Most banks are closed on December 26th if Christmas falls on a weekday

The day after Christmas is not a federal holiday, so whether your bank is open depends on what day Christmas lands on. If Christmas is on a weekday (Monday through Friday), most major banks treat December 26th as a regular business day and open at their normal hours. If Christmas is on a Saturday, December 26th is Sunday and banks are closed. If Christmas is on a Sunday, December 26th is Monday and banks open normally.

Some regional banks and credit unions may observe the day after Christmas as a holiday even when it is not federally mandated, so calling ahead is the safest move. A few institutions give their employees the day off as a courtesy holiday, which means branches close even though the federal government does not require it.

Key Takeaways

  • December 26th is a regular business day for most banks unless Christmas fell on a weekend, in which case the observed holiday shifts to the nearest weekday.
  • Major national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically open on December 26th at standard hours when it is a weekday.
  • Credit unions and smaller regional banks may close on December 26th even when it is not a federal holiday, so you should check your institution's holiday schedule.
  • ATMs and online banking work on December 26th regardless of branch closures, so you can access funds and move money without visiting a physical location.
  • If you need to visit a branch, call ahead or check your bank's website for that specific day's hours rather than assuming standard times.

How the federal holiday calendar affects your bank

The federal government recognizes Christmas Day (December 25th) as a holiday, which means all federally chartered banks must close. The day after Christmas is not on the federal holiday list, so banks are not required to shut down. However, the actual day you observe depends on what day of the week Christmas falls on.

When Christmas is on a Saturday, banks close on Friday (December 24th) to observe the holiday. When Christmas is on a Sunday, banks close on Monday (December 26th) instead. This is called an "observed" holiday. In these cases, December 26th becomes a bank holiday even though it is not the actual date of Christmas. When Christmas is on a weekday, December 26th is just a regular day.

What major banks do on December 26th

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and other large national banks follow the federal holiday schedule strictly. On December 26th of a year when Christmas was on a weekday, these banks open at their normal branch hours—usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some locations stay open until 6 p.m. or later. You can check your specific branch's hours on the bank's website or by calling the location directly.

If Christmas was on a Saturday or Sunday, these same banks will be closed on December 26th because they are observing the Christmas holiday on that Monday. The bank's website will show December 26th as a holiday closure in those years.

Credit unions and regional banks may have different schedules

Credit unions are not always bound by the federal holiday schedule in the same way that federally chartered banks are. Some credit unions close on December 26th as a courtesy to employees even when it is not a federal holiday. Others stick to the federal calendar and open normally. This varies by institution and sometimes by individual branch.

Regional and community banks also have discretion over their holiday schedules. A smaller bank in your area might observe December 26th as a holiday while a national chain does not. The only way to know for certain is to contact your bank directly or check their holiday schedule on their website. Most institutions post their full holiday calendar online by November.

Using ATMs and online banking when branches are closed

Even if your bank's physical branches are closed on December 26th, ATMs work around the clock. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks using mobile deposit or an ATM with a check slot, and transfer money between your own accounts. ATM transactions process normally and funds are available the same day for most transfers.

Online banking and mobile apps also work on December 26th regardless of branch status. You can pay bills, send money to other people, check your balance, and review transactions. The only thing you cannot do is speak to a banker in person or handle issues that require a teller, such as ordering cashier's checks or reporting a lost card to someone face-to-face.

What to do if you need to visit a branch on December 26th

Before you go to your bank on December 26th, check whether that day is a holiday for your institution. Visit your bank's website and look for a holiday schedule or hours page. Most banks list their December closures prominently in November and December. You can also call your branch directly and ask about December 26th hours.

If your branch is closed and you need to handle something that requires a teller, look for a nearby branch of the same bank that might be open, or wait until the next business day. If it is urgent—such as a fraud dispute or a blocked card—call your bank's customer service line, which typically operates on holidays. Many banks have a phone number on the back of your card for after-hours support.

Planning ahead for the holiday banking season

The week between Christmas and New Year's is unpredictable for bank hours. Some branches have reduced hours, some close entirely on certain days, and holiday schedules vary by location. If you know you will need to handle banking tasks during this period, do them before December 24th or plan to use ATMs and online banking instead.

If you are expecting a deposit or payment to arrive around December 26th, remember that banks do not process transactions on federal holidays. A deposit that would normally clear in one business day might take longer if it arrives on or near a holiday. Check with your bank about their specific processing timeline during the holiday period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my bank be open on December 26, 2024?

December 26, 2024 is a Thursday, so most banks will be open at regular hours. Christmas 2024 falls on a Monday, making December 26th a normal business day. However, some credit unions and regional banks may choose to close, so contact your bank to confirm.

Can I deposit a check on December 26th if the bank is closed?

Yes. If your bank's app or ATM has mobile deposit or a check-accepting slot, you can deposit checks anytime. The deposit will be processed when the bank reopens, but it counts as deposited on the day you submit it. Online deposits typically post within one business day after the bank processes them.

What if I need to report fraud on December 26th?

Call your bank's customer service number on the back of your card. These lines operate on holidays and can freeze your account, dispute transactions, and issue a replacement card. You do not need to visit a branch to report fraud.

Do wire transfers process on December 26th?

Wire transfers do not process on federal holidays. If December 26th is a holiday for your bank, outgoing wires will process the next business day. Incoming wires may also be delayed. Check with your bank about their specific wire processing schedule during the holiday period.

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

Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and any merchant regardless of whether your bank's branches are open. The only limitation is that you cannot visit a physical branch to speak with a banker or handle teller-only services.