December 24 is not a federal banking holiday
Banks and the Federal Reserve do not close on December 24 (Christmas Eve). The federal government recognizes Christmas Day (December 25) as a holiday, not Christmas Eve. Most banks operate on their normal schedule on December 24, though some branches may have reduced hours or close early in the afternoon.
If December 24 falls on a weekend, banks are already closed for Saturday or Sunday. If December 25 falls on a weekend, the federal holiday observance shifts to the nearest weekday — usually December 26 (Monday) if Christmas is on Sunday, or December 24 (Friday) if Christmas is on Saturday. In those years, banks will be closed on the observed date instead.
The distinction matters because it affects when transactions post, when wire transfers clear, and when you can access certain services. If you need to deposit a check or move money on December 24, you should confirm your bank's hours first — some close at 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. rather than staying open until 5 p.m. or 6 p.m.
Key Takeaways
- December 24 is a regular business day for banks; only December 25 (Christmas Day) is the federal banking holiday.
- If Christmas falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal holiday observance moves to the nearest weekday, which may be December 24.
- Many banks reduce their hours on December 24, so check with your bank before planning a transaction for that day.
- Checks deposited on December 24 may not post until December 26 or later, depending on when you deposit and your bank's processing schedule.
- ATMs and online banking typically remain available on December 24 even if branches close early.
When Christmas Eve becomes an observed holiday
In years when December 25 falls on a Saturday, the federal government observes Christmas on Friday, December 24. In those years, banks close on December 24, not December 25. This happened in 2021 and will happen again in 2027, 2032, 2038, and 2044.
When December 25 falls on a Sunday, the observance moves to Monday, December 26. Banks close on December 26 in those years, and December 24 remains a regular business day. This occurred in 2022 and will occur again in 2028, 2034, 2039, and 2045.
If you are planning a transaction around the Christmas period, check a calendar for that specific year. The Federal Reserve publishes its holiday schedule annually, and your bank's website will list which days it will be closed.
How December 24 affects check deposits and transfers
Checks deposited on December 24 follow your bank's standard processing timeline, but the holiday on December 25 delays when funds become available. A check deposited on December 24 typically does not post until December 26 at the earliest, because the Federal Reserve does not process checks on Christmas Day.
Wire transfers initiated on December 24 may also experience a one-day delay. Domestic wires sent after your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.) will not process until December 26. International wires may take longer because they route through multiple banking systems, some of which may also observe Christmas.
If you need funds to clear by a specific date in late December, initiate the transfer or deposit by December 23. This gives the banking system a full business day to process before the Christmas holiday.
ATM and online banking access on December 24
ATMs remain available 24/7 on December 24, even if your bank's physical branches close early or on December 25. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts using an ATM on Christmas Eve without interruption.
Online banking and mobile apps also stay open on December 24. You can pay bills, send money to other people, and move funds between accounts through your bank's website or app. However, payments sent on December 24 after business hours may not process until December 26.
If you use a bank that is part of a shared ATM network (such as Allpoint or MoneyPass), you can access ATMs from other banks on December 24 as well. Some networks charge a fee for out-of-network withdrawals, so check your account terms.
What to do if you need banking services on December 24
Call your bank's customer service line or check its website to confirm hours on December 24. Many banks post holiday hours weeks in advance. If your branch closes early, you can still use the ATM or online banking for most transactions.
For time-sensitive needs — such as disputing a charge, stopping a payment, or addressing a fraud concern — contact your bank's customer service line on December 24. Most banks maintain phone support even when branches are closed, though wait times may be longer than usual.
If you need to speak with someone in person, plan to visit on December 23 or December 26. Do not assume your branch will be open on December 24 without confirming first.
Federal holidays that do close banks
The federal banking holidays recognized by the Federal Reserve are: New Year's Day (January 1), Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (third Monday in January), Washington's Birthday (third Monday in February), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Juneteenth (June 19), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (first Monday in September), Columbus Day (second Monday in October), Veterans Day (November 11), Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November), and Christmas Day (December 25).
Some banks also close on additional holidays not recognized by the federal government, such as Good Friday or the day after Thanksgiving. Check your specific bank's holiday schedule, as policies vary by institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check on December 24?
Yes, you can deposit a check on December 24 through an ATM, mobile app, or in-person at a branch (if it is open). However, the funds will not post until December 26 at the earliest because the Federal Reserve does not process checks on Christmas Day.
Will my bank be open on December 24, 2024?
Most banks will be open on December 24, 2024, though many close early in the afternoon. Contact your bank directly or check its website for specific hours. December 24, 2024 is not a federal banking holiday.
What if December 25 falls on a weekend?
If Christmas is on a Saturday, banks close on Friday, December 24 (the observed holiday). If Christmas is on a Sunday, banks close on Monday, December 26. Check the Federal Reserve's holiday schedule or your bank's website to confirm which day applies to the year you are planning for.
Can I use my debit card on December 24?
Yes, you can use your debit card to make purchases and withdraw cash from ATMs on December 24. Point-of-sale transactions process normally, and ATMs are available 24/7.
Do credit unions close on December 24?
Most credit unions follow the same federal holiday schedule as banks and remain open on December 24. However, some credit unions may have their own policies. Contact your credit union to confirm its hours on Christmas Eve.