Most banks are closed on December 26 if it falls on a weekday
December 26 is not a federal holiday, so banks follow their normal schedule for that date. However, if December 26 lands on a Monday through Friday, many banks will still be closed because they observe the Christmas holiday on December 25. When Christmas falls on a weekday, banks typically remain closed the following day as well — even though December 26 itself is not an official bank holiday.
The key is what day of the week December 26 falls on. If it's a Saturday or Sunday, your bank is already closed for the weekend. If it's a weekday, call your specific branch or check their website to confirm their hours, because some banks reopen on December 26 while others stay closed through the 27th.
Federal Reserve offices and the U.S. Treasury close only on official federal holidays, which do not include December 26. But the banks you use for personal or business accounts are private institutions and set their own holiday schedules.
Key Takeaways
- December 26 is not a federal holiday, but many banks close anyway because they extend the Christmas holiday closure into the following day.
- Whether your bank is open depends on what day of the week December 26 falls on and your bank's individual holiday policy.
- The fastest way to confirm is to call your branch directly or check your bank's website for holiday hours.
- If you need cash and your bank is closed, ATMs work 24/7 and do not observe bank holidays.
- Some banks open limited hours on December 26 even if they are normally closed, so do not assume all locations in your area follow the same schedule.
How to check if your bank is open on December 26
Call your branch directly. The phone number is on your debit card, your bank statement, or the bank's website. Ask whether they are open on December 26 and what their hours are. This takes two minutes and removes all doubt.
You can also log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a holiday hours notice. Most banks post their December holiday schedule in early December. Some apps show branch hours when you search for your location.
If you use an online bank with no physical branches, your account is not affected by bank holidays at all. You can transfer money, pay bills, and move funds on December 26 just as you would on any other day. Online banks do not close for holidays.
What to do if your bank is closed and you need cash
Use an ATM. ATMs operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and do not close for holidays. You can withdraw cash from your account on December 26 even if the branch is closed. If you use your bank's ATM, there is no fee. If you use another bank's ATM, you may be charged a fee — check your account terms.
If you need to deposit a check or handle a transaction that requires a teller, you will have to wait until the branch reopens. Checks deposited at an ATM on December 26 will be processed when the bank reopens, which may be December 27 or later depending on the bank's schedule.
If you need cash before the bank reopens and do not have an ATM card, ask a friend or family member to withdraw money for you, or visit a store that offers cash back when you make a purchase with a debit card.
Banks that may have different December 26 schedules
Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank typically close on December 26 if it falls on a weekday, but some branches may open with reduced hours. Credit unions often follow the same pattern as banks, though some remain open. Community banks vary widely — some close for two or three days around Christmas, others reopen on December 26.
The only way to know for certain is to contact your institution directly. Do not assume that because one branch is closed, all branches in your area are closed. Some banks stagger their holiday closures or keep certain locations open for customer service.
Planning ahead for December 26 banking needs
If you know you will need cash or need to handle banking on December 26, withdraw money from an ATM on December 24 or 25. This avoids any uncertainty about branch hours and gives you the cash you need regardless of whether the bank is open.
If you need to deposit checks or handle a transaction that requires a teller, plan to do it on December 24 before the holiday closure begins. Checks deposited after hours or on a closed day will not be processed until the bank reopens.
For bill payments, use your bank's online bill pay system or set up automatic payments before December 24. These transactions process on schedule even when branches are closed.
Federal holidays versus bank holidays
The federal government recognizes Christmas (December 25) as a holiday, but December 26 is not on the federal holiday calendar. However, banks are private businesses and can close whenever they choose. Many banks treat the day after Christmas as an unofficial holiday to give employees time off, even though it is not required by law.
The Federal Reserve and U.S. Treasury close only on official federal holidays. If you have accounts with those institutions or need to contact them, they will be closed on December 25 but open on December 26 (unless December 26 is a Saturday or Sunday).
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my bank definitely be closed on December 26?
Not necessarily. It depends on your bank and what day of the week December 26 falls on. If it is a Saturday or Sunday, your bank is closed anyway. If it is a weekday, many banks close but some open with limited hours. Call your branch to confirm.
Can I use my debit card on December 26 if the bank is closed?
Yes. You can use your debit card at ATMs, online, and at stores on December 26 regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The only thing you cannot do is visit a teller in person.
If I deposit a check on December 26, when will it clear?
If you deposit at an ATM on December 26 and the branch is closed, the check will be processed when the bank reopens, which may be December 27 or later. Checks deposited on a closed day are not processed until the next business day the branch is open.
Do online banks close on December 26?
No. Online banks with no physical branches operate 24/7 and do not close for holidays. You can transfer money, pay bills, and manage your account normally on December 26.
What if I need cash and my bank is closed on December 26?
Use an ATM to withdraw cash. ATMs work around the clock and do not close for holidays. If you do not have an ATM card, you can get cash back at a store when you make a purchase with your debit card.