Most banks 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 bank.

If you need cash or want to deposit a check before the holiday, plan to visit on Monday morning or go on Friday, December 19. ATMs work 24/7 regardless of holiday closures, so you can withdraw money anytime.

Credit unions follow similar patterns but sometimes have different hours. Call your branch directly rather than relying on the website, because holiday schedules change year to year and branch to branch.

Key Takeaways

  • Most bank branches close entirely on Christmas Eve (Monday, December 24, 2025), though some may open for limited morning hours.
  • ATMs remain available 24/7 even when branches are closed, so you can withdraw cash or check your balance anytime.
  • If you need to visit a branch, go on Friday, December 19 or earlier in the week rather than waiting until Christmas Eve.
  • Call your specific branch to confirm their hours, because holiday schedules vary by location and institution.

What the major banks are doing on Christmas Eve

Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all observe Christmas as a federal holiday and close their branches on December 24. Some locations may open from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m., but this is not may provide. The safest approach is to assume your branch will be closed.

Regional and community banks follow the same federal holiday calendar, though a few may stay open with reduced hours. Your best move is to call ahead. Most banks have a customer service line that can tell you whether your specific branch is open and for how long.

Using ATMs and online banking when branches are closed

ATMs work around the clock on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has mobile deposit or a check slot), transfer money between accounts, and check your balance without stepping into a branch.

Online banking and mobile apps also work normally on holidays. You can pay bills, transfer money, and review your account from your phone or computer. Transfers between your own accounts happen when ready, though transfers to other people's accounts may not process until the next business day.

Planning ahead for the holiday week

The days before Christmas Eve are busy at banks. If you need to handle something in person — opening an account, getting a cashier's check, or discussing a loan — visit on December 19 or earlier. Branches tend to have longer lines as people prepare for the holiday.

If you're expecting a deposit or payment, remember that banks don't process transactions on federal holidays. A check deposited on Christmas Eve won't clear until after the holiday. Plan accordingly if you're counting on that money.

Credit unions and smaller banks

Credit unions are not required to follow the same federal holiday schedule as banks, though most do close on Christmas. Some credit unions stay open on Christmas Eve with reduced hours. Call your credit union directly to find out.

Smaller community banks and online-only banks vary widely. Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Marcus have no physical branches, so there are no holiday closures to worry about — you access your account the same way on Christmas Eve as any other day.

What to do if you need cash over the holiday

Withdraw cash before Christmas Eve. ATMs are your backup, but they have daily withdrawal limits (usually $500 to $1,000, depending on your bank and account type). If you need more than that, visit a branch on December 19 or earlier.

If you're traveling or away from home, locate ATMs in your destination now. Your bank's website or mobile app shows nearby ATMs. Many banks are part of shared networks (like Allpoint or MoneyPass) that let you use ATMs from other banks without a fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If your bank offers mobile deposit through its app, you can photograph and deposit the check from your phone anytime. If not, you'll need to wait until December 26 (Friday) to deposit in person or at an ATM with a check slot. Checks deposited after the holiday won't clear until the following business day.

Will my direct deposit or paycheck hit my account on Christmas Eve?

Direct deposits scheduled for December 24 may arrive, but it depends on your employer's payroll system and your bank's processing. If Christmas Eve is a holiday for your employer, they may process payroll on December 23 instead. Contact your payroll department if you're unsure when to expect your deposit.

What if I need to dispute a charge or report fraud on Christmas Eve?

Call your bank's customer service line — it operates 24/7 even on holidays. You don't need a branch to report fraud or dispute a transaction. The phone line can start the process when ready, and a representative will follow up after the holiday.

Are online transfers slower during the holiday?

Transfers between accounts at the same bank usually process when ready, even on holidays. Transfers to other banks (ACH transfers) typically take one to three business days, and the holiday adds an extra day since banks don't process on December 25. Plan ahead if you're sending money to someone else.

Do I need to do anything special to access my account on Christmas Eve?

No. Your online banking, mobile app, and ATM access work normally. You don't need to notify your bank or take any special steps. The only thing that changes is whether you can walk into a physical branch.