Most banks close early on Christmas Eve, usually between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
The exact time depends on your bank and your location. Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank typically close at 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve, though some branches may close at 1 p.m. or stay open until 3 p.m. Regional banks and credit unions set their own hours — some close at noon, others at 3 p.m. A few branches in busy areas may stay open until 5 p.m., but this is uncommon.
The safest approach is to call your specific branch the day before Christmas Eve or check your bank's website. Most banks post holiday hours online by early December, and you can search by your zip code or branch name. If you need cash or have banking to do, plan to go in the morning on Christmas Eve rather than waiting until afternoon.
Key Takeaways
- Most major bank branches close between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve, with 2 p.m. being the most common time.
- Your specific branch may have different hours, so call ahead or check your bank's website rather than assuming a standard time.
- ATMs and online banking remain available on Christmas Eve even when branches are closed.
- If you need to withdraw cash or conduct in-person business, go early in the morning on Christmas Eve.
- Banks are fully closed on Christmas Day (December 25), so plan accordingly if you need services over the holiday weekend.
How to find your bank's exact Christmas Eve hours
Visit your bank's website and look for a "Holiday Hours" or "Branch Hours" section. Most banks update this information in early December. You can usually search by your zip code or branch address to see the specific closing time for the location you plan to visit.
If the website does not list Christmas Eve hours, call your branch directly. Ask for the closing time on December 24, not just "holiday hours" — some branches may have different times for different holidays. Write down the time so you do not have to call again.
What you can do when the branch is closed
ATMs work 24/7, so you can withdraw cash on Christmas Eve evening or Christmas Day itself. If your bank is part of a larger network, you may be able to use ATMs at other branches or partner locations without a fee.
Online banking and mobile apps remain open around the clock. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, deposit checks by phone camera, and check your balance at any time. However, transfers to other people's accounts or to external banks may not process until the next business day after Christmas.
Banks are closed on Christmas Day
December 25 is a federal holiday, so all banks are closed. This includes drive-throughs, lobbies, and customer service phone lines. If you need to speak to someone at your bank, you will have to wait until December 26 (or December 27 if that is a Sunday).
Plan ahead if you need to deposit checks, get a cashier's check, or handle anything that requires a teller. Do it on Christmas Eve morning, or wait until the day after Christmas.
Credit unions and smaller banks may have different hours
Credit unions often close earlier than national banks on Christmas Eve — some at noon or 1 p.m. — because they have fewer branches and smaller staffs. If you bank at a credit union, do not assume the same hours as Chase or Bank of America.
Community banks and local credit unions may also be closed on December 26 if they observe the holiday on that day instead of December 25. Check with your institution directly rather than guessing.
Plan for the Christmas Eve to New Year period
If Christmas Eve falls on a weekday, your bank closes early that day and is closed all day on Christmas. If Christmas Eve is a Friday, the bank is closed Friday (Christmas Eve), Saturday (Christmas Day), and Sunday, reopening Monday. If Christmas Eve is a Saturday, the bank is closed Saturday and Sunday, reopening Monday.
If you have bills due or checks to deposit during this period, handle them before Christmas Eve. Transfers and deposits made after hours or on holidays will not process until the next business day the bank is open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card or ATM on Christmas Eve afternoon if the branch is closed?
Yes. ATMs work 24/7 regardless of branch hours. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts at any time. Debit cards work everywhere that accepts them — stores, gas stations, restaurants — all day on Christmas Eve.
What if I need to deposit a check on Christmas Eve after the bank closes?
Most banks let you deposit checks through their mobile app by taking a photo of the front and back. The deposit will show as pending that day and process the next business day the bank is open. If your bank does not have mobile deposit, you can mail the check or deposit it at an ATM if your bank offers that service.
Do banks close early on the day after Christmas?
No. December 26 is a regular business day, and banks open at their normal time (usually 9 a.m. or 10 a.m.) with normal hours. The only exception is if your bank chooses to observe the holiday on December 26 instead of December 25, which is rare — call ahead if you are unsure.
Can I get a cashier's check on Christmas Eve?
Only if you go in the morning before your branch closes. Cashier's checks require a teller and cannot be ordered online or through an ATM. If you need one for a closing or payment due around Christmas, get it early on Christmas Eve or before.
What if Christmas Eve is a Sunday?
Most banks are already closed on Sundays, so Christmas Eve on a Sunday does not change anything. Your bank will be closed Sunday and Monday (Christmas Day), reopening Tuesday. Plan your banking for Saturday or earlier in the week.