.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank branch or check its website to confirm hours — New Year's Eve hours vary widely by bank and location.
- Many branches close early (2 p.m. to 3 p.m.) or stay closed all day on December 31st.
- ATMs and online banking work on New Year's Eve regardless of branch hours.
- If you need cash or in-person service, plan to visit before noon on December 31st to be safe.
- Banks reopen on January 2nd (January 1st is a federal holiday), so plan ahead if you need service on January 1st.
How to find your bank's New Year's Eve hours
Visit your bank's website and look for a "Holiday Hours" or "Branch Hours" page. Most banks publish this information in November or December. You can also search "[Bank Name] holiday hours" to find the page quickly.
If you cannot find the information online, call your branch directly. The phone number is usually on your debit card, on your bank statements, or in your online banking portal. Ask the person who answers whether the branch will be open on December 31st and at what time it closes.
Some banks also let you check hours through their mobile app. Open the app, find the branch locator or ATM finder, and tap on your branch to see today's and tomorrow's hours.
What you can do if your branch is closed
ATMs work 24 hours a day on New Year's Eve, so you can withdraw cash, check your balance, or deposit checks at any ATM your bank operates — even if the branch is closed. ATM deposits may not post until January 2nd, but the transaction will go through.
Online banking and mobile apps work all day and night on December 31st. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, send money to other people, and check your balance without visiting a branch.
If you need to speak to someone, many banks offer phone support on New Year's Eve, even if branches are closed. Check your bank's website for the customer service number and hours.
Banks that typically stay open longer on New Year's Eve
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank often keep some branches open until their regular closing time on December 31st, though many close early or stay closed. Credit unions vary widely — some close early, some stay open, and some close entirely.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover do not have physical branches, so there are no branch hours to check. You can use their ATM networks and online services on New Year's Eve without any change to normal service.
Local and regional banks are most likely to close early or stay closed on December 31st. Call ahead if you bank with a smaller institution.
Planning ahead for New Year's Eve banking
If you know you will need cash or in-person service on December 31st, visit your branch before noon. This gives you time to handle your banking before the branch closes for the day.
If you need to deposit a check, use an ATM or mobile deposit (if your bank offers it) on December 31st. The deposit will process on January 2nd when the bank reopens, since January 1st is a federal holiday and banks are closed.
If you have a time-sensitive transaction — like a wire transfer or a loan application — handle it on December 30th instead. This avoids any delays caused by the holiday closures.
What happens on January 1st and 2nd
Banks are closed on January 1st (New Year's Day) because it is a federal holiday. ATMs work normally, and online banking is available, but you cannot visit a branch or speak to a person.
Banks reopen on January 2nd at their normal hours. Any deposits or transactions you made on December 31st or January 1st will process on January 2nd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my ATM on New Year's Eve?
Yes. ATMs work 24 hours a day on New Year's Eve, including holidays. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, transfer money, and check your balance at any ATM your bank operates.
Will my check deposit post on New Year's Eve if I use mobile deposit?
The deposit will be recorded on December 31st, but the funds will not post to your account until January 2nd, because January 1st is a federal holiday and banks do not process transactions that day.
What if I need to wire money on New Year's Eve?
Call your bank before noon on December 31st to arrange a wire. If you wait until afternoon, the wire may not process until January 2nd. For time-sensitive transfers, handle it on December 30th instead.
Are credit unions open on New Year's Eve?
Credit union hours vary by institution. Some close early, some stay open until their regular time, and some close entirely on December 31st. Call your credit union branch to confirm.
Can I pay bills online on New Year's Eve?
Yes. Online bill pay works on New Year's Eve through your bank's website or app. The payment will be scheduled for January 2nd or later, depending on when you submit it and your bank's processing times.