Most banks are closed on December 26 in the United States, but the answer depends on whether it falls on a weekday and what your bank's policy is
December 26 is not a federal holiday, so banks are not required by law to close. However, many banks choose to close anyway because December 25 (Christmas) is a federal holiday, and some institutions extend closures into the following day. Whether your specific bank is open depends on three things: what day of the week December 26 falls on, whether your bank observes the day as a holiday, and whether you need a branch location or can use ATMs and online services.
If December 26 is a Saturday or Sunday, your bank is almost certainly closed anyway. If it falls on a weekday (Monday through Friday), call your bank directly or check their website to confirm their December 26 hours, because policies vary. Some banks open at normal hours; others stay closed. A few open for limited hours in the afternoon.
Key Takeaways
- December 26 is not a federal holiday, so banks are not legally required to close, but many do anyway as an extension of Christmas closure.
- If December 26 is a weekday, call your bank's customer service line or check their website to confirm whether that specific branch is open.
- ATMs and online banking typically work on December 26 regardless of branch closures, so you can withdraw cash and transfer money without visiting a location.
- If you need to deposit a check or handle a transaction that requires a teller, plan ahead by visiting your bank before December 25 or waiting until December 27.
How to learn about your bank is open on December 26
The fastest way is to search "[Your Bank Name] December 26 hours" or "[Your Bank Name] holiday hours" in a search engine. Most banks publish their holiday schedule on their website in November or early December. Look for a link labeled "Holiday Hours," "Branch Locator," or "Hours and Locations."
If you cannot find the information online, call your bank's customer service number (usually on the back of your debit card or on your statement). Have your branch location ready, because hours can vary by location. Ask specifically whether December 26 is treated as a holiday at that branch.
You can also visit your branch in person before December 25 and ask the teller directly. This is especially useful if you know you will need to do something on December 26 and want to confirm whether you should plan for a different day.
What you can do on December 26 even if branches are closed
ATMs work 24/7 at most banks, regardless of whether the branch is staffed. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts using an ATM on December 26.
Online banking and mobile apps also work on December 26. You can pay bills, transfer money between accounts, send money to other people, and check your balance from your phone or computer. Transactions you submit online may not process until the next business day, but you can still submit them.
If you need to deposit a check, most banks offer mobile check deposit through their app, which you can use on December 26. The check will be processed when the bank reopens.
What you cannot do on December 26 if your bank is closed
You cannot visit a teller to deposit cash, get a cashier's check, open a new account, or discuss a loan. You cannot speak to someone in person about a problem with your account. If you need any of these services, you will need to wait until your bank reopens or visit a different bank that is open.
Some banks have partner networks or shared branching agreements with other banks. If your bank is closed on December 26, you may be able to visit a partner branch to handle certain transactions. Call your bank's customer service line to ask whether this option is available to you.
Planning ahead for the December 25–26 closure period
If you know you will need cash or need to handle a banking task during the holiday period, visit your bank on December 24 or earlier. Withdraw extra cash if you think you will need it, and handle any transactions that require a teller before the holiday.
If you are expecting a deposit (paycheck, tax refund, insurance payment) around December 25–26, keep in mind that it may not post to your account until December 27 or later, even if you submitted it before the holiday. Banks process deposits on business days only.
If you have bills due on December 26, pay them online or through your bank's bill pay service before December 25. This ensures the payment is submitted on time, even if your branch is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on December 26 if the bank is closed?
Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs and stores on December 26 regardless of whether your bank branch is open. You can withdraw cash from any ATM in your bank's network and make purchases anywhere that accepts cards.
Will my paycheck deposit on December 26?
If your employer deposits your paycheck on December 26 and your bank is closed, the deposit will likely post on December 27 or the next business day. Banks process direct deposits on business days only. If December 26 is a Saturday or Sunday, the deposit will post on Monday, December 28.
What if I need cash and my bank is closed on December 26?
Use an ATM to withdraw cash. ATMs work 24/7 at most banks. If you do not have an ATM card or your bank's ATM is not nearby, visit a store that offers cash back with a debit card purchase, or find an ATM from another bank (you may pay a fee).
Can I transfer money to someone else on December 26?
Yes, if you use online banking or a mobile app. The transfer will be submitted on December 26, but it may not reach the other person's account until December 27 or later, depending on the type of transfer and the other bank's processing schedule.