Most banks are closed the day after Christmas
The day after Christmas — December 26th — is not a federal holiday, so banks are not required to close. However, most major banks do close on December 26th anyway, treating it as an observed holiday. This includes Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional and local banks.
The reason is practical: many banks close on both Christmas Day and the day after to give staff time off during the holiday period. Some banks also close on New Year's Day and the day after. Check your specific bank's holiday schedule on their website or by calling your local branch to confirm whether they will be open on December 26th.
If you need to access your money on December 26th, you have options that do not depend on branch hours. ATMs work 24/7 at most banks, and online banking lets you transfer funds, pay bills, and check balances any time. Mobile apps work the same way.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks close on December 26th even though it is not a federal holiday, as an observed holiday for staff.
- ATMs and online banking are available around the clock on December 26th, regardless of branch closure.
- Some banks may have different policies, so calling your branch or checking their website before December 26th is the safest approach.
- If you need cash or in-person service, plan ahead by withdrawing money before December 25th.
How to check your bank's specific holiday schedule
Do not assume your bank follows the same schedule as the major chains. Credit unions, smaller regional banks, and online-only banks sometimes stay open on days when larger banks close, or close on different days altogether.
The fastest way to confirm is to visit your bank's website and look for a holiday hours page or calendar. Most banks publish their full holiday schedule in November or early December. If you cannot find it online, call your local branch directly — staff can tell you whether they will be open on December 26th and what services are available if they are closed.
If you bank with an online-only institution like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Discover, branch closures do not affect you because there are no physical branches. Your account remains fully accessible through the app or website.
What you can do on December 26th without a branch
ATM withdrawals work on December 26th at virtually every bank. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (at banks with mobile deposit or ATM check deposit), and transfer money between your own accounts. ATM fees may apply if you use a machine outside your bank's network.
Online and mobile banking let you pay bills, transfer money to other people, set up automatic payments, and review your account history. These services have no cutoff time on December 26th. Transfers to other banks typically process the next business day (December 27th), but internal transfers between your own accounts at the same bank usually go through immediately.
If you need to deposit a check and your bank does not have ATM check deposit, you will have to wait until December 27th when branches reopen. Some banks let you photograph checks through their mobile app, which counts as a deposit even if the branch is closed.
Planning ahead for December 26th cash needs
If you know you will need cash on December 26th, withdraw it before December 25th. ATMs have daily withdrawal limits — usually $500 to $1,000 depending on your bank and account type — so plan your amount accordingly.
If you need more than your daily ATM limit, contact your bank before the holiday and ask whether they can increase your limit temporarily or whether you can withdraw a larger amount at the branch on December 24th or 25th. Some banks will do this if you call ahead.
If December 26th falls on a weekend (which it does in 2027 and 2028), the branch will be closed anyway, and the next business day will be Monday, December 28th.
Wire transfers and time-sensitive payments on December 26th
If you need to send a wire transfer on December 26th, you cannot do it through most banks because wire services do not process on non-business days. Wire transfers sent on December 26th will not leave your account until December 27th at the earliest, and the receiving bank may not process it until December 28th.
If a payment is due on December 26th and you cannot reach your bank by phone, use bill pay through your online banking portal to schedule the payment for December 26th. The bank will process it on the next business day, and most creditors and utilities accept payments that arrive a day late if you can show you sent it on time.
For truly urgent payments, contact the creditor or service provider directly and explain that your bank is closed. Many will accept a verbal commitment to pay or will extend the due date by one business day.
What happens if you need emergency cash
If you run out of cash on December 26th and cannot wait until the branch opens, your options are limited but real. ATMs are your first choice — they work around the clock. If you have reached your daily withdrawal limit, some banks will let you withdraw additional cash at an ATM if you call customer service and request a temporary limit increase.
If you do not have an ATM card or cannot reach customer service, ask whether a friend or family member can lend you cash. You can repay them through Venmo, PayPal, or another app on December 27th once the bank reopens.
Some retailers and grocery stores offer cash back with debit card purchases, even on December 26th, though this only works if you have a debit card and the store is open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my bank be open on December 26th?
Most major banks close on December 26th as an observed holiday, but some smaller banks and credit unions stay open. Check your bank's website or call your branch to confirm. Online banking and ATMs work regardless of branch hours.
Can I deposit a check on December 26th?
If your bank has ATM check deposit or mobile check deposit through the app, yes. Otherwise, you will have to wait until December 27th when the branch reopens. Mobile deposit is usually the fastest option.
What if I need to send money to someone on December 26th?
Use your online banking portal to send a transfer to another account at the same bank — it usually processes immediately. For transfers to other banks or wire transfers, the transaction will process on December 27th at the earliest, even if you initiate it on December 26th.
Can I withdraw more than my daily ATM limit on December 26th?
Call your bank before December 26th and ask for a temporary limit increase. Some banks will raise your daily limit if you request it in advance. Otherwise, you are stuck with your standard limit until the branch reopens.
What if December 26th is a Saturday or Sunday?
The branch will be closed anyway because of the weekend. The next business day will be Monday, and the branch will reopen then. ATMs and online banking work the same way on weekends as they do on weekdays.