Most banks are closed on December 26th in the United States
December 26th is not a federal holiday, so most banks operate on their regular schedule that day. However, some banks close on the day after Christmas if they observe it as a holiday, and a few states or individual branches may have different policies. The safest approach is to check your specific bank's hours before you need to visit or call.
If your bank is part of a national chain, you can find December 26th hours on their website or mobile app by entering your branch location. Local and regional banks may post holiday schedules differently, so a phone call to your branch is often faster than searching online.
Key Takeaways
- December 26th is a regular business day for most U.S. banks, though some branches may observe it as an additional holiday.
- Your bank's website or app will show the specific hours for your branch on December 26th.
- If you need to deposit money or access services on December 26th, ATMs and mobile banking work regardless of branch hours.
- Calling your branch directly is the fastest way to confirm whether they are open, especially if you are unsure.
How to check your bank's December 26th hours
Log into your bank's website or open their mobile app and search for your branch by location. Most banks display holiday hours prominently during December, and you should see December 26th listed alongside other dates. If the date does not appear, it usually means the branch operates on its normal weekday schedule.
If you cannot find the information online, call your branch directly. Have your branch address or account number ready. The staff can tell you immediately whether they are open and what time they close, which is especially useful if you need to complete a time-sensitive transaction.
Banks that may close on December 26th
Some banks treat the day after Christmas as a holiday even though it is not federally mandated. This is more common at smaller regional banks and credit unions than at large national chains. If your bank is closed on December 25th for Christmas, check whether they also close on December 26th—many do.
A few states have their own holiday observances. For example, some banks in South Carolina close on December 26th to observe "Day After Christmas" as a state holiday. If you live in or bank in a state with unusual holiday rules, your bank's website should note this in their holiday schedule.
What you can do if your bank is closed
ATMs work 24/7 regardless of branch hours, so you can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), and check your balance anytime on December 26th. Mobile banking apps also work around the clock, so you can transfer money between accounts, pay bills, or send money to other people without visiting a branch.
If you need to speak with someone or complete a transaction that requires a teller, and your branch is closed, you have a few options. Some banks offer phone banking or online chat support on holidays. Others allow you to visit a different branch location if one is open nearby. Plan ahead if you know you will need in-person service on December 26th.
Planning ahead for the holiday week
The week between Christmas and New Year's is when banks often have reduced hours or closures. If you need to deposit a check, transfer money, or handle anything time-sensitive, do it before December 25th when possible. Checks deposited on December 26th or later may not clear until after the New Year, which can affect your account balance and any payments you have scheduled.
If you are expecting a wire transfer or payment to arrive around December 26th, contact your bank beforehand to understand how holiday schedules affect processing times. Some transfers that normally take one business day may take longer if they are initiated during a holiday closure.
Credit unions and smaller banks
Credit unions often have different holiday schedules than large national banks. Some close on December 26th, while others remain open. Check your credit union's website or call ahead—credit unions typically post holiday schedules clearly because their hours vary more widely by location.
If you bank at a smaller regional bank, the same rule applies: check their specific branch hours rather than assuming they follow national bank schedules. Regional banks are more likely to observe December 26th as a holiday than national chains are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check on December 26th if my bank is closed?
Yes, if your bank has an ATM with a deposit slot. The check will be processed when the bank reopens, usually the next business day. If December 26th is a Wednesday or earlier in the week, the check typically clears by the following Monday or Tuesday.
Will my direct deposit arrive on December 26th?
Direct deposits are usually processed overnight, so money should arrive in your account on December 26th even if the bank is closed. However, if your employer's payroll system is also closed, the deposit may be delayed until the next business day.
What if I need cash and my bank is closed on December 26th?
Use an ATM to withdraw cash. ATMs work 24/7 and do not close for holidays. If you do not have an ATM card, you can visit a different branch location if one is open, or wait until the next business day.
Do online banks close on December 26th?
Online banks do not have physical branches, so they do not close. You can transfer money, check your balance, and manage your account anytime on December 26th. Customer support may have reduced hours, but your account itself remains accessible.
How do I know if my bank observes December 26th as a holiday?
Check your bank's website for their holiday schedule, or call your branch directly. Most banks publish their full holiday calendar in November or early December, so the information should be easy to find online.