Most banks are closed on December 26 in the United States, but the answer depends on whether it's a federal holiday where you live and what kind of banking you need to do.
December 26 is not a federal holiday in the U.S., which means banks are not required by federal law to close. However, many banks choose to close anyway because their customers are still observing the Christmas holiday weekend. Some banks treat the day after Christmas as an unofficial holiday and shut their branches, while others stay open with normal hours or reduced hours.
The safest approach is to check your specific bank's website or call the branch directly, because closure decisions vary by institution and sometimes by individual branch. A few major banks publish their December 26 hours in advance on their websites, usually under "Holiday Hours" or "Branch Hours". If you need to do banking on December 26, you have options that don't require a physical branch to be open.
Key Takeaways
- December 26 is not a federal holiday, so banks are not legally required to close, but many choose to anyway.
- Your bank's decision to open or close on December 26 depends on the institution itself, not on a national rule.
- ATMs and online banking work on December 26 regardless of whether branches are open, so you can withdraw cash and move money without visiting a branch.
- If you need to speak to someone at your bank on December 26, call ahead to confirm the branch is staffed before you go.
How to find your bank's December 26 hours
The fastest way is to search "[Your Bank Name] holiday hours" or "[Your Bank Name] December 26 hours" in a search engine. Most large banks post this information on their websites by early December. Look for a link labeled "Holiday Hours", "Branch Hours", or "Locations" on the bank's homepage.
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 the branch will be open on December 26 and what time it opens and closes. If you are calling a large bank's customer service line, they can tell you the status of your specific branch.
Some banks publish a full holiday calendar in November or early December. If you bank with Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, or another major institution, check their website now so you know what to expect before the holiday week arrives.
What you can do on December 26 even if branches are closed
ATMs work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including December 26. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), and check your balance without stepping into a branch. ATM transactions process when ready or within one business day, depending on the type of transaction.
Online banking and mobile apps work on December 26 just like any other day. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, send money to other people through services like Zelle or your bank's transfer tool, and review your transactions. These transfers may not process until the next business day, but you can initiate them on December 26.
If you need to deposit a check and your ATM does not have a deposit slot, you can use mobile check deposit through your bank's app. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, and the bank will process it. The funds typically appear in your account within one to two business days.
Banks that typically close on December 26
Large national banks often close on December 26 because they observe the Christmas holiday through the weekend. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank have historically closed branches on December 26, though some branches in certain states may stay open. Regional banks and credit unions vary widely — some close, some stay open with normal hours, and some open late or close early.
If your bank is a smaller regional institution or a credit union, call ahead rather than assuming closure. Credit unions in particular have different policies from one institution to another, and some stay open on December 26 while others close.
What happens if you need cash on December 26 and your bank is closed
Use an ATM at your bank or at another bank in your bank's network. Most banks belong to a shared ATM network, which means you can withdraw cash from ATMs run by other banks without visiting your own branch. Check your bank's website or your debit card to see which networks your bank participates in.
If you do not have access to an ATM, some grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores offer cash back when you make a purchase with your debit card. You do not need to buy anything large — a small purchase like a drink or snack will work. The cashier will ask how much cash back you want, and the amount is added to your total.
Planning ahead for the December holiday week
If you know you will need to do banking during the week between Christmas and New Year's, withdraw cash and handle transfers before December 24. This removes the risk of finding your branch closed when you need it.
Check your bank's holiday schedule now, not on December 26. Most banks post their full holiday calendar by early December, and knowing in advance means you can plan around closures. If you have bills due or regular payments scheduled for December 26 or 27, make sure you initiate them early enough that they process before the holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on December 26 if my bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs, stores, and online regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. You can withdraw cash from an ATM, make purchases, and pay bills online without visiting a branch.
Will my check deposit process on December 26?
If you deposit a check through an ATM or mobile app on December 26, it will be processed, but the funds typically will not appear in your account until December 27 or 28, depending on your bank. December 26 is not a business day for banking purposes because it falls during the holiday period.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on December 26?
Call your branch or your bank's customer service line to confirm someone is available. Many banks staff customer service lines even when branches are closed, so you may be able to reach someone by phone even if you cannot visit in person.
Do credit unions close on December 26?
Some do and some do not. Credit union closures vary by institution. Call your credit union directly or check their website for their December 26 hours rather than assuming they follow the same schedule as large banks.
Can I transfer money on December 26?
Yes, you can initiate transfers through online banking or your mobile app on December 26. The transfer will process, but it may not complete until December 27 or later because December 26 is not a standard business day for the banking system.