Most banks are closed on December 26th if Christmas falls on a weekday
The day after Christmas is not a federal holiday, so whether your bank is open depends on what day Christmas lands on. If Christmas is on a weekday (Monday through Friday), most banks treat December 26th as a regular business day and open at their normal hours. If Christmas is on a Saturday, December 26th is Sunday and banks are closed anyway. If Christmas is on a Sunday, December 26th is Monday — a regular business day — and banks open normally.
The exception is when your bank has chosen to observe the Christmas holiday on December 26th instead of December 25th. This is rare but does happen at some regional and community banks. Call your specific branch the day before to confirm, or check your bank's website for holiday hours.
If you need to move money or access funds on December 26th, plan to visit in person during regular business hours or use your bank's ATM or mobile app, which work regardless of branch closures.
Key Takeaways
- December 26th is a regular business day for most banks unless Christmas fell on a Sunday, making the 26th a Monday that the bank has chosen to observe as a holiday.
- Check your specific bank's website or call the branch directly to confirm hours, since policies vary by institution and region.
- ATMs and mobile banking apps work on December 26th even if the physical branch is closed.
- If you need cash or in-person service, plan to go during standard business hours, typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
How to find your bank's December 26th hours
The fastest way is to search "[Your Bank Name] holiday hours" on Google or visit your bank's website directly. Most banks post their holiday schedule in November or early December. Look for a link labeled "Hours" or "Holiday Hours" on the homepage.
If you cannot find the information online, call your local branch. The phone number is usually on your debit card, your bank statements, or the bank's website. Ask specifically whether December 26th is a regular business day or an observed holiday for that branch.
Some banks operate different hours at different branches, so confirm with the location you plan to visit, not just the bank's main line.
What you can do on December 26th without visiting a branch
ATMs work 24/7 regardless of branch hours. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (at ATMs that accept deposits), and check your balance anytime on December 26th.
Mobile banking apps let you transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, send money to other people via Zelle or similar services, and deposit checks by photograph. These functions work around the clock.
Online banking through your bank's website works the same way. You can move money, pay bills, and view your account without stepping into a branch.
The only things you cannot do remotely are cash a check at the teller window, open a new account in person, or speak to a banker about a loan or account issue. Those require a visit during business hours.
Banks that are definitely closed on December 26th
Federal banks and most major national banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank) are open on December 26th unless it is a Sunday. Credit unions vary — some observe the day as a holiday, others do not. Call ahead if you use a credit union.
Small regional and community banks are more likely to observe December 26th as a holiday. This is especially true in areas with large populations from countries that celebrate Boxing Day (the day after Christmas), such as parts of Canada or the UK-influenced regions.
If your bank is closed and you need cash urgently, use an ATM from your bank or a partner network. If you need to deposit a check, most banks let you photograph it through the mobile app and deposit it that way, with funds available the next business day.
Planning ahead for December 26th transactions
If you know you will need cash or need to deposit a check on December 26th, handle it on December 24th or 25th instead. Most banks are open on Christmas Eve (December 24th) during regular hours, and some branches open for a few hours on Christmas Day itself, though this is uncommon.
If December 26th is a Monday and your bank is open, remember that it may be busier than usual because people are returning to work and running errands. Arrive early or use the ATM to avoid a line.
For bill payments or transfers that are due around December 26th, schedule them a day or two early through your mobile app or online banking. This ensures they process even if your branch is closed.
What happens if you need a banker on December 26th
If your branch is closed and you need to speak to someone about an account problem, a loan, or opening a new account, you have a few options. Many banks operate a customer service phone line even on holidays — check your bank's website for the number. Some issues can be handled over the phone or through email.
If the issue is urgent and cannot wait until December 27th, consider visiting a branch of a partner bank or a different branch of your own bank in a nearby town. Larger cities often have multiple branches with different holiday policies.
For non-urgent matters, wait until December 27th when your regular branch reopens. Most banking issues do not require same-day resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December 26th a bank holiday?
No, December 26th is not a federal holiday in the United States. Most banks are open on December 26th during regular business hours. However, some individual banks choose to observe it as a holiday, so you should check with your specific bank.
Can I use my ATM on December 26th if the branch is closed?
Yes. ATMs work 24/7 regardless of whether the branch is open. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM accepts deposits), and check your balance anytime on December 26th.
What if I need to deposit a check on December 26th?
Use your bank's mobile app to photograph and deposit the check, or visit an ATM that accepts check deposits. Both methods work on December 26th even if the branch is closed. The check will be processed the next business day.
Do credit unions have different hours than banks on December 26th?
Credit unions vary. Some observe December 26th as a holiday, others do not. Call your credit union directly to confirm their hours, or check their website for a holiday schedule.
Can I transfer money on December 26th if my bank is closed?
Yes. You can transfer money between your own accounts or send money to other people through your mobile app or online banking anytime, including December 26th, even if the physical branch is closed.