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 do close on this day anyway because they observe the day after Christmas as a holiday for their staff. Whether your specific bank is open depends on the bank's own policy, not on federal law.

The safest approach is to check your bank's website or call the branch directly. Most banks publish their holiday hours in early December, and you can find this information in the "Hours" or "Locations" section of their website, or by searching "[Your Bank Name] December 26 hours".

If you need cash and your bank is closed, ATMs remain available 24 hours a day. You can withdraw money from your own bank's ATM or use an ATM from another bank (though you may pay a fee). If you need to speak to someone or conduct a transaction that requires a teller, you will need to wait until the bank reopens.

Key Takeaways

  • December 26 is not a federal holiday, but many banks close anyway as a courtesy to staff.
  • Your bank's decision to open or close on December 26 is its own choice, so you must check directly with your branch.
  • ATMs work on December 26 even if the branch is closed, so you can withdraw cash anytime.
  • Bank websites and phone lines usually show holiday hours by early December.

How to find your bank's December 26 schedule

Start with your bank's website. Most banks have a "Locations" or "Find a Branch" tool where you can enter your zip code and see hours for your nearest branch. Once you find your branch, the page usually displays holiday hours separately from regular hours, often in a box at the top or in a note below the address.

If the website does not show December 26 specifically, call the branch directly. The phone number is on the location page. Ask whether the branch will be open on December 26. If you call after hours, you can leave a message or try the bank's main customer service line, which often has staff available even when branches are closed.

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank typically post holiday schedules online by the first week of December. Smaller regional banks and credit unions vary more widely — some stay open, others close for the full week between Christmas and New Year's.

What you can do if your bank is closed

ATMs are your primary option. You can withdraw cash from your bank's ATM network at any time, even on December 26. If your bank is part of a larger ATM network like Allpoint or MoneyPass, you may be able to use ATMs from other banks without a fee. Check your bank's website or your debit card to see which networks your bank participates in.

If you need to deposit a check or conduct a transaction that requires a teller, you have two choices: wait until the bank reopens, or use mobile banking. Many banks let you deposit checks through their mobile app by taking a photo of the front and back. This works on December 26 even if the branch is closed, though the funds may not appear in your account until the next business day.

If you need cash urgently and do not have access to an ATM, some grocery stores and pharmacies offer cash back when you make a purchase with a debit card. This is not a bank service, but it can help you get cash on a day when banks are closed.

Banks that typically close on December 26

Most major banks close on December 26, treating it as an observed holiday even though it is not federally mandated. This includes Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank, and PNC Bank. However, some branches in certain states or regions may stay open — the safest approach is always to check your specific branch.

Credit unions vary widely. Some close for the full week between Christmas and New Year's, while others open on December 26. Call your credit union's main line or check their website to confirm.

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Marcus do not have physical branches, so there are no branch hours to check. However, their customer service lines may have reduced staffing on December 26. You can still access your account, transfer money, and conduct most transactions through their apps and websites.

Planning ahead for the December holiday period

If you know you will need cash or services between December 24 and December 27, plan ahead. Withdraw cash before December 24, when most banks close for Christmas. Pay bills online or set up automatic payments before the holiday period. If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit through your bank's app rather than waiting for a branch to reopen.

The week between Christmas and New Year's is the slowest banking period of the year. Even when banks are technically open, processing times for transfers and deposits are often longer. If you have time-sensitive transactions, complete them before December 24.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs and stores on December 26 regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. You can withdraw cash from ATMs, make purchases, and transfer money through your bank's app or website.

Will checks I deposit on December 26 clear the same day?

No. If you deposit a check on December 26 through mobile deposit or at an ATM, it will be processed when the bank reopens, usually on December 27. The funds typically appear in your account one to two business days after that.

What if I need to speak to a bank representative on December 26?

Call your bank's customer service line. Most banks have phone support available even on days when branches are closed. You may experience longer wait times. For urgent issues, some banks offer chat support through their website or app.

Are credit unions open on December 26?

It depends on the credit union. Some close for the full holiday week, others open on December 26. Check your credit union's website or call their main number to confirm hours for your branch.

Can I transfer money between accounts on December 26?

Yes, if you use your bank's app or website. Transfers initiated on December 26 will process when the bank reopens, usually arriving by December 27 or 28 depending on the type of transfer.