Most banks are closed on December 26 because it falls on a federal holiday observed as the day after Christmas
December 26 is not a federal holiday itself, but it is treated as one by most banks because December 25 (Christmas Day) is. When Christmas falls on a weekday, banks close on that day and often extend the closure to the following day to give staff time off. If Christmas is on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, the bank holiday observance can shift to Monday or Tuesday of the following week.
In 2024, December 25 is a Wednesday, which means most major banks will be closed on both December 25 and December 26. In 2025, December 25 is a Thursday, so banks will close on December 25 and December 26 (Friday). The exact closure dates depend on how your bank's parent company chooses to observe the holiday.
Some smaller regional banks or credit unions may have different holiday schedules, so checking your specific bank's website or calling ahead is the fastest way to confirm. Most banks post their holiday hours online by early December.
Key Takeaways
- Major national banks close on December 26 in most years because it follows the Christmas Day federal holiday.
- Your specific bank's closure depends on its parent company's holiday schedule, which can vary by institution.
- Credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different holiday schedules than national chains.
- You can confirm your bank's December 26 hours by checking their website, calling the branch, or looking at their holiday schedule posted in the lobby.
- ATMs and online banking remain available even when physical branches are closed.
How to find your bank's December 26 hours
The fastest way is to visit your bank's website and search for "holiday hours" or "December hours." Most banks publish their full holiday schedule in early December. Look for a link on the homepage or in the customer service section.
If you cannot find the information online, call your local branch directly. The phone number is usually on your debit card or bank statements. A staff member can tell you whether that specific branch is open on December 26.
You can also check your bank's mobile app, which often displays branch hours and holiday closures in the branch locator tool. Some apps let you filter by date to see which branches are open on a specific day.
What you can do on December 26 if your bank is closed
ATMs work 24/7 at most banks, even on holidays. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has mobile deposit), and transfer money between your own accounts without visiting a branch.
Online banking and mobile apps remain open. You can pay bills, transfer money to other people, check your balance, and dispute transactions from home. Most transfers between accounts at the same bank process immediately or by the next business day.
If you need to deposit a physical check and your ATM does not have mobile deposit, you can wait until December 27 (or the next business day your bank is open). Checks deposited after hours are typically processed the next business day anyway, so a one-day delay rarely matters unless you are working against a deadline.
Which banks close on December 26
All major national banks close on December 26 in most years, including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank. Credit unions typically close as well, though some smaller credit unions may have different schedules.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Marcus do not have physical branches, so there is no branch closure. However, you still cannot call customer service at many online banks on federal holidays, and wire transfers or other services requiring human review may be delayed until the next business day.
If you bank at a very small local or regional bank, confirm their schedule directly rather than assuming they follow the national pattern. Some community banks stay open on days when major chains close, or close on different days altogether.
Planning ahead for December 26 banking needs
If you need cash, withdraw it on December 24 or 25 morning before your branch closes. If you need to deposit a check, use your ATM's mobile deposit feature or wait until December 27. Most checks clear within one to two business days anyway, so depositing on the 27th usually does not create a problem.
If you need to wire money or make a large transfer, do it before December 24. Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated on a holiday may not process until the next business day, and some banks require phone verification for large transfers — something you cannot do if the branch is closed.
If you are expecting a direct deposit or payment on December 26, it may arrive on December 27 instead. Federal holidays can delay ACH processing by one day. Check with your employer or the organization sending the payment if the timing is critical.
What happens to payments and deposits on December 26
Payments you send online or through your bank's app on December 26 are usually queued and process on December 27 (the next business day). Bill payments scheduled for December 26 will go through on that date even though the bank is closed, because the transaction is automated.
Checks you deposit on December 26 using mobile deposit are timestamped when you submit them. They process according to your bank's normal check-clearing schedule, which is usually one to two business days. A check deposited on December 26 typically clears by December 28.
Direct deposits and ACH transfers from employers or other sources may arrive on December 27 instead of December 26 if they were scheduled for the holiday. This is because the Federal Reserve does not process ACH transactions on federal holidays. Contact your employer or the sending organization if a payment does not arrive on the expected date.
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 merchant 24/7, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. You can also use it to make online purchases or pay bills through your bank's app or website.
Will my paycheck arrive on December 26 if it's a direct deposit?
It may arrive on December 27 instead. Direct deposits scheduled for federal holidays are often delayed one day because the Federal Reserve does not process ACH transactions on those days. Check with your employer if you are unsure when your payment will arrive.
Can I deposit a check on December 26 using my phone?
Yes, if your bank offers mobile deposit. Take a photo of the front and back of the check through your bank's app, and the deposit is submitted immediately. The check clears according to your bank's normal schedule, usually one to two business days.
What if I need cash and the ATM is out of money on December 26?
ATMs are usually refilled daily, but if one runs out during a holiday weekend, you may need to find another ATM or wait until the branch reopens. Keep cash on hand before major holidays to avoid this problem.
Do online banks close on December 26?
Online banks with no physical branches do not close. However, customer service phone lines may not be staffed, and services requiring human review (like wire transfers or fraud disputes) may be delayed until the next business day.