Most banks will be closed on December 26, 2025

December 26 falls on a Friday in 2025, and most major U.S. banks treat it as a holiday. The day after Christmas is not a federal holiday, but many banks choose to close anyway because so many customers are still off work and branch traffic is light. However, this varies by bank and by location — some branches stay open, and you can almost always access your money through ATMs and online banking.

The safest approach is to check with your specific bank before that day. Call the branch you plan to visit, check their website, or look at their holiday schedule online. A five-minute call now saves a trip to a closed door on the 26th.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major banks close on December 26, 2025, even though it is not a federal holiday.
  • ATMs and online banking work on December 26 regardless of branch closures, so you can withdraw cash and move money without visiting a branch.
  • Some banks and credit unions stay open on December 26, particularly in areas with high customer demand.
  • Calling your branch or checking the bank's website is the only way to know for certain whether your location will be open.

Which banks typically close on December 26

The largest national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and U.S. Bank — all close most or all of their branches on December 26. Regional banks and credit unions vary. Some close for the full day; others open at noon or for limited hours. Local community banks sometimes stay open on the 26th because they serve customers who need to conduct year-end business.

If you bank with a smaller institution, do not assume they follow the same schedule as the big chains. A quick phone call to your branch takes less than a minute and gives you a definite answer.

How to access money on December 26 if your branch is closed

Your bank's ATM network works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of branch closures. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has that feature), and check your balance at any ATM in your bank's network on December 26. If you need to use an out-of-network ATM, you may pay a fee — typically $2 to $3 — depending on your bank's policy.

Online banking and mobile apps also work on December 26. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, send money to other people, and review transactions without stepping into a branch. Wire transfers and ACH transfers may process more slowly on the 26th because the banking system itself runs on a reduced schedule, but you can still initiate them.

What you cannot do without a branch on December 26

Some transactions require a person behind a counter. If you need to cash a check that is not yours, deposit a large amount of cash, open a new account, apply for a loan, or resolve a dispute, you will need a branch to be open. If December 26 is the day you planned to do any of these things, move your plans to December 23 or 24, or wait until December 29 when most branches reopen.

If you have a time-sensitive issue — a fraudulent charge, a missing deposit, a locked account — call your bank's customer service line on December 26. Most banks staff their phone lines even when branches are closed, and they can often resolve problems without you visiting in person.

Federal Reserve and banking system status on December 26

The Federal Reserve itself is closed on December 26, which means the banking system runs on a reduced schedule that day. Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated on December 26 may not process until December 29 or later. If you are sending money to someone else or waiting for a payment to arrive, assume it will not clear until the following business day.

This does not affect your ability to move money between your own accounts at the same bank — that usually happens instantly or within hours. It only affects transfers between different banks or to people outside your bank.

Planning ahead for year-end banking needs

If you have banking tasks that require a branch visit, complete them by December 24. This includes depositing large checks, opening accounts, applying for credit products, or resolving account issues. December 24 is a regular business day for most banks, though some may close early in the afternoon.

If you are waiting for a refund, tax payment, or other transfer to arrive by December 26, know that the banking system will not process it that day. Transfers initiated on December 24 or 25 will not clear until December 29 at the earliest. Plan your cash flow accordingly if you are counting on money arriving before the 26th.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on December 26 if my bank is closed?

Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant or ATM on December 26 regardless of whether your branch is open. The transaction will process normally, though it may not show in your account immediately if the merchant is also closed or running on a holiday schedule.

Will my direct deposit arrive on December 26?

Direct deposits scheduled for December 26 may arrive that day, but they often arrive on the next business day instead — December 29. Check with your employer or the organization sending the deposit to confirm the exact timing. If you need the money by December 26, ask them to send it earlier.

What if I need to deposit a check on December 26?

If your ATM accepts mobile check deposits, you can use your phone to deposit it on December 26 and it will process when the banking system reopens. If you need to deposit a physical check at a teller, you will have to wait until December 29 or later.

Do credit unions close on December 26?

Most credit unions close on December 26, but not all. Call your credit union to confirm. Some stay open because they serve members who need year-end services. Their ATMs work regardless of branch status.

How do I learn about my specific bank branch is open on December 26?

Visit your bank's website and look for their holiday schedule, call the branch directly, or use their mobile app to check branch hours. Most banks post their December holiday schedule in early December.