Most banks are closed on December 26th because it is the day after Christmas
December 26th falls the day after Christmas, which is a federal holiday. The Federal Reserve observes Christmas on December 25th, and most banks follow the same holiday schedule. This means the vast majority of U.S. banks will be closed on December 26th, regardless of whether December 26th itself is a weekend or weekday.
However, the exact status depends on your bank and your state. Some banks remain open on December 26th even though it is not a federal holiday itself. A few states observe a separate holiday on December 26th (observed), which would close state-chartered banks in those states. The safest approach is to check your specific bank's website or call their customer service line before you need to visit.
Key Takeaways
- Most national banks close on December 26th because it is the day after Christmas, a federal holiday.
- Some regional and community banks may open on December 26th even though the Federal Reserve is closed.
- Your bank's website or mobile app will show holiday hours, usually updated by early December.
- ATMs and online banking remain available even when physical branches are closed.
- If you need cash or services on December 26th, plan ahead by visiting your bank on December 24th or 25th morning.
Which banks typically stay closed on December 26th
National banks and large regional banks almost always close on December 26th. This includes Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and similar institutions. These banks follow the Federal Reserve's holiday calendar, which treats the day after Christmas as a holiday closure even though December 26th itself is not a federal holiday.
Credit unions also typically close on December 26th, though some smaller credit unions may open. If you bank with a credit union, check their specific holiday schedule on their website or by phone. The same applies to smaller community banks—some close, some stay open. There is no single rule for banks outside the major national chains.
Banks that may be open on December 26th
Some smaller regional banks, community banks, and online-only banks may open on December 26th. Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover typically do not have physical branches, so the question of "open" does not apply to them in the traditional sense—you can access your account 24/7 through their website or app. However, customer service phone lines may still be closed.
A few states recognize December 26th as an observed holiday for state-chartered banks. South Carolina observes "Day After Christmas" as a state holiday, which closes state-chartered banks in that state. If you live in South Carolina or another state with a December 26th holiday, state-chartered banks will be closed regardless of federal status.
How to find your bank's December 26th hours
The fastest way to check is to search "[Your Bank Name] holiday hours" or visit your bank's website directly. Most banks post their holiday schedule by early December. Look for a link labeled "Hours" or "Holiday Hours" on the homepage. Many banks also display holiday closures in their mobile app under the branch locator feature.
You can also call your branch directly or use the branch locator tool on your bank's website to see hours for your specific location. Some branches may have different hours than others, especially if one branch is in a state that observes December 26th as a holiday. If you cannot find the information online, a quick phone call to your branch will give you a definitive answer.
What you can do on December 26th even if your branch is closed
ATMs remain available 24/7 at most banks, even when branches are closed. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit feature), and check your balance. ATM access is not affected by holiday closures.
Online banking and mobile apps work around the clock on holidays. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, send money to other people, and check your balance. However, transfers to other banks or payments to businesses may not process until the next business day. If you need to deposit a check, most banks allow mobile check deposit through their app, and the deposit will post when the bank reopens.
Planning ahead for December 26th banking needs
If you know you will need cash or in-person services on December 26th, visit your bank on December 24th or the morning of December 25th before the branch closes. December 24th is typically a normal business day with regular hours, though some banks close early (often at 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.). December 25th is Christmas and banks are closed, so December 24th is your last chance.
For bill payments or transfers that need to post by a certain date, submit them through online banking by December 24th. Transactions submitted on December 26th will not process until December 27th at the earliest. If you have a time-sensitive payment, do not wait until December 26th.
What happens if you need emergency banking on December 26th
If you have a genuine emergency—a fraudulent transaction, a compromised account, or a critical issue—call your bank's customer service line. Most banks maintain a 24/7 customer service phone number for emergencies, even on holidays. The number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Customer service representatives can help with fraud, account locks, and urgent issues even if branches are closed.
For non-emergency problems that can wait, submit a message through your bank's online banking portal or mobile app. Your bank will respond when they reopen on December 27th. This is faster and creates a record of your request compared to calling during busy holiday periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December 26th a federal holiday?
No, December 26th is not a federal holiday. However, banks close on December 26th because December 25th (Christmas) is a federal holiday, and the Federal Reserve observes the day after Christmas as a holiday closure for banking purposes. A few states recognize December 26th itself as an observed holiday.
Can I use my ATM on December 26th?
Yes. ATMs operate 24/7 on holidays, including December 26th. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks (if your ATM supports mobile deposit) even when your branch is closed.
Will my online bill payment process on December 26th?
You can submit a bill payment through online banking on December 26th, but it will not process until December 27th at the earliest. If you need a payment to post by December 26th, submit it by December 24th.
What if my bank is open on December 26th but I do not know the hours?
Call your branch directly or check your bank's website for holiday hours. Some banks post December 26th hours as reduced hours (for example, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) rather than full closure. Do not assume your branch is open without confirming first.
Can I deposit a check on December 26th if the bank is closed?
If your bank offers mobile check deposit through its app, you can deposit a check on December 26th and it will post when the bank reopens on December 27th. Otherwise, you will need to wait until December 27th to deposit in person or at an ATM with deposit capability.