Most banks are closed on December 26 because it is observed as a federal holiday
December 26 falls the day after Christmas. While December 26 itself is not a federal holiday, most banks treat it as a holiday and close their branches. This happens because many banks observe the day after Christmas as a courtesy to staff, or because local holidays vary by state and region. Some banks may open for limited hours or online services only.
The safest assumption is that your bank branch will be closed on December 26. However, the exact closure depends on your specific bank and location. Some regional banks and credit unions may have different policies, and a few banks in states that do not observe the day may stay open.
Key Takeaways
- Most major bank branches close on December 26, though federal offices and some regional banks may remain open.
- ATMs and online banking services typically work on December 26 even when branches are closed.
- If you need cash or services before December 26, plan ahead by visiting your bank on December 24 or 25.
- Call your specific bank branch or check their website to confirm their December 26 hours before you go.
How to check your bank's December 26 hours
The fastest way to know whether your bank is open is to call the branch directly or visit their website. Most banks post holiday hours online at least a week in advance. Search for "[Your Bank Name] holiday hours" or go to the bank's main website and look for a link labeled "Hours" or "Locations."
If you use a major bank like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, their websites have a branch locator tool. Enter your zip code, click on your branch, and the holiday schedule appears. Credit unions often post hours on their homepage or in the mobile app. If you cannot find the information online, call the branch number during regular business hours on December 24 or 25.
ATMs and online banking work on December 26
Even if your bank branch is closed, you can withdraw cash from an ATM on December 26. ATMs run 24/7 and do not close for holidays. If you need money over the weekend or holiday, an ATM is your most reliable option.
Online banking, bill pay, and mobile app transfers also work on December 26. You can move money between accounts, pay bills, and check your balance anytime. However, transfers to other banks or wire transfers initiated on December 26 may not process until the next business day (December 27 or later), depending on your bank's processing schedule.
What to do if you need in-person banking on December 26
If you need to speak to a banker, deposit a check, or handle a transaction that requires a person, plan to visit on December 24 or 25 instead. December 24 (Christmas Eve) may have reduced hours, so call ahead. December 25 (Christmas Day) is a federal holiday and banks will definitely be closed.
If your need is urgent and cannot wait until December 27, some banks operate limited-hours locations in grocery stores, pharmacies, or shopping centers. These locations may have different holiday schedules than main branches. Search online for "[Your Bank Name] locations near me" and call each one to ask about December 26 hours.
Banks that may be open on December 26
A small number of banks stay open on December 26. Some credit unions, community banks, and online-only banks do not observe the day. Banks in states that do not recognize the day after Christmas as a holiday may also remain open. However, this is uncommon among major national banks.
If you bank with a smaller or regional institution, check their website or call to confirm. Some banks also operate limited-hours locations specifically for holiday periods. Your bank's customer service line can tell you whether any branches near you will be staffed on December 26.
Plan ahead for refunds or payments due around December 26
If you are waiting for a refund to arrive by December 26 or need to make a payment by that date, remember that bank processing times do not stop for holidays. A refund that arrives on December 26 will be deposited to your account, but you may not see it until December 27 if the bank's systems are not processing transactions that day.
If you need to make a payment by December 26, submit it online or by phone before the holiday. Payments made on December 26 through online banking will typically process on December 27. If a payment deadline falls on December 26, contact the creditor or organization to ask whether they accept payments on that day or if the deadline extends to December 27.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on December 26 if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM and at stores on December 26, even if your bank branch is closed. You can also use it to pay bills online or make purchases. The only thing you cannot do is visit a physical branch to speak with a banker or deposit a check in person.
Will a check I deposit on December 26 clear the same day?
No. If you deposit a check through an ATM or mobile app on December 26, it will be processed on December 27 at the earliest. If December 27 is a Saturday, processing may not happen until Monday, December 29. Check your bank's mobile app or website to see the expected deposit date.
What if I need to deposit cash on December 26?
Most ATMs do not accept cash deposits. If your bank has a cash deposit ATM (sometimes called a "smart ATM"), you may be able to use it on December 26. Call your bank to ask whether any nearby ATMs accept deposits. Otherwise, wait until December 27 to visit a branch or use a deposit envelope if your bank offers one.
Do online banks close on December 26?
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Discover do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can transfer money, withdraw cash at partner ATMs, and manage your account on December 26 without interruption. Processing times for transfers to other banks may still be delayed until December 27.