Most banks are open on December 26th, but some close by choice

December 26th is not a federal holiday in the United States, so banks are not required to close. Most large national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank — operate on their regular schedule on December 26th. However, some banks and credit unions choose to close their branches on that day as a courtesy to employees, even though the law does not require it.

The safest approach is to check with your specific bank rather than assume. A branch in one city might be open while another branch of the same bank in a different city is closed. The only way to know for certain is to look up your branch's hours directly or call ahead.

Key Takeaways

  • December 26th is a regular business day for federal purposes, so most banks operate on their normal schedule.
  • Some banks and credit unions close on December 26th as a courtesy to employees, even though it is not required by law.
  • Call your branch or check your bank's website to find out whether they will be open on December 26th.
  • If your bank is closed on December 26th, you can still use ATMs, mobile banking, and online transfers 24 hours a day.
  • Banks that close on December 26th typically reopen on December 27th at their regular time.

How to find your bank's December 26th hours

Start by visiting your bank's website and looking for a holiday hours page or branch locator tool. Most large banks publish their full December schedule by early November. Search for "holiday hours" or "December hours" on the site, or enter your branch location into the branch finder to see that specific branch's schedule.

If you cannot find the information online, call your branch directly. The phone number is usually on your debit card, your bank statements, or the bank's website. Ask whether they will be open on December 26th and what time they open and close. If you reach an automated system, you can usually press a button to hear holiday hours without waiting for a person.

For credit unions, the process is the same. Visit the credit union's website or call your local branch. Credit unions are more likely than banks to close on December 26th, so it is especially worth checking if you bank with a credit union.

What you can do if your bank is closed on December 26th

Even if your branch is closed, you can handle most banking needs without visiting in person. ATMs work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of whether the branch is open. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot) anytime on December 26th.

You can also use your bank's mobile app or website to transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, send money to other people, and deposit checks by taking a photo. These services work whether the branch is open or closed. If you need to speak to someone, most banks offer phone support on December 26th even if branches are closed, though wait times may be longer than usual.

Why some banks close on December 26th

Banks that close on December 26th do so voluntarily. Some treat the day after Christmas as an unofficial holiday for their employees. This is more common at smaller regional banks and credit unions than at large national banks, but policies vary widely. One branch of the same bank might be open while another is closed.

If you bank with a smaller or regional bank, or with a credit union, assume you may need to plan around a possible closure. Larger national banks are more likely to stay open on December 26th, but you should still verify your specific branch's hours rather than guess.

Planning ahead for the holiday week

If you know you will need to visit a branch during the week after Christmas, plan your visit for December 27th or later. December 26th is when closures are most likely, and by December 27th almost all banks are back to normal hours.

If you need to deposit a check, withdraw a large amount of cash, or handle something that requires a teller, do it before December 24th if you can. This removes any uncertainty about whether your branch will be open on December 26th and ensures you have what you need before the holiday week.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. ATMs work 24 hours a day regardless of whether the branch is open. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot) on December 26th even if the branch is closed.

Will online banking and mobile apps work on December 26th?

Yes. Online banking, mobile apps, and automated services like bill pay work on December 26th whether the branch is open or closed. You can transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks by photo anytime.

What if I need to talk to someone at the bank on December 26th?

Most banks offer phone support on December 26th even if branches are closed. Call the number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Response times may be longer than usual because of holiday volume.

Is December 26th a federal holiday?

No. December 26th is not a federal holiday in the United States. Banks are not required to close. Whether your bank closes is up to that bank's individual policy.

What should I do if I find out my bank is closed on December 26th?

Use an ATM to withdraw cash before December 26th, or use your mobile app to handle transfers and bill payments on the day itself. If you need to speak to someone, call your bank's phone line. Most branches reopen on December 27th at their regular time.