Most banks close early or stay closed on December 24
December 24 is not a federal holiday, so banks are not required by law to close. However, most major banks do close early — typically at 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. — or remain closed for the full day. Some regional banks and credit unions follow the same pattern, while others stay open at normal hours. Your bank's specific closure depends on its own policy, not a government mandate.
If you need to handle banking on December 24, your best move is to call your branch directly or check your bank's website. A phone call takes two minutes and tells you exactly what that location is doing. Do not assume based on what happened last year — banks sometimes change their holiday schedules.
Key Takeaways
- December 24 is not a federal holiday, so banks decide their own hours; most close early or all day, but some stay open.
- Call your specific branch or visit the bank's website to confirm hours rather than relying on past years or competitor schedules.
- ATMs and online banking work on December 24 regardless of branch hours, so you can withdraw cash or transfer money without visiting in person.
- If you need a teller service on December 24, plan to go in the morning, since early closures usually happen in early afternoon.
- December 26 (the day after Christmas) is when most banks reopen if they close on December 24 and 25.
How to find your bank's December 24 hours
Call the branch phone number on your debit card or bank statement. Ask directly: "Are you open on December 24, and if so, what are your hours?" This takes under a minute and removes all guesswork.
Alternatively, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a "branch locator" or "hours" section. Most banks list holiday hours there by late November. If the site does not show December 24 specifically, it usually means the branch is following its normal schedule.
If you bank with a large national chain — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, or similar — you can also search "[Bank Name] hours December 24" online to see what corporate policy says, though individual branches sometimes vary.
What you can do without visiting a branch
ATMs work 24/7 on December 24, regardless of whether the branch is open. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has mobile deposit), and check your balance anytime.
Online banking and mobile apps work around the clock. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, send wire transfers, and view statements without stepping into a branch. If you need to send money to someone else, most banks let you initiate transfers online that process on the next business day.
If your bank is part of a shared ATM network (like Allpoint or MoneyPass), you can use thousands of ATMs nationwide, not just your bank's machines.
When you actually need a teller on December 24
Teller services — depositing cash, getting a cashier's check, opening a new account, or speaking to someone about a problem — require a staffed branch. If your bank is open on December 24, these services are available only during the hours they are open, which is usually morning or early afternoon.
If you need a cashier's check or certified funds on December 24, call ahead to confirm the branch is open and that tellers are available. Some branches may have reduced staff even if they are technically open.
If your bank is closed on December 24 and you need a teller service, you will have to wait until December 26 or later (depending on whether they are also closed on Christmas Day).
Planning around the December 24–26 closure window
Most banks close on both December 24 and 25 (Christmas Day). Some also close on December 26. If you need cash, deposits, or teller services during this period, handle them on December 23 instead.
If you are expecting a deposit or payment to hit your account during December 24–26, it will likely process on December 26 or 27 instead, since the banking system does not move money on federal holidays. Transfers you initiate on December 24 usually process on December 26 at the earliest.
Wire transfers sent on December 24 may not arrive until December 27, depending on the receiving bank's schedule. If timing is critical, send wires on December 23.
What happens if you need emergency banking on December 24
If you have a genuine emergency — a fraudulent charge, a locked account, or a critical transfer — call your bank's customer service line. Most banks staff a 24/7 phone line even on holidays. They cannot process all requests (a teller-only service like a cashier's check still has to wait), but they can address fraud, unlock accounts, and answer urgent questions.
The phone number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website under "Customer Service" or "Contact Us."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check on December 24 if the branch is closed?
If your bank offers mobile check deposit through its app, yes — you can photograph and deposit checks 24/7. If not, you will have to wait until the branch reopens. Checks deposited on December 24 usually do not clear until December 26 or 27 anyway because of the holiday.
Will my paycheck deposit on December 24?
Direct deposits scheduled for December 24 may arrive on December 24 or may be delayed until December 26, depending on your employer's payroll timing and your bank's processing schedule. If your paycheck is critical, contact your employer's payroll department to confirm when they are sending it.
Are credit unions open on December 24?
Credit unions follow their own holiday schedules, not federal requirements. Some close on December 24, others stay open. Call your credit union directly or check its website to confirm hours.
What if I need cash and the ATM is out of money?
ATMs occasionally run out of cash, especially near holidays. If your bank's ATM is empty, use an ATM from a different bank or network. Most banks charge a small fee (usually $2–$3) for out-of-network withdrawals, but it is faster than waiting for the branch to reopen.
Can I open a new account on December 24?
You cannot open an account at a closed branch. If your bank is open on December 24, some branches may open accounts, but many do not staff for new accounts on holiday hours. Call ahead to ask. You can also open many accounts online through the bank's website, which works 24/7.