Most banks are closed on December 26 in the United States
December 26 is not a federal holiday, so banks are not required to close. However, many banks choose to stay closed because their staff is still observing the Christmas holiday or taking scheduled time off. Some banks open on a reduced schedule — shorter hours or fewer branches — rather than closing entirely.
The safest approach is to check with your specific bank before you need to visit. Call the branch directly, check their website, or use their app to see the hours for December 26. Bank websites usually show holiday schedules weeks in advance, and most let you search by branch location.
Key Takeaways
- December 26 is not a federal holiday, so banks are not legally required to close, but many do anyway.
- Your bank's decision depends on whether they observe the Christmas holiday on December 25 or 26, and whether they give staff extra days off.
- The only way to know for certain is to check your bank's website, call your branch, or look at their app — hours vary by location and bank.
- If your bank is closed on December 26, you can still use ATMs, mobile banking, and online transfers.
- If you need cash or in-person service, plan ahead by visiting on December 24 or waiting until December 27.
How to find your bank's December 26 hours
Most banks post their holiday schedule on their website by early December. Look for a link labeled "Hours" or "Holiday Hours" on the homepage. You can usually filter by your branch location to see whether that specific branch will be open.
If you cannot find it online, call your branch directly — the phone number is on your debit card or bank statement. A staff member can tell you in seconds whether they are open on December 26 and what time they close.
Your bank's mobile app often shows hours for each branch too. Open the app, search for your branch, and tap on it to see the full schedule.
What you can do if your bank is closed
A closed branch does not mean you cannot access your money. ATMs work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of whether the branch is open. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), and check your balance anytime.
You can also transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and send money to other people using your bank's mobile app or website. These services do not require the branch to be open. Transfers usually process the same day if you send them before the bank's cutoff time, though some may take until the next business day.
If you need to speak to someone — for example, to dispute a charge or ask about a loan — most banks have phone support on December 26 even if branches are closed. Check your bank's website to see whether customer service is available that day.
Banks that are definitely closed on December 26
Federal banks and credit unions that observe the Christmas holiday on December 26 (rather than December 25) will be closed. This is less common than closing on December 25, but it does happen at some institutions.
If your bank is part of a large national chain — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, or similar — check their website because policies vary by region. Some branches in the same bank may have different hours depending on local holidays or staffing.
Planning ahead for the December 25–26 period
If you know you will need cash or in-person service around Christmas, withdraw money on December 24 or earlier. This removes the risk of finding your branch closed when you need it.
If you need to deposit a check, use your ATM's deposit slot or your mobile app's mobile deposit feature (if your bank offers it). Mobile deposit lets you photograph the front and back of a check and send it to your bank without visiting a branch. The check usually clears within one to two business days.
For time-sensitive matters like disputing a charge or reporting a lost card, contact your bank's customer service line on December 26 rather than waiting for the branch to reopen. Most banks staff their phone lines even on days when branches are closed.
Federal holidays that do close all banks
December 26 is not a federal holiday, but several others are. Banks are required to close on New Year's Day (January 1), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (first Monday in September), Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November), and Christmas (December 25).
Banks may also close on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January) and Presidents' Day (third Monday in February), though some remain open. Check your bank's holiday schedule to be certain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on December 26 if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and any store, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. You can also make online purchases and pay bills using your card or your bank's website.
Will my check deposit clear if I deposit it on December 26?
If you deposit a check on December 26 and the bank is closed, the deposit usually processes the next business day the bank is open. If December 26 is a Friday and the bank is closed, the check may not clear until Monday or Tuesday. Use mobile deposit if you need faster processing.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on December 26?
Call your bank's customer service number, which is usually available even when branches are closed. For urgent issues like a lost card or fraudulent charge, most banks have 24-hour phone support. Check your bank's website or the back of your debit card for the number.
Do credit unions have the same hours as banks on December 26?
Credit unions set their own holiday schedules, so some may be open while banks are closed, or vice versa. Check your credit union's website or call them directly to confirm their December 26 hours.
Can I transfer money between banks on December 26?
You can initiate a transfer on December 26 using your bank's app or website, but it may not process until the next business day. If both banks are closed on December 26, the transfer usually clears on December 27 or later.