Most banks are closed on December 26 in the United States, but the reason depends on where you live
December 26 is not a federal holiday in the United States, so banks are normally open. However, some banks close on December 26 anyway because they observe the day after Christmas as a holiday for their staff. Whether your bank is open depends on the bank's own policy, not on a government mandate.
The confusion often comes from the fact that December 25 (Christmas Day) is a federal holiday, and many banks close on both December 25 and 26. But this is a choice each bank makes, not a requirement. Some banks open on December 26 at normal hours. Others stay closed. A few open with reduced hours.
The safest approach is to check your specific bank's holiday schedule before you need to visit or conduct business. Most banks publish this information on their website or in their mobile app, usually under "Hours" or "Holiday Hours".
Key Takeaways
- December 26 is not a federal holiday, so banks are not legally required to close.
- Many banks choose to close on December 26 as an extra day off after Christmas, but this varies by bank and location.
- Your bank's website or app will show whether it is open on December 26 and what hours it keeps.
- If you need to deposit checks or withdraw cash on December 26, ATMs and mobile banking work regardless of branch hours.
- Banks that are open on December 26 may have different hours than usual, so confirm before you go.
How to find your bank's December 26 hours
The fastest way is to open your bank's mobile app and look for the branch locator or hours section. Most apps show holiday hours automatically when you search for a specific branch. If your app does not display this information, visit your bank's website and search for "holiday hours" or "December 26 hours".
You can also call your branch directly. The phone number is usually on your debit card, your statements, or the bank's website. Ask whether the branch is open on December 26 and what time it opens and closes. If you are calling on December 24 or 25, you may reach a voicemail with holiday information.
Some banks post holiday schedules in the branch itself, on the door or window. If you are near your branch, you can check in person.
What you can do if your bank is closed on December 26
ATMs work 24 hours a day, whether the branch is open or not. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, and check your balance at any ATM owned by your bank or in your bank's network. If you need to deposit a check, most banks process mobile check deposits through their app when ready or within one business day.
Online banking and mobile banking are always available. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and send money to other people through your bank's app or website. These transactions process when ready or on the next business day, depending on the type of transfer.
If you need to speak to someone, many banks offer phone support on holidays. Call the number on the back of your debit card to reach customer service, even if branches are closed.
Banks that commonly close on December 26
Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank often close on December 26, though some locations may stay open. Credit unions frequently close on December 26 as well. Regional and community banks vary widely — some close, some stay open with normal hours, and some open late or close early.
The safest assumption is that if your bank closed on Christmas Day (December 25), it will also be closed on December 26. But this is not a rule. Check your specific bank rather than assuming based on what another bank does.
Planning ahead for the December 25–26 period
If you know you will need cash or need to deposit checks around Christmas, plan ahead. Withdraw cash on December 24 or earlier. Deposit checks using mobile banking or an ATM before December 25. Pay any bills that are due around this time a few days early.
If you are expecting a transfer or payment to arrive on December 26, remember that many banks do not process transfers on holidays. A transfer sent on December 24 may not arrive until December 27 or later, depending on the type of transfer and the banks involved.
Federal holidays that do close all banks
December 26 is not one of them, but these federal holidays do close all U.S. banks: New Year's Day (January 1), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January), Presidents' Day (third Monday in February), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Juneteenth (June 19), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (first Monday in September), Columbus Day (second Monday in October), Veterans Day (November 11), and Thanksgiving Day and the day after (fourth Thursday in November and the Friday after).
On these days, all federally regulated banks close. However, some credit unions and smaller institutions may have different policies. ATMs and online banking still work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my direct deposit process on December 26 if the bank is closed?
Yes. Direct deposits are processed by the Federal Reserve's automated clearing house, not by individual bank branches. Your employer's payroll will deposit your money on the scheduled date even if your bank's branch is closed. The funds appear in your account on the normal day.
Can I use my debit card on December 26 if the bank is closed?
Yes. Debit cards work at merchants and ATMs regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The transaction processes through the card network, not through a branch.
What if I need to speak to a banker on December 26?
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card. Most large banks offer phone support on December 26 even if branches are closed. You may wait longer than usual, but someone will answer.
Do online transfers process on December 26?
Transfers between accounts at the same bank usually process when ready or on the next business day. Transfers to other banks may take longer because the receiving bank might not process them until December 27. Check your bank's website for specific timing.
Is December 26 a holiday in Canada or the UK?
Yes. December 26 is Boxing Day in Canada, the UK, and several other countries, and banks in those places are closed. This is a federal holiday in those countries, unlike in the United States.