Most banks are closed on December 26 in the United States

December 26 is not a federal holiday, so banks are not required to close. However, many large banks choose to stay closed anyway because they observe the day after Christmas as an unofficial holiday. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank are typically closed on December 26. Smaller regional banks and credit unions vary — some close, some stay open.

The safest approach is to check your specific bank's website or call the branch directly. Most banks post their holiday schedule in November or early December. You can also look up hours on Google Maps by searching your bank's name and location — it will show whether that branch is open or closed on December 26.

If you need to handle banking on December 26, you have options that do not require a physical branch. ATMs work 24/7 at most banks, so you can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your bank has mobile deposit or a deposit ATM), and check your balance. Online banking and mobile apps let you transfer money, pay bills, and move funds between accounts without visiting a branch.

Key Takeaways

  • Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank typically close on December 26, though it is not a federal holiday.
  • Check your bank's website or call your branch directly to confirm hours, because closure policies vary by bank and location.
  • ATMs work around the clock on December 26, so you can withdraw cash and deposit checks without waiting for the branch to open.
  • Online banking and mobile apps let you transfer money, pay bills, and manage your account on December 26 without visiting a branch.

How to check if your bank is open on December 26

The fastest way is to search your bank's name and branch location on Google Maps. The search result will show hours for that specific day. If December 26 is listed as closed, it will say so. If hours are shown, the branch is open.

You can also call your branch directly. The phone number is on your bank card, on your statements, or on the bank's website. A recorded message will tell you holiday hours, or you can speak to someone who works there. This is especially useful if you have a smaller regional bank or credit union, because their policies are less predictable than national chains.

Check your bank's website for a holiday schedule. Most banks publish this in early December and keep it visible on the homepage or under a "Hours" or "Locations" section. Some banks send email notifications about holiday closures to customers who have opted in.

What you can do on December 26 without a branch

ATMs are available 24/7 at virtually every bank. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts. Many banks now have deposit ATMs that let you insert checks and envelopes of cash without an employee present. The deposit posts to your account immediately or within one business day.

Mobile banking apps and online banking portals work on December 26 just as they do any other day. You can pay bills, transfer money to other people's accounts, send wire transfers, deposit checks using mobile deposit (if your bank offers it), and manage your account. The only transactions you cannot do online are those that require a teller, such as withdrawing large amounts of cash or getting a cashier's check.

If you need a cashier's check or have a question only a teller can answer, you will have to wait until December 27 or later, depending on when your branch reopens. Plan ahead if you know you will need these services around the holidays.

When banks reopen after December 26

Most banks reopen on December 27 (Friday) if December 26 falls on a Thursday. If December 26 is a Saturday or Sunday, banks are already closed those days, so the next business day opening depends on the calendar. Check your bank's specific holiday schedule to know the exact date.

Some banks open at their normal time on December 27. Others may open an hour or two later. Call ahead or check the website to confirm opening time, especially if you need to be there early in the day.

Wire transfers and time-sensitive transactions on December 26

Wire transfers initiated on December 26 may not process until December 27 or later, depending on your bank's cutoff time. Most banks have a cutoff time in the afternoon (often 2 or 3 p.m.) for same-day wire processing. If you initiate a wire after that time, it goes out the next business day.

If you need money to reach someone urgently and December 26 is a banking day for you, initiate the wire as early as possible. If your bank is closed on December 26, the wire will not go out until December 27 at the earliest. Plan accordingly if you are sending money for a time-sensitive reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant or ATM on December 26, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The transaction processes through the bank's systems, which run 24/7. You can also use your card to withdraw cash from any ATM in your bank's network.

Will checks I deposit on December 26 clear the same day?

If you use a deposit ATM on December 26, the check is scanned and deposited to your account, but it will not clear until the next business day at the earliest. Mobile deposit works the same way — the check posts to your account immediately, but the funds may take one to two business days to clear, depending on the check amount and your bank's policy.

What if I need cash on December 26 and the branch is closed?

Use an ATM. ATMs are open 24/7 and dispense cash from your account without requiring a teller. If you need more cash than your ATM daily limit allows, plan ahead and withdraw the day before, or use your debit card to make purchases instead of using cash.

Do credit unions close on December 26?

Some do, some do not. Credit unions are not required to follow the same holiday schedule as banks. Call your credit union directly or check their website to see if they are open on December 26. Many credit unions do close on December 26, but policies vary widely.

Can I pay my credit card bill on December 26?

Yes. You can pay online through your credit card issuer's website or app at any time, including December 26. If you pay by phone, you may reach an automated system or a representative, depending on the card issuer's staffing. Mail payments should be sent several days before your due date to arrive on time.