Most banks are open on December 26, 2025

December 26 is not a federal holiday in the United States, so the vast majority of banks will operate on a normal business day schedule. However, some individual banks or branches may close on December 26 if they observe it as part of their Christmas holiday observance, particularly if Christmas fell on a Thursday or Friday. The only way to know for certain is to check your specific bank's website or call the branch directly, because policies vary significantly by institution and by location.

If your bank is closed and you need cash or access to your account, ATMs work 24/7 regardless of branch hours. You can also use mobile banking apps to transfer money, pay bills, check balances, or deposit checks by photo without visiting a physical branch. Phone support is often available even when branches are closed.

Key Takeaways

  • December 26 is a regular business day for most U.S. banks, though some institutions may close it as part of their Christmas observance period.
  • The fastest way to confirm your bank's status is to call your branch directly, check the bank's website under "Locations" or "Hours," or log into your online banking portal.
  • ATMs and mobile apps work on December 26 even if the physical branch is closed, allowing you to withdraw cash, deposit checks, and transfer money.
  • If you need in-person services like speaking to a teller or handling a complex transaction, confirm your branch is open before December 26 arrives.
  • Credit unions and online banks may have different holiday schedules than major commercial banks, so verify their specific hours separately.

How to check your specific bank's hours

Your bank's website usually displays holiday hours under a "Locations," "Hours," or "Branch Finder" tab. Search for your branch by address or ZIP code, and the page will show whether it is open on December 26 and what time it closes. Many banks also publish their full holiday schedule in the footer of their homepage or in a dedicated "Holiday Hours" section.

If you cannot find the information online, call the branch directly. The phone number appears on your debit card, your monthly statements, or the bank's main website. A staff member can confirm in seconds whether that location is open on December 26 and answer questions about specific services you need.

You can also check your mobile banking app, which often displays branch hours and holiday schedules. Some apps even let you schedule an appointment or message the branch directly to ask about December 26 hours.

What you can do if your branch is closed

ATMs let you withdraw cash, deposit checks (at most banks), and transfer money between your own accounts without needing a teller. These machines operate around the clock on December 26, even if the branch is closed. Check your bank's website to find the nearest ATM location if your regular branch is not accessible.

Mobile banking apps let you pay bills, send money to other people, check your balance, and freeze or unfreeze your card. You can also deposit checks by taking a photo of the front and back with your phone — most banks offer mobile check deposit through their app, and the funds typically become available within one to two business days.

If you need to speak to someone, many banks offer phone support on December 26 even when branches are closed. The customer service number is usually on your card or statement. Some banks also offer chat support through their website or app during extended hours.

Banks that may be closed on December 26

Some banks treat December 26 as an observed holiday if Christmas fell on a Thursday or Friday, extending their Christmas closure into the following day. This is less common than closing on December 25 alone, but it does happen at certain institutions. Banks with strong ties to countries where Boxing Day (December 26) is a statutory holiday may also close, though most U.S.-based commercial banks do not follow this practice.

Credit unions sometimes have different holiday schedules than commercial banks. If you bank with a credit union, check their website or call ahead, because their closure dates may not match the major national banks. Some credit unions close on December 26 while others remain open.

Online banks and digital-only financial institutions do not have physical branches, so they do not close on any day. You can manage your account, transfer money, and pay bills on December 26 through their website or app regardless of the date.

Planning ahead for the holiday week

If you know you will need cash or in-person banking services between December 24 and December 26, withdraw money and handle transactions before December 24. Most banks close on December 25 (Christmas Day), and many also close on December 24 (Christmas Eve). Planning ahead prevents you from being caught without access to funds during the holiday period.

If you have bills due during this period, pay them online or through your mobile app before the holiday week begins. This avoids late fees and keeps your accounts current even if you cannot visit a branch. Set up automatic payments for recurring bills so they process on schedule regardless of bank hours.

For checks you need to deposit, use mobile check deposit through your app before the holiday week if possible. If you must deposit on December 26, use an ATM or mobile app — checks typically clear within one to two business days regardless of when you deposit them, so timing is usually not critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs and retail stores on December 26 regardless of whether your branch is open. The only limitation is that you cannot speak to a teller or visit a physical location for in-person services.

Will my direct deposit go through on December 26?

Direct deposits usually process on schedule even when branches are closed, because the transfers happen through automated systems. However, if December 26 falls on a weekend, your deposit may arrive on the next business day instead. Check your bank's website for their specific direct deposit schedule.

What if I need to deposit a check on December 26?

Use your bank's mobile app to deposit by photo, or deposit at an ATM if your bank offers that feature. If neither option is available, wait until the branch reopens and deposit then — checks typically clear within one to two business days regardless of when you deposit them.

Do online banks close on December 26?

Online banks do not have physical branches, so they do not close on any day. You can transfer money, pay bills, and manage your account on December 26 through their website or app without any interruption.

What if my bank's website does not show December 26 hours?

Call the branch directly or use the bank's mobile app to find contact information. You can also visit the branch in person before December 26 to ask about their holiday schedule, or send a message through online banking if that option is available.