Most banks are closed on December 26, 2025

December 26 falls on a Friday in 2025, but most banks will be closed that day. The reason is not the date itself — it is that December 25 (Christmas) falls on a Thursday. When a federal holiday lands on a weekday, banks close on that day. Many banks also close on the day after Christmas as an observed holiday, even though December 26 is not a federal holiday itself.

The closure depends on your bank's individual policy. Some banks stay open on December 26. Others close only on December 25. A few large banks close both days. You need to check with your specific bank rather than assume based on the name or size.

If you need to move money on December 26, you have options that do not require a bank branch to be staffed. ATMs work on holidays. Online transfers and bill payments process normally. Mobile apps let you deposit checks remotely. The money may not settle until the next business day, but the transaction itself goes through.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks close on December 25 (Christmas) and many also close on December 26, but this varies by bank and you should check your bank's holiday schedule directly.
  • ATMs, online transfers, mobile check deposits, and bill payments all work on December 26 even if your bank branch is closed.
  • Transactions submitted on December 26 may not settle until December 29 because the 27th and 28th are weekend days.
  • If you need cash or in-person service on December 26, call your bank ahead of time or check their website for which branches stay open.

How to find your bank's December 26 hours

The fastest way is to search your bank's name plus "holiday hours" on their website. Most banks publish their December schedule in early December. You can also call the main customer service number — it usually has a recorded message about holiday closures, or you can speak to someone who knows the exact policy for your branch.

If you bank at a large national bank like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, check their website directly rather than calling. These banks have different policies by branch, and the website tool lets you enter your zip code to see your specific location's hours. Regional banks and credit unions often have simpler policies — they may close all branches on the same days — but you still need to verify.

Some banks stay open on December 26 specifically because they know customers need access after the holiday. Others close as a courtesy to staff. There is no standard rule across the industry.

What you can do without a bank branch on December 26

ATMs work 24/7 on holidays. You can withdraw cash, deposit cash or checks (if your ATM has that feature), transfer money between your own accounts, and check your balance. The only limit is the daily withdrawal limit your bank sets, which is typically $500 to $1,000 depending on your account type.

Online banking and mobile apps work normally. You can pay bills, send money to other people through services like Zelle or your bank's transfer tool, and move money between accounts. These transactions process when ready in your bank's system, though the receiving account may not see the funds until the next business day if the receiving bank is also closed.

Mobile check deposit — taking a photo of a check through your bank's app — works on December 26. The check image submits when ready. The funds typically appear in your account by the next business day, or sometimes the same day depending on the amount and your bank's policy.

When money actually settles after December 26

December 26 is a Friday. December 27 and 28 are Saturday and Sunday. December 29 is Monday. This matters because banks do not process settlements on weekends or federal holidays.

If you send a transfer on December 26, it may show as "pending" in your account when ready, but the receiving bank will not actually receive the funds until Monday, December 29. If you deposit a check on December 26 through an ATM or mobile app, the funds typically post by December 29 or December 30, depending on the check amount and your bank's clearing schedule.

Wire transfers sent on December 26 will not move until December 29. ACH transfers (the standard method for moving money between banks) submitted on December 26 will process on December 29. If you need money to arrive by a specific date, plan for the extra weekend delay.

What happens if you need cash and your bank is closed

Use an ATM from your bank or a network ATM your bank partners with. If your bank is part of a shared network like Allpoint, MoneyPass, or CO-OP, you can use thousands of ATMs nationwide without a fee. Check your bank's website or app to find participating ATMs near you.

If you do not have enough cash on hand and your bank's ATM is not accessible, you can ask a retailer for cash back when you make a debit card purchase. Most grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores will let you withdraw $20 to $100 at checkout with no fee.

Credit unions sometimes have different holiday schedules than banks. If you are a credit union member, check their specific hours — some credit unions stay open on December 26 even when banks close.

Planning ahead for the December 25–26 closure

If you know you will need cash or in-person service around Christmas, withdraw money on December 24 or earlier. This is the simplest way to avoid any issues. Most people do this automatically — ATMs are busier than usual in the days before a holiday closure.

If you need to pay bills or send money, do it before December 25. Online banking works normally up until the bank's cutoff time on December 24 (usually 5 p.m. or later, depending on the bank). Transactions submitted before the cutoff will process on December 24 or settle by December 26.

If you have automatic payments or recurring transfers set to go out on December 25 or 26, they will process on the next business day, which is December 29. If this timing matters for your budget, log into your bank's app and reschedule them to December 24 or December 29.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on December 26 if the bank is closed?

Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs, stores, and online merchants on December 26 regardless of whether your bank branch is open. The only exception is if your card is blocked or expired. Transactions process normally through the payment network.

Will a check I deposit on December 26 clear by December 29?

Probably not. Checks deposited on December 26 typically clear by December 30 or December 31, depending on the check amount and your bank's policy. Large checks may take longer. If you need the money urgently, ask the check writer for a wire transfer instead.

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

Call the customer service number on the back of your card. Most banks have phone support available on holidays, even if branches are closed. You can also use the chat feature in your mobile app if your bank offers it.

Do credit unions have the same hours as banks on December 26?

No. Credit unions set their own holiday schedules. Some close on December 26, others stay open. Check your credit union's website or call their main number to confirm.

If I send money on December 26, when will the other person receive it?

If you use Zelle or your bank's transfer tool to send money to someone at another bank, they will see it on December 29 at the earliest, because both banks are closed on December 26 and the weekend follows. Wire transfers also settle on December 29.