Most banks close early on New Year's Eve and stay closed on New Year's Day
If you need to visit a bank branch on December 31st, plan to go before noon. Most major banks—including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank—close at midday or early afternoon on New Year's Eve, not at their regular time. Some branches close at 1 p.m., others at 2 p.m. Call your specific branch to confirm, because closing times vary by location.
On January 1st, virtually all bank branches are closed for the federal holiday. This includes all the major national banks and most regional and local banks. ATMs remain available 24/7, so you can withdraw cash or check your balance, but you cannot speak to a teller or access services that require a person.
If you need to deposit a check or handle a transaction that requires a teller, you have until the close of business on December 30th. Anything you deposit on December 31st after the branch closes, or on January 1st, will not post until January 2nd at the earliest.
Key Takeaways
- Bank branches close early on New Year's Eve—typically between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.—so visit in the morning if you need a teller.
- All bank branches are closed on January 1st because it is a federal holiday, though ATMs work normally.
- Deposits made after hours on December 31st or on January 1st will not post until January 2nd.
- Call your branch directly to confirm its exact closing time on December 31st, since times vary by location.
- Online banking, bill pay, and transfers work normally on both days, even when branches are closed.
What you can and cannot do when branches are closed
ATMs work around the clock on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM accepts mobile deposits or envelope deposits), transfer money between your own accounts, and check your balance. The transaction will process, though a check deposit may not clear until January 2nd.
Online banking and mobile apps work normally. You can pay bills, transfer money between accounts at the same bank, send money to other people through your bank's payment system, and review your account history. These transactions process on the schedule the bank normally uses—some post when ready, others post the next business day.
You cannot speak to a customer service representative at a branch, open a new account in person, explore for a loan, or handle disputes that require a teller's help. If you need these services, you will have to wait until January 2nd, or contact your bank's phone line or online chat if they offer holiday support (some do, some do not).
When deposits and transfers actually post
A check you deposit on December 31st after your branch closes will not post until January 2nd at the earliest, because the bank does not process deposits on January 1st. The same is true for any check you deposit on January 1st itself. This matters if you are counting on that money to cover a bill or payment due on January 2nd.
Transfers between your own accounts at the same bank usually post when ready, even on holidays, if you initiate them through online banking or an ATM. Transfers to accounts at other banks take longer—typically one to three business days—and the clock does not start until January 2nd.
ACH transfers (the system banks use to move money between institutions) do not process on January 1st. If you schedule a transfer to post on January 1st, it will actually post on January 2nd instead. If you schedule one for January 2nd, it will post on January 2nd unless that is a Saturday, in which case it posts on Monday, January 4th.
How to handle urgent banking needs over the holiday
If you need cash before the bank closes on December 31st, use an ATM. If your bank is part of a shared ATM network, you can use another bank's ATM in the network without a fee. Most major banks participate in networks like Allpoint or MoneyPass, which have thousands of ATMs nationwide.
If you need to move money urgently, use online banking or your mobile app. Most banks process transfers between your own accounts when ready, even on holidays. If you need to send money to someone else, use your bank's bill pay or peer-to-peer payment system (like Zelle, if your bank offers it). These typically post within one to three business days, but the transaction is recorded when ready.
If you have a genuine emergency—a fraudulent charge, a frozen account, or a critical error—call your bank's customer service line. Most major banks staff a phone line on holidays for urgent issues, though wait times are longer. The number is on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website.
Planning ahead to avoid delays
If you know you will need cash or need to make a deposit, do it on December 30th. This gives you a full business day to handle anything that requires a teller, and it ensures that checks clear before the holiday.
If you are expecting a paycheck or a transfer to arrive around January 1st, remember that it will not post until January 2nd at the earliest. If you need that money for a bill due on January 2nd, contact the biller and ask for a grace period, or plan to use a different payment method.
If you use automatic bill pay, check that your bills are scheduled to post after January 2nd. If a bill is scheduled for January 1st or 2nd and your account does not have enough money, it may fail and trigger an overdraft fee. You can usually reschedule automatic payments through your online banking portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day?
Yes. Your debit card works normally at stores, gas pumps, and online retailers on both days. ATMs also work. The only thing that does not work is visiting a branch in person to speak to a teller.
Will my paycheck deposit on time if it arrives on January 1st?
No. Paycheck deposits that arrive on January 1st will not post until January 2nd because banks do not process deposits on federal holidays. If your paycheck normally arrives on January 1st, it will post on January 2nd instead.
What if I need to dispute a charge on New Year's Day?
Call your bank's customer service line. Most banks staff a phone line for urgent issues on holidays. You can report the charge and start a dispute, though the formal investigation will not begin until January 2nd when the bank returns to normal operations.
Do credit unions have different hours than banks on New Year's Eve?
Most credit unions also close early on December 31st and are closed on January 1st, but hours vary by institution. Call your credit union directly to confirm. ATMs and online banking work the same way as they do at banks.
Can I open a new account on December 31st?
Not in a branch. You may be able to open an account online through your bank's website, depending on the bank's system. Call ahead or check the website to see if online account opening is available on December 31st.