Most banks will close early or stay closed on Christmas Eve 2025

Christmas Eve falls on Monday, December 24, 2025. Most major banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank — will be closed that day because Christmas is a federal holiday. Some branches may open for a few hours in the morning, but this varies by location and by bank.

If your bank is part of a larger national chain, call your specific branch directly rather than relying on the main website. Local and regional banks set their own hours, so you cannot assume they follow the same schedule as the big national names. Credit unions also vary — some close on Christmas Eve, others stay open.

The safest approach is to handle any banking you need before December 24. If you need cash, use an ATM — those run 24 hours at most banks, even when branches are closed.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major bank branches will be closed on Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24, 2025, because Christmas is a federal holiday.
  • Some branches may open for limited hours in the morning, but you should call your specific branch to confirm rather than assuming.
  • ATMs and online banking work around the clock, so you can withdraw cash or transfer money even when branches are closed.
  • If you need to speak to someone or handle something that requires a teller, plan to visit your bank on December 23 or after Christmas.

Which banks close on Christmas Eve

The major national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank, and PNC — all close their branches on Christmas Eve because it is a federal holiday. However, "closed" does not always mean completely shut. Some branches open for a few hours in the morning, usually 9 a.m. to noon, to let customers handle urgent business.

Your specific branch may have different hours than the bank's standard policy. A branch in a busy downtown area might stay open longer than one in a quieter neighborhood. The only way to know for certain is to call the branch directly or check its page on the bank's website.

Credit unions and smaller regional banks are not required to follow the same schedule as national chains. Some stay open on Christmas Eve; others close. Call ahead to confirm.

How to handle banking needs before Christmas Eve

If you know you will need cash or need to make a deposit before the holiday, do it on December 23 or earlier. This removes the risk of finding your branch closed or with limited hours when you arrive.

For deposits, you can use your bank's mobile app or ATM if you have a check or cash to deposit. Many banks now have mobile check deposit, which lets you photograph a check and submit it through the app — no branch visit needed. ATM deposits work the same way: insert your envelope, and the bank processes it when staff return.

If you need to withdraw a large amount of cash, visit on December 23. ATMs have daily withdrawal limits, usually $500 to $1,000 depending on your account type and bank. If you need more, you will need a teller, and that means going before the holiday.

What you can do when branches are closed

Your bank's ATM works 24 hours, even on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks or cash (if your ATM has that feature), transfer money between your accounts, and check your balance.

Online banking and mobile apps also work around the clock. You can transfer money to another account at the same bank, pay bills, set up automatic payments, and review your transactions. If you bank with an online-only bank like Ally or Charles Schwab, you have no branch to close — you handle everything through the app or website.

Wire transfers and ACH transfers (moving money to another bank) can be set up online, though they may not process until the next business day after Christmas. If you need money to move when ready, a wire transfer is faster, but it costs money — usually $15 to $30.

Planning ahead for the Christmas and New Year period

Christmas Day (Tuesday, December 25) is also a federal holiday, so banks will be closed. New Year's Day (Wednesday, January 1, 2026) is a federal holiday as well. If you have banking to do, plan for December 23, or wait until December 26 or later.

If you receive a paycheck that would normally deposit on December 24 or 25, it will likely deposit on December 26 instead. Direct deposit follows the banking calendar, not the calendar you see on the wall. Check with your employer if you are unsure when your next deposit will hit.

If you have bills due around the holidays, pay them a few days early through online banking. Do not wait until Christmas Eve to send a payment if the due date is December 25 or 26 — the payment may not process in time, and you could face a late fee.

What to do if you have an emergency on Christmas Eve

If you need cash and your ATM is not working or you have hit your daily limit, some grocery stores and pharmacies offer cash back when you make a purchase with your debit card. This is not a bank transaction, but it solves the when ready problem.

If you need to report fraud or a lost card on Christmas Eve, call the number on the back of your card. Banks staff their fraud and security lines 24 hours, even on holidays. Your call will go to a live person or an automated system that can freeze your card when ready.

For other emergencies — a locked account, a payment that did not go through, a question about your balance — you can usually leave a message for your branch, and staff will call you back on December 26. If it truly cannot wait, some banks have a general customer service line open on holidays, though wait times are longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check on Christmas Eve if my branch is closed?

Yes, if your bank offers mobile check deposit through its app. Photograph the front and back of the check and submit it through the app — the bank will process it when staff return. If your ATM has a deposit slot, you can also use that. The check will not clear until after the holiday, but it will be recorded in your account.

Will my direct deposit come through on Christmas Eve?

No. If your paycheck normally deposits on December 24 or 25, it will deposit on December 26 instead, because banks do not process direct deposits on federal holidays. Check with your employer if you are unsure of the exact date.

What if I need to wire money on Christmas Eve?

You can set up a wire transfer through online banking on Christmas Eve, but it will not process until December 26 because the banking system is closed on federal holidays. If you need money to move the same day, you will need to visit your branch before it closes, which may not be possible on Christmas Eve.

Are online banks open on Christmas Eve?

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Marcus have no physical branches, so there is no "closed" in the traditional sense. You can use their apps and websites 24 hours. However, customer service phone lines may have reduced hours or longer wait times on the holiday.

Can I use my debit card on Christmas Eve if my bank is closed?

Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and at any store, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The only thing you cannot do is speak to a teller or handle something that requires a person.