Most banks are closed on December 26th, but the answer depends on where you live and what you need to do
December 26th is not a federal holiday in the United States, so most banks operate on a normal schedule. However, some banks choose to observe the day after Christmas as a holiday anyway, particularly if Christmas falls on a weekday. Your bank may be open, closed, or operating on reduced hours — you need to check with your specific branch rather than assume.
The safest approach is to call your bank's customer service line or check their website for December 26th hours before you go. Most banks post holiday schedules in early December. If you need to deposit a check or handle a transaction that day, knowing in advance whether your branch is open saves a wasted trip.
Key Takeaways
- December 26th is not a federal holiday, so most U.S. banks operate normally, but individual banks may close anyway.
- Your bank's website or customer service line will show December 26th hours for your specific branch.
- If your branch is closed, ATMs and mobile banking remain available for most transactions.
- Banks that do close on December 26th typically reopen the next business day with no delay to your account activity.
Which banks typically close on December 26th
Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank do not automatically close on December 26th. However, some regional banks and credit unions treat the day as a holiday and shut down. The decision is made by each institution individually, not by federal law.
If your bank is part of a larger network, branches in different states may have different policies. A Chase branch in New York might be open while another in a different state is closed. This is why calling ahead or checking online is the only reliable way to know.
How to find your bank's December 26th hours
Visit your bank's official website and look for a "Locations" or "Hours" section. Enter your zip code or branch address, and the page should display hours for that specific branch. Most banks update these pages by early December for the holiday season.
If the website does not show December 26th specifically, call the branch directly or use the bank's customer service number. Have your branch location ready when you call. A representative can tell you whether that branch will be open and what services are available if it is closed.
What you can do if your bank is closed
ATMs work 24/7 regardless of whether the branch is open, so you can withdraw cash, check your balance, or transfer money between your own accounts. Mobile banking apps also function normally on closed days — you can pay bills, send money, and deposit checks by phone if your bank offers mobile check deposit.
If you need to speak to a representative, most banks maintain phone support on December 26th even if branches are closed. You can also wait until the next business day; transactions posted to your account before the close of business on December 26th will typically process the same day, even if the branch is closed.
December 26th and check deposits
If you deposit a check on December 26th and the branch is closed, the deposit will not be processed until the next business day. However, if you use mobile check deposit through your bank's app, the check is submitted electronically and will be processed according to the bank's normal timeline — usually one to two business days after submission, regardless of whether the branch was open.
If December 26th falls on a Friday and your bank is closed, your check will not clear until Monday at the earliest. Plan accordingly if you need the funds quickly.
Wire transfers and time-sensitive transactions on December 26th
Wire transfers sent on December 26th may not arrive until the next business day, depending on the time you send them and whether your bank processes wires on that date. If you need money to move urgently, confirm with your bank whether they are processing wires on December 26th before you initiate the transfer.
For transactions that must complete on a specific date, do not wait until December 26th. Handle them on December 24th or 25th if possible, or wait until December 27th. Banks cannot may provide same-day processing on days when they are closed or operating with limited staff.
Planning ahead for the December holiday period
If you know you will need banking services during the holiday period, handle what you can before December 24th. Pay bills, make deposits, and withdraw cash in advance. This removes the risk of finding your branch closed or experiencing delays.
Check your bank's full holiday schedule for the entire December and January period. Some banks close on multiple days — Christmas, the day after Christmas, and New Year's Day — and knowing all of them at once helps you plan. Most banks post this information on their websites by November.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December 26th a federal holiday?
No. December 26th is not a federal holiday in the United States. Federal holidays are set by law, and banks are required to close on those days. Individual banks may choose to close on December 26th anyway, but they are not required to.
Will my direct deposit process on December 26th if the bank is closed?
Yes. Direct deposits are processed electronically and do not depend on the branch being open. If your employer sends your paycheck on December 26th, it will arrive in your account on that date or the next business day, regardless of branch hours.
Can I use my debit card on December 26th if the bank is closed?
Yes. Debit cards work at any ATM or merchant 24/7. The branch being closed does not affect your ability to spend money or withdraw cash. You can also use your card to pay bills online or in stores.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on December 26th?
Call your bank's customer service line. Most large banks maintain phone support on December 26th even if branches are closed. You may experience longer wait times, but a representative should be available to help with account questions or issues.
Do credit unions have different hours than banks on December 26th?
Credit unions set their own holiday schedules, just like banks do. Some close on December 26th and some do not. Check your credit union's website or call your branch to confirm hours for that specific day.