Most banks will be closed on December 26, 2025

December 26 falls on a Friday in 2025, but most U.S. banks will not be open that day. The reason is not the day of the week — it is that December 25 (Christmas) is a federal holiday, and when a federal holiday falls on a Thursday, many banks observe the following Friday as a holiday as well. This is called a "holiday observance" or "observed holiday."

However, the rule is not absolute. Some banks stay open on December 26, and some close only their physical branches while keeping ATMs and online banking available. A few banks in states that do not recognize the day as a holiday may operate normally. Your best move is to check with your specific bank rather than assume.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major U.S. banks close on December 26, 2025, because they observe the day after Christmas as a federal holiday observance.
  • ATMs and online banking typically remain available even when physical branches are closed.
  • Some regional and community banks may have different holiday schedules, so contacting your bank directly is the only way to be certain.
  • If you need cash or in-person service on December 26, plan ahead by withdrawing money on December 24 or 23.
  • Credit unions follow their own holiday schedules and may have different closure dates than banks.

Which banks close and which stay open

The major national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and U.S. Bank — all close their branches on December 26, 2025. Regional banks like PNC, TD Bank, and KeyBank also close. Most credit unions close as well, though some operate on different schedules depending on their bylaws.

Smaller community banks and credit unions are less predictable. Some observe December 26 as a holiday, others do not. A few banks in certain states may remain open because their state does not recognize the day as a holiday. The only way to know for certain is to call your bank's customer service line or check their website for their 2025 holiday schedule.

What services stay available when branches close

Even if your bank's physical location is closed on December 26, you can still access your money through ATMs. ATMs run 24/7 regardless of branch hours, so you can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit function) at any time.

Online banking and mobile apps also remain available. You can transfer money between accounts, pay bills, deposit checks by phone, and check your balance from home. Phone banking lines may have reduced staff, but most banks keep at least a basic customer service line open on observed holidays. Wire transfers and ACH transfers may process more slowly on holidays, so plan accordingly if you need money to move between accounts.

How to plan ahead if you need cash or services

If you know you will need cash on December 26 or the weekend after, withdraw it on December 24 or 23. ATMs will be available on December 26, but if you prefer to withdraw a large amount or need a cashier's check, you will need to do that before the holiday.

If you need to deposit a check, you can use your bank's mobile app or ATM on December 26 itself. If you need to speak to a person about a problem with your account, plan to call on December 27 (Saturday) or wait until Monday, December 29. Most banks have reduced weekend hours anyway, so Monday is usually the best day to reach someone.

What happens to payments and transfers on December 26

Payments you schedule to go out on December 26 will usually process on that day, even though the bank is closed. Bill payments, automatic transfers, and payroll deposits are handled by automated systems that do not stop for holidays. However, if you are sending money to another bank (a wire transfer or ACH transfer), it may not arrive until December 27 or later because the receiving bank may not process it until they reopen.

Check deposits made through mobile apps or ATMs on December 26 will be processed, but the funds may not be available in your account until December 27 or 29, depending on your bank's policy and the amount. If you need the money urgently, deposit it before the holiday.

Credit unions and smaller banks

Credit unions are not required to follow the same federal holiday schedule as banks. Some credit unions close on December 26, others stay open. A few credit unions observe different holidays altogether based on their membership or state location. Check your credit union's website or call their main number to confirm their December 26 hours.

Community banks and online-only banks vary widely. Some online banks (like Ally or Charles Schwab Bank) do not have physical branches, so "closed" means you cannot visit a location, but you can still use ATMs and online services. Others may close their customer service lines. Again, the only reliable answer is to check directly with your institution.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and any merchant that accepts it, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. You can also use it for online purchases and bill payments. The only thing you cannot do is visit a physical branch to speak to someone in person.

Will my paycheck deposit on December 26?

If your employer deposits your paycheck through direct deposit, it will arrive in your account on December 26 even though the bank is closed. The deposit is processed by automated systems that run continuously. However, if your employer processes payroll on a different schedule, your check might arrive on December 27 instead.

What if I need to dispute a transaction on December 26?

You can report a fraudulent or incorrect transaction through your bank's mobile app or website on December 26. You can also call customer service, though wait times may be longer. Your bank will begin investigating on December 27 or 29, depending on when they reopen. Do not wait — report it as soon as you notice it.

Are wire transfers slower on December 26?

Wire transfers initiated on December 26 may take longer to arrive because the receiving bank may not process them until December 27 or 29. If you need money to move urgently, send it on December 24 or 23 instead. Some banks process wires on holidays, but it is not may provide.

Can I get a cashier's check on December 26?

No. Cashier's checks can only be issued by a bank employee during business hours. If you need one, request it on December 24 or 23, or wait until December 29. Some banks can mail you a cashier's check, so ask about that option if you cannot visit in person.