Most banks are closed on December 26th in the United States
December 26th is not a federal holiday, so banks are not required to close. However, many banks choose to stay closed because they were open on December 25th (Christmas Day) and use the 26th as a makeup closure. Some banks operate on a two-day holiday schedule around Christmas and New Year's, closing both December 25th and 26th regardless of the federal calendar.
The safest approach is to check your specific bank's holiday schedule before you need to visit or conduct business. Banks post their holiday hours on their websites, in their mobile apps, and on their branch locator pages. A quick search for "[Your Bank Name] holiday hours" will show you whether your branch is open on December 26th.
If you need to move money or access funds on December 26th, ATMs and online banking remain available even when branches are closed. Wire transfers, bill payments, and account transfers can all happen through your bank's website or app without visiting a physical location.
Key Takeaways
- December 26th is not a federal holiday, but many banks close anyway as part of their Christmas closure schedule.
- Your bank's decision to close on December 26th depends on its internal policy, not on government requirements.
- Check your bank's website or call your branch directly to confirm whether it will be open on December 26th.
- ATMs and online banking work on December 26th even if your branch is closed, so you can still transfer money or pay bills.
- If you need cash or in-person service, plan ahead by visiting your bank before December 25th.
How to find your bank's December 26th hours
Most banks publish their holiday schedule online by early December. Go to your bank's main website and look for a link labeled "Holiday Hours," "Branch Hours," or "Locations." Enter your zip code or branch name to see the specific hours for the location you plan to visit.
If you use your bank's mobile app, the branch locator tool usually shows holiday hours alongside regular hours. Some apps display a banner or notification about holiday closures when you log in during November or December.
Calling your branch directly is the fastest way to confirm. The phone number is on your debit card, your bank statements, or the bank's website. A staff member can tell you immediately whether December 26th is a closure day for that location.
What you can do on December 26th without visiting a branch
ATMs work 24/7 at most banks, even on days when branches are closed. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (at ATMs with deposit capability), transfer money between your own accounts, and check your balance without stepping inside a branch.
Online banking and mobile apps let you pay bills, send wire transfers, move money between accounts, and deposit checks by photograph. These services run continuously, so you can handle most banking tasks from home on December 26th. If you need to dispute a charge or speak with customer service, most banks offer phone support on holidays, though wait times may be longer.
If you need a cashier's check, certified check, or other service that requires a teller, you will have to wait until your branch reopens. Plan ahead and visit before December 25th if you know you will need these services around the holiday.
Banks that typically stay open on December 26th
Some banks, particularly credit unions and smaller regional banks, do not close on December 26th. They may close only on the federal holidays themselves (Christmas Day, New Year's Day) and operate normally on the 26th. Online-only banks have no physical branches, so they do not have closure days at all, though their customer service phone lines may have reduced hours.
Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank typically close on both December 25th and 26th, but this varies by branch and region. Some branches in areas with large non-Christian populations may stay open on December 26th and close on different holidays instead. Always check your specific branch rather than assuming based on the bank's name.
Planning ahead for the December 25–26 closure period
If you know you will need cash or in-person banking services around Christmas, withdraw money and handle transactions by December 24th. This gives you a buffer if your bank closes on both the 25th and 26th, or if you miscalculate which days your branch is closed.
If you have a payment due on December 26th or 27th, submit it online or by phone before December 24th. Mailed checks take several days to clear, and if your bank is closed when the check arrives, it may not post until after the due date. Online bill pay and wire transfers are safer options during holiday periods.
For time-sensitive transactions like mortgage payments, property tax payments, or loan disbursements, contact the receiving institution directly to confirm they are open on December 26th. Some government offices and large institutions operate on different schedules than retail banks.
What happens if you need emergency banking on December 26th
If you have a genuine emergency—a fraudulent charge, a lost card, or a critical payment that must go through—call your bank's customer service line. Most banks maintain 24/7 phone support even on holidays. A representative can help you dispute charges, place a stop payment, or arrange emergency cash access through partner ATMs or branches in other locations.
If your card is lost or stolen, call immediately. Your bank can freeze the card and issue a replacement, and many can arrange emergency cash access the same day through a partner bank or ATM network. Do not wait until December 26th to report a lost card if you discover it missing on the 25th.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December 26th a bank holiday?
No, December 26th is not a federal holiday in the United States. Banks are not required to close. However, many choose to close as part of their Christmas holiday schedule. Check your specific bank's policy.
Can I use my debit card on December 26th if my bank is closed?
Yes. ATMs work 24/7, and online transactions process normally. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and make purchases with your debit card even if your branch is closed.
Will my check deposit clear on December 26th?
If you deposit a check at an ATM on December 26th, it will be processed when your bank reopens. If your bank is closed on the 26th, the deposit may not post until December 27th or later, depending on when the bank processes overnight deposits.
Can I wire money on December 26th?
You can initiate a wire transfer through online banking or your mobile app on December 26th. However, the receiving bank may not process it until they reopen if they are also closed. For time-sensitive transfers, send them before December 25th.
What if I need cash and my bank is closed on December 26th?
Use an ATM to withdraw cash. If your bank's ATMs are unavailable or you need more cash than the daily limit allows, you can visit an ATM from another bank (though you may pay a fee) or use a retailer's cash-back service at a store that is open.