Most banks are closed on December 26 if Christmas falls on a weekday
Banks observe Christmas Day as a federal holiday, which means they close on December 25. When Christmas falls on a weekday (Monday through Friday), the day after Christmas — December 26 — is typically a regular business day and banks are open. However, if Christmas falls on a Saturday, many banks close on Friday, December 24 instead. If Christmas falls on a Sunday, banks close on Monday, December 26.
The rule follows federal holiday observance: when a holiday lands on a weekend, the observed day shifts to the nearest weekday. This means your bank's closure depends on what day of the week December 25 falls on in any given year.
Some banks and credit unions may choose to close on December 26 as a courtesy to staff, even though it is not a federal requirement. Call your branch or check your bank's website to confirm their specific schedule for that day.
Key Takeaways
- December 26 is a regular business day for most banks when Christmas falls on a weekday (Monday through Friday).
- If Christmas is on a Saturday, banks close on Friday, December 24; if Christmas is on a Sunday, banks close on Monday, December 26.
- Some individual banks may close on December 26 by choice, so checking your branch's holiday schedule is the safest approach.
- ATMs and online banking remain available even when physical branches are closed.
How federal holiday observance affects bank closures
The Federal Reserve publishes an official list of holidays when banks must close. Christmas Day is always on that list. When a federal holiday lands on a Saturday, the observed holiday becomes Friday; when it lands on a Sunday, the observed holiday becomes Monday.
This rule applies to all federally chartered banks and most state-chartered banks. Credit unions follow the same federal holiday calendar, though some may have different policies. Private banks and online-only banks sometimes set their own schedules, so they may close on different days or stay open year-round.
What day Christmas falls on in upcoming years
| Year | Christmas Day | Bank Closure Date(s) | December 26 Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Monday | December 25 | Open |
| 2025 | Wednesday | December 25 | Open |
| 2026 | Thursday | December 25 | Open |
| 2027 | Friday | December 25 | Open |
| 2028 | Sunday | December 25 and December 26 (observed) | Closed |
How to confirm your specific bank's schedule
The safest way to know whether your bank is open on December 26 is to contact your branch directly or visit your bank's website. Most banks publish their holiday schedule in November or early December. Look for a link labeled "Holiday Hours" or "Branch Hours" on the homepage.
If you bank with a large national chain like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, their website will show the same federal holiday schedule across all branches. Smaller regional banks and credit unions may vary, so calling ahead is worth the time if you need to visit in person.
What remains available when branches are closed
ATMs work 24/7, even when your bank's physical branch is closed. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (at ATMs with deposit capability), and check your balance at any time on December 26.
Online banking, mobile apps, and phone banking are also available around the clock. You can transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and check transactions without visiting a branch. Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated online may process on the next business day, depending on your bank's system.
Planning ahead for holiday banking needs
If you need to deposit a check or handle a transaction that requires a teller, plan to do it on December 24 or 27 rather than waiting until December 26. This avoids any uncertainty about whether your specific branch is open.
For time-sensitive payments — such as a mortgage, loan, or bill due on December 26 — use online bill pay or your bank's mobile app to submit the payment before the holiday. Most banks process online payments submitted before their cutoff time (usually 5 p.m. or later) on the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on December 26 if my bank is closed?
Yes. Debit cards work at any ATM and any merchant that accepts them, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. You can also use your card to make purchases or withdraw cash from other banks' ATMs, though you may be charged a fee by the other bank.
Will my direct deposit process on December 26?
Direct deposits scheduled for December 26 will post to your account on that date, even if it is a holiday. Your employer's payroll system processes deposits automatically. If December 26 falls on a weekend, the deposit typically posts on the following Monday.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on December 26?
Call your bank's customer service line. Most large banks operate phone support on holidays, though wait times may be longer. Online chat support is also often available. If your branch is closed but you need in-person help, you can visit on December 27.
Do credit unions follow the same holiday schedule as banks?
Most credit unions follow the federal holiday calendar and close on Christmas Day. However, some credit unions may close on December 26 as well, or may have different hours. Check with your credit union directly to confirm their schedule.
Is December 26 a holiday in Canada or other countries?
December 26 is Boxing Day in Canada, the United Kingdom, and several other countries, and banks in those places are typically closed. In the United States, December 26 is a regular business day unless Christmas falls on a Sunday, in which case the federal holiday observance moves to Monday, December 26.