Most banks are closed on December 26th if it falls on a weekday

December 26th is not a federal holiday, so banks follow their normal weekday schedule — usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — if the date lands on Monday through Friday. However, if December 26th falls on a Saturday or Sunday, your bank will be closed that day regardless, and you'll need to use ATMs or mobile banking instead.

The real question is whether your specific bank has chosen to observe the day after Christmas as a holiday. Some banks do, especially if Christmas (December 25th) falls on a weekday and the 26th is the next business day. This is a bank-by-bank decision, not a legal requirement.

The safest approach is to check your bank's website or call the branch directly. Most banks post holiday schedules in November, and you can usually find them under "Hours" or "Locations" on the main website. If you're banking with a large national chain like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, you can search for your specific branch location and see its hours for that date.

Key Takeaways

  • December 26th is not a federal holiday, so most banks operate on their regular weekday schedule if it falls Monday through Friday.
  • Some individual banks choose to close on December 26th as a courtesy holiday the day after Christmas, even though they are not required to.
  • The only way to know your bank's plan is to check their website, call your branch, or use their mobile app to look up hours for that specific date.
  • If your bank is closed on December 26th, you can still withdraw cash from ATMs and handle many transactions through online or mobile banking.

How to check your bank's December 26th hours right now

Open your bank's website and search for "hours" or "locations." Most banks let you type in your ZIP code or branch name and see the schedule for the next 30 days. The hours for December 26th will appear in that list. If you use mobile banking, the app usually shows branch hours under a "Locations" or "Find a Branch" tab.

If you can't find the information online, call your branch directly. The phone number is on your debit card, your statements, or the bank's website. A staff member can tell you in 30 seconds whether they're open on the 26th and what time they close.

What you can do if your bank is closed

ATMs work 24/7, so you can withdraw cash any time, even if the branch is closed. Most ATMs are free if you use your own bank's machine. If you need to deposit a check, many banks now let you photograph it through the mobile app instead of visiting a branch.

For questions about your account, transfers, or bill payments, you can usually handle these through online banking or the mobile app without visiting a branch at all. If you need to speak to someone, most banks have phone support available even on holidays — check your bank's website for the customer service number and its holiday hours.

Banks that commonly close on December 26th

Some larger banks treat December 26th as an observed holiday if Christmas falls on a weekday. This is not universal — it depends on the bank's policy. Chase, for example, may close some branches on the 26th while keeping others open, depending on the state and local holidays. Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank have similar variations by location.

Credit unions sometimes follow different rules than national banks. If you bank with a credit union, check their specific holiday schedule, as they may close on different dates or have different hours than a traditional bank.

Planning ahead for the holiday banking period

If you know you'll need cash or need to handle banking business around Christmas and New Year's, plan a few days early. December 24th and 25th are typically when banks close for Christmas, and some branches may have reduced hours on December 23rd. Withdrawing cash before the holiday period means you won't be caught short if you need money over the weekend or on a day when branches are closed.

If you have bills due right after Christmas, set up automatic payments or pay them online a day or two early. This way you won't miss a payment important date if your bank's branch is closed when you planned to visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card or ATM on December 26th if the branch is closed?

Yes. ATMs and debit cards work 24/7, regardless of whether the branch is open. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and make transfers through the ATM or mobile app anytime.

Will my direct deposit or automatic payments go through if the bank is closed on December 26th?

Yes. Deposits and automatic payments process on the bank's computer system, not during branch hours. They will go through on schedule even if no staff are in the building.

What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on December 26th?

Most banks have phone support available even on days when branches are closed. Look up the customer service number on your bank's website or the back of your debit card. Some banks also offer chat support through their website or app.

Do all banks close on the same days?

No. Federal holidays like Christmas are when most banks close, but individual banks decide whether to close on December 26th. Some do, some don't. Always check your specific bank's schedule rather than assuming.