Most banks will be closed on December 26, 2025
December 26 falls on a Friday in 2025, and most banks observe it as a holiday because it is the day after Christmas. The federal government recognizes December 25 as a holiday, and when that holiday falls on a Thursday, the following Friday is typically treated as a holiday observance as well. This means your bank branch will likely be closed, ATMs will still work, and online banking will remain available.
However, some banks handle the day differently. A small number of banks stay open on December 26, particularly if they are located in areas where the local government does not observe it as a holiday, or if they choose to remain open despite the federal holiday. Your specific bank's schedule depends on its own policy and the state or locality where your branch is located.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks will be closed on December 26, 2025, because it is observed as a holiday the day after Christmas.
- ATM withdrawals and online banking will work normally even when branches are closed.
- A few banks may stay open, so checking your bank's holiday schedule directly is the only way to be certain.
- If you need cash or in-person service on December 26, plan ahead by visiting your branch on December 24 or 25 if open, or December 29.
How to find your bank's December 26 schedule
The fastest way to know for certain is to call your bank's customer service line or visit their website and search for "holiday hours" or "2025 holiday schedule." Most banks publish this information in October or November. You can also visit your branch in person and ask a teller, or send a message through your online banking portal.
If you bank with a large national bank like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, or Citibank, you can usually find the schedule on their main website under a link labeled "Holiday Hours" or "Branch Locator." Smaller regional banks and credit unions often post their schedules on their homepage or in a FAQ section.
What you can still do when your bank is closed
Even if your branch is closed on December 26, you can withdraw cash from any ATM that is part of your bank's network or a shared ATM network. You can also transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, deposit checks using mobile check deposit (if your bank offers it), and check your balance through online banking or your bank's mobile app.
The only things you cannot do are visit a teller, speak to a banker in person, or conduct transactions that require a staff member — such as opening a new account, explore for a loan, or resolving a dispute that needs human review. Those will have to wait until your branch reopens.
Planning ahead for December 26
If you know you will need cash or in-person banking on December 26, withdraw what you need on December 24 or 25 if your branch is open those days. December 24 is not a federal holiday, so most banks will be open with normal hours. December 25 is Christmas and banks will be closed, but December 24 is your final note before the weekend.
If December 26 is the only day you can visit your branch, plan to go on December 29 (Monday) instead. The branch will reopen and you will have the same service available. If you have a time-sensitive need — such as a check that must clear by a certain date — contact your bank before December 24 to explain the situation and ask what options exist.
Differences between banks and credit unions
Credit unions follow the same federal holiday schedule as banks, so most credit unions will also be closed on December 26, 2025. However, some credit unions have different policies or are located in states that do not observe the day as a holiday. The same rule applies: check your credit union's website or call ahead to confirm.
Online-only banks (banks with no physical branches) do not have branch closures, so you can conduct all your normal banking on December 26 through their website or app. However, they may still process transactions more slowly on federal holidays, so a transfer you start on December 26 might not complete until December 29.
What happens to deposits and payments on December 26
If you deposit a check through an ATM or mobile app on December 26, it will be processed when the bank reopens on December 27 or 29, depending on whether December 27 is a Saturday. The deposit will not be available when ready. If you need the money before then, you will have to wait or use a different method.
Payments you schedule online for December 26 will usually process on that day or the next business day, depending on your bank's system. However, if you are paying a bill to another company (not your bank), that company may not receive or process the payment until December 29. If a payment is due on December 26, do not wait until that day — send it by December 24 to be safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on December 26 if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card will work at any store, ATM, or online merchant on December 26, regardless of whether your bank branch is open. The bank's computer systems are running even when the branch is closed.
Will checks I deposit on December 26 clear the same day?
No. Checks deposited on December 26 will not be processed until the bank reopens, which is typically December 29. The funds will not be available in your account until then, or possibly later depending on the check amount and your bank's policy.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on December 26?
Most banks have customer service phone lines open on federal holidays, though wait times are often longer. Call the number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. If you need in-person help, you will have to wait until December 29.
Are wire transfers available on December 26?
Wire transfers initiated through online banking may be accepted on December 26, but they will not be sent until the bank reopens on December 27 or 29. If you need a wire transfer to go out urgently, contact your bank before December 24 to ask about options.
Will my paycheck deposit on December 26 if my employer sends it that day?
Direct deposits scheduled for December 26 will usually arrive in your account on that day, even though the branch is closed, because direct deposit is an automated system. However, if your employer processes payroll on December 27 or later, your deposit will arrive then instead.