Most banks are closed on December 26, but it depends on your bank and your state
The day after Christmas—December 26—is not a federal holiday, so banks are not required by federal law to close. However, many large banks do close on December 26 anyway because they observe the Christmas holiday on that day if Christmas falls on a weekend or because they choose to give staff an extra day off during the holiday period. Some regional and community banks stay open on December 26.
The safest approach is to check your specific bank's holiday schedule before you need to visit a branch or expect a transaction to process. Banks post their holiday hours on their websites, in their mobile apps, and on branch doors. If you need cash or access to banking services on December 26, you can use ATMs and mobile banking regardless of branch hours.
Key Takeaways
- December 26 is not a federal holiday, so banks are not legally required to close, but many major banks do anyway.
- Your bank's decision to close on December 26 depends on its own policy, not on a government mandate.
- ATMs and mobile banking apps work on December 26 even when branch locations are closed.
- Check your bank's website or call ahead to confirm whether your specific branch will be open on December 26.
- If you need to deposit checks or handle transactions that require a teller, plan ahead for December 24 or December 27.
How to find your bank's December 26 hours
Visit your bank's website and look for a "Holiday Hours" or "Branch Hours" page. Most banks list December 26 closures there, along with any branches that remain open. You can also call your local branch directly or use the bank's mobile app, which often shows real-time hours for each location.
If your bank does close on December 26, transactions you initiate online or through the app will process normally, but they may not post to your account until December 27. Checks deposited through mobile deposit on December 26 will be timestamped that day but may not clear until December 27 or later, depending on the bank's processing schedule.
What you can do on December 26 even if branches are closed
ATMs are available 24/7, so you can withdraw cash, deposit checks through an ATM envelope, or check your balance at any time on December 26. Mobile banking apps let you transfer money between accounts, pay bills, deposit checks by photo, and send money to other people.
If you need to speak to someone at your bank on December 26, most banks operate customer service phone lines during holiday closures. The number is usually on the back of your debit card or on the bank's website. However, response times may be longer than usual because fewer staff are working.
Banks that typically close on December 26
Large national banks including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, and US Bank typically close on December 26. Credit unions often close as well, though some remain open. Community banks and regional banks vary—some close, some stay open.
If you use a smaller or regional bank, do not assume it follows the same schedule as the major banks. Call or check online to confirm. Some banks that close on December 26 may open for limited hours (for example, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) rather than closing entirely.
Planning ahead for transactions on or around December 26
If you need to deposit a check or handle a transaction that requires a teller, plan to do it on December 24 (if your bank is open) or December 27. Checks deposited on December 24 will process faster than those deposited on December 27, since the 25th and 26th will delay the timeline.
If you are expecting a bank transfer or payment to arrive on December 26, remember that many banks do not process transactions on holidays or the day after. Money sent on December 24 may not arrive until December 27 or later. If the timing is critical, send the money earlier in the week.
What happens to automatic payments and direct deposits on December 26
Automatic bill payments and direct deposits scheduled for December 26 will usually process on that day even if your bank's branch is closed, because these transactions happen through the banking system's automated networks, not through branch staff. However, the funds may not be visible in your account until December 27.
If you have a payment due on December 26 and you are worried about timing, set up the payment a day or two earlier to be safe. Some billers may also extend their grace period during the holiday week, so contact them directly if you are cutting it close.
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 will process normally, though it may not show in your account balance until December 27 if your bank is closed.
Will my check deposit process faster if I deposit it on December 24 instead of December 27?
Yes. A check deposited on December 24 will begin processing that day, while one deposited on December 27 will sit until the 27th. Depending on the check amount and your bank, the difference could be one to three business days.
Do credit unions close on December 26?
Many do, but not all. Credit unions set their own holiday schedules, so check with your specific credit union. Some remain open on December 26 even when banks close, especially smaller or community-based credit unions.
What if I need cash on December 26 and the bank is closed?
Use an ATM. ATMs are available 24/7 and work whether the branch is open or closed. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks in an envelope, or transfer money between your own accounts.
Will my paycheck direct deposit on December 26 if the bank is closed?
Direct deposits process automatically through the banking network, so yes, your paycheck will deposit on December 26 even if the branch is closed. The funds may not appear in your account until December 27, but the deposit itself will go through.