Most banks are closed on December 26 if it falls on a weekday

December 26 is not a federal holiday in the United States, so banks are not required to close that day. However, many banks do close on December 26 anyway because it falls the day after Christmas (December 25), which is a federal holiday. When a federal holiday lands on a weekday, some banks extend the closure to the following day as a courtesy to staff.

Whether your specific bank is open depends on the bank's own policy, not a government rule. Some large national banks close on December 26, while others stay open. Regional and community banks vary as well. The only way to know for certain is to check with your bank directly.

Key Takeaways

  • December 26 is not a federal holiday, so banks are not legally required to close.
  • Many banks choose to close on December 26 because it follows Christmas, a federal holiday.
  • Your bank's hours on December 26 depend on that bank's individual policy, not a national rule.
  • Call your bank's customer service line or check their website to confirm whether they are open on December 26.
  • If your bank is closed, you can usually handle routine transactions through their mobile app or ATM.

How to find your bank's December 26 hours

The fastest way is to call your bank's main customer service number. Most banks have a phone line that operates even when branches are closed, and they can tell you whether your local branch will be open on December 26. You can also visit your bank's website and search for "holiday hours" — most banks publish their December schedule in early December.

If you bank with a large national chain like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, or Citibank, you can also check their mobile app. Many apps show branch hours directly, and some let you filter by location. A quick search for "[Your Bank Name] December 26 hours" will usually pull up their holiday schedule as well.

What you can do if your bank is closed

If your branch is closed on December 26 but you need to handle banking tasks, you have several options that do not require a staff member. ATMs work 24 hours a day, so you can withdraw cash, deposit checks (at ATMs that accept them), and check your balance anytime. Most banks also let you transfer money between your own accounts through an ATM or mobile app.

For transactions that require a person — like opening a new account, getting a cashier's check, or disputing a charge — you will need to wait until the branch reopens. If the matter is urgent, some banks have customer service representatives available by phone even on days when branches are closed, and they can sometimes handle issues remotely or schedule an appointment for the next business day.

Banks that typically close on December 26

Large national banks often close on December 26 as a matter of policy. This includes Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank, though you should confirm with your specific branch because policies can vary by location. Credit unions also frequently close on December 26, especially if they are closed on Christmas.

Smaller regional and community banks are less predictable. Some close on December 26 out of tradition or to give staff time off after the holiday rush, while others stay open because they are not closed on Christmas itself. The only reliable way to know is to contact your bank directly.

Planning ahead for the holiday week

If you know you will need to visit your bank during the week of Christmas, plan your visit for December 23 or 24 if possible. These days are usually open but busy, so arrive early or use online banking for routine tasks. If you need a cashier's check, a new debit card, or other services that require staff, request them before December 24 so you have them in hand.

For bills due around December 26, pay them online or by phone a few days early. Most banks process online payments within one to three business days, so a payment made on December 23 will typically post by December 26 or 27. This keeps you from missing a due date if your bank is closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my ATM on December 26 if the branch is closed?

Yes. ATMs operate 24 hours a day regardless of whether the branch is open. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks at most ATMs on December 26, even if the branch staff are not working.

Will my online banking work on December 26?

Yes. Online banking and mobile apps work around the clock on holidays. You can transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and check your balance on December 26 without any interruption.

What if I need to deposit a check on December 26 and my bank is closed?

If your bank has an ATM that accepts mobile check deposits, you can use that. Otherwise, you can use your bank's mobile app to deposit the check by taking a photo of the front and back. The deposit will post once the bank reopens.

Do credit unions close on December 26?

Most credit unions close on December 26 if they are also closed on Christmas, but some stay open. Contact your credit union directly to confirm their December 26 hours, as policies vary by institution.