Most banks are closed on Christmas Day, but you can still access your money

Banks treat Christmas Day as a federal holiday, so branch locations will be closed and you won't be able to speak with a teller or visit a physical office. However, you can still withdraw cash, transfer money, pay bills, and check your balance through ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps — these services run 24/7 even when branches are shut.

If you need cash before Christmas Day closes, plan to visit your bank's ATM or branch by the afternoon of December 24th. If you need to deposit a check or handle a transaction that requires a teller, you'll have to wait until December 26th (or the next business day if that falls on a weekend).

Key Takeaways

  • ATMs and online banking work on Christmas Day, but physical bank branches are closed.
  • Deposits made at ATMs on Christmas Day typically post the next business day, not immediately.
  • Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated on Christmas Day usually process on the next business day.
  • Credit unions follow the same holiday schedule as banks, though some may have different hours — call ahead to confirm.
  • If you need cash urgently on Christmas Day, withdraw from an ATM before the 24th or use a store that offers cash back.

What you can and cannot do on Christmas Day

ATM withdrawals, balance checks, and fund transfers between your own accounts all work normally on Christmas Day. You can also use your debit card to make purchases or withdraw cash at retail locations that offer cash back — grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores typically have this option.

What you cannot do is deposit checks, withdraw large amounts of cash that require a teller, open a new account, or speak with a banker about loans or account issues. Wire transfers and ACH transfers (like paying a bill through your bank's website) can be initiated on Christmas Day, but they won't actually move until December 26th at the earliest.

Online bill pay scheduled through your bank's website will process on the date you set it for, even if that date is Christmas Day — the bank queues it and sends it on schedule. However, if you're paying a person or business that's also closed on Christmas, they won't receive or process it until they reopen.

Planning ahead: what to do before Christmas Eve

If you know you'll need cash on Christmas Day itself, withdraw it from an ATM on December 24th or earlier. ATMs don't have daily withdrawal limits in the traditional sense, but your bank may have set a per-transaction limit (often $500 to $1,000) — check your account settings or call your bank before the 24th if you need more than that amount.

If you need to deposit a check before Christmas, deposit it at an ATM on December 24th. The check will post to your account on December 26th (or later, depending on the check's origin). Mobile check deposit through your bank's app works the same way — you can photograph and submit the check on the 24th, and it will process after the holiday.

If you're expecting a wire transfer or ACH payment (like a paycheck or refund) to arrive by Christmas, confirm the send date with whoever is sending it. Transfers initiated on December 23rd or earlier may arrive by December 24th, but anything initiated on the 24th or later won't arrive until after Christmas.

Credit unions and online banks on Christmas Day

Credit unions are also closed on Christmas Day as a federal holiday. Their ATMs and online banking work the same way as banks — available 24/7 — but branches are closed. Some credit unions may have different holiday schedules or extended hours on December 24th, so call your local branch to confirm if you're unsure.

Online banks (like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Marcus) don't have physical branches, so there's nothing to close. You can transfer money, check balances, and manage your account normally on Christmas Day. However, transfers to other banks and ACH payments still follow the same processing timeline — they won't move until the next business day.

If you need cash on Christmas Day itself

Your best options are ATMs and retail cash back. Withdraw from your bank's ATM network or a partner ATM (many banks belong to shared networks like Allpoint or MoneyPass, which have thousands of ATMs nationwide). If your bank charges a fee for out-of-network ATM use, it will typically be $2 to $3 per transaction.

Retail cash back is free and often unlimited — ask for cash back when you buy something at a grocery store, pharmacy, or gas station. You'll need a debit card and a PIN. This is usually the fastest and cheapest way to get cash on a holiday.

What happens if you need to reach your bank on Christmas Day

Most banks have customer service phone lines open on Christmas Day, though wait times are often longer than usual. Check your bank's website or the back of your debit card for the customer service number. Be prepared for limited services — they can usually help with fraud reports, lost cards, or account lockouts, but not with loans, new accounts, or complex issues.

If your card is lost, stolen, or compromised, call immediately. Your bank can freeze the card and issue a replacement, though the replacement won't arrive until after the holiday. For urgent fraud, most banks can issue a temporary card number or expedite a replacement if you request it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check at an ATM on Christmas Day?

Yes, most ATMs accept check deposits 24/7. The check will be scanned and added to your account on Christmas Day, but the funds typically won't be available until December 26th or later, depending on the check's origin and your bank's processing time.

Will my paycheck arrive on Christmas Day if my employer sends it?

Paychecks sent via direct deposit (ACH transfer) initiated on December 24th or later won't arrive until December 26th at the earliest. If your employer sends it on December 23rd or earlier, it may arrive by December 24th. Contact your employer's payroll department to confirm when they're sending it.

Do I get charged fees for using an out-of-network ATM on Christmas?

Yes, out-of-network ATM fees apply on Christmas Day just like any other day. Your bank typically charges $2 to $3 per transaction. To avoid fees, use an ATM owned by your bank or a partner bank in your bank's network.

What if I need to wire money on Christmas Day?

You can initiate a wire transfer through your bank's website or app on Christmas Day, but the money won't actually move until December 26th. If you need the money to arrive urgently, initiate it as early as possible on December 24th, though it still won't process until after the holiday.

Are savings accounts and money market accounts accessible on Christmas Day?

Yes, you can check balances and transfer money between your own accounts on Christmas Day through online banking or ATMs. However, some savings accounts have limits on how many withdrawals you can make per month — Christmas Day counts toward that limit if you make a withdrawal.