Most banks are closed on December 26, but it depends on your bank and your location

The day after Christmas—December 26—is not a federal holiday, so banks are not required to close. However, many large banks do close on this day anyway, treating it as an observed holiday for their staff. Whether your bank is open depends on which bank you use, which state you're in, and whether that state recognizes the day as a holiday.

The safest approach is to check your specific bank's website or call the branch directly. Most banks publish their holiday hours in early December, and you can usually find them under "Locations" or "Hours" on the main website. If you need cash or need to deposit a check, plan ahead: ATMs work on December 26 even if branches are closed, and mobile deposit (photographing a check through your bank's app) works any day.

Key Takeaways

  • December 26 is not a federal holiday, so banks are not legally required to close, but many choose to anyway.
  • Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo typically close on December 26, though some branches may have different hours.
  • Credit unions and smaller regional banks vary widely—some close, some stay open with reduced hours, and some operate normally.
  • ATMs and mobile deposit work on December 26 regardless of whether the branch is open, so you can access cash and deposit checks without visiting in person.
  • Call your bank or check its website before December 26 to confirm hours, because policies differ by location and can change year to year.

Which banks typically close on December 26

The major national banks—Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, Wells Fargo, and US Bank—generally close on December 26. However, this is not a blanket rule. Some branches in states that do not recognize December 26 as a holiday may stay open, and some banks have started opening select branches on this day in recent years.

The only way to know for certain is to check your bank's specific location. Go to your bank's website, find the branch locator, and click on your branch. The hours listed there should show whether December 26 is a closed day. If the website does not list holiday hours clearly, call the branch directly—the phone number is usually on the location page.

Credit unions and regional banks often have different hours

Credit unions do not all follow the same holiday schedule as large national banks. Some credit unions close on December 26, some stay open with normal hours, and some open for limited hours. This varies by credit union and by state.

Regional banks—like PNC, Fifth Third, or KeyBank—also vary. The best practice is the same: check the specific branch's website or call ahead. Do not assume that because a national bank is closed, your credit union or regional bank will be too.

What you can do if your bank is closed

If you need cash on December 26 and your bank is closed, use an ATM. ATMs work 24/7 regardless of whether the branch is open. If you use an out-of-network ATM, you may pay a fee (usually $2 to $3), so check whether there is an in-network ATM near you first.

If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit if your bank offers it. Open your bank's app, select "deposit check," photograph the front and back of the check, and submit it. The check will be processed when the bank reopens. Most banks process mobile deposits within one business day, so a check deposited on December 26 will usually post by December 27 or 28.

If you need to speak to someone at the bank—to dispute a charge, ask about a loan, or handle something that requires a person—you will have to wait until the branch reopens. If it is urgent, some banks offer phone support on holidays; check your bank's website for a customer service number.

Planning ahead for the December 26 closure

If you know you will need cash or need to make a deposit around Christmas, plan for it before December 24. Withdraw cash before the holiday weekend, or deposit checks before December 24 so they post before the branch closes.

If you are expecting a wire transfer or ACH payment (like a paycheck or tax refund), know that these do not process on federal holidays or weekends. A payment scheduled to arrive on December 26 will usually arrive on December 27 instead, even if your bank is open on the 26th. Check with your employer or the sending bank if you are unsure when a payment will arrive.

State-specific rules that affect bank hours

A few states recognize December 26 as a holiday (usually as an observed Christmas holiday if Christmas falls on a weekend). In those states, banks are required to close. However, most states do not, which is why the decision to close is up to each bank.

If you live in a state where December 26 is not a holiday, some branches may still choose to close for business reasons—staff scheduling, reduced customer demand, or company policy. This is why checking your specific branch is the only reliable method.

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 regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. You can withdraw cash from an ATM and make purchases anywhere that accepts cards. The only thing you cannot do is visit the branch in person.

Will my paycheck deposit on December 26 if it's direct deposit?

Direct deposits typically post on the scheduled date even if the bank is closed, so your paycheck should arrive on December 26 if that is the scheduled date. However, if December 26 falls on a weekend or if your employer processes payroll on a different schedule, the deposit may arrive on December 27 instead. Check with your employer if you are unsure.

What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on December 26?

Call your bank's customer service line. Most large banks offer phone support on holidays, though wait times may be longer. The number is usually on the back of your debit card or on the bank's website. If it is not urgent, you can also use online chat or email, which you can send anytime and receive a response when the bank reopens.

Do online banks close on December 26?

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Marcus do not have physical branches, so they do not "close" in the traditional sense. However, they may not process certain transactions (like wire transfers or ACH payments) on December 26 if it is treated as a holiday. Check your online bank's website for its holiday schedule.

Can I still pay bills online on December 26?

Yes. Online bill pay works 24/7. However, if you schedule a payment for December 26, it may not process until December 27 if your bank treats the 26th as a holiday. If you need a bill paid by a specific date, schedule it for December 24 or earlier to be safe.