Christmas Eve is not a federal banking holiday, so most banks stay open
Christmas Eve (December 24) is not a federal banking holiday. Banks, credit unions, and most financial institutions operate on a normal business day schedule. You can deposit checks, withdraw cash, make transfers, and conduct other banking business as usual — though hours may vary by location.
The federal banking holiday is Christmas Day itself (December 25), when banks close. This matters because if you need to do banking on December 24, you have a full business day to do it. If you wait until December 25, you will not be able to visit a branch or use most banking services that require a live person.
Some individual banks or credit unions may choose to close on Christmas Eve for their own reasons, so it is worth checking with your specific institution. But there is no law requiring them to close, and most remain open.
Key Takeaways
- Christmas Eve is a regular business day for banks — federal law does not require them to close.
- Christmas Day (December 25) is the actual federal banking holiday when banks close.
- If you need to deposit checks or withdraw cash before the holiday, December 24 is your final note.
- Some individual banks may close on Christmas Eve by choice, so check your bank's holiday schedule online or by phone.
What banking services work on Christmas Eve
On December 24, you can use any banking service that normally works during regular business hours. This includes visiting a branch to deposit or withdraw cash, speaking with a banker about a loan or account question, transferring money between your own accounts, and paying bills in person.
ATMs and online banking work around the clock, so you can move money or check your balance any time on December 24 — or any other day. Mobile apps work the same way. The only services that stop are those that require a bank employee to be present, and those stop because the branch closes for the day, not because of the holiday.
Why Christmas Day is the holiday, not Christmas Eve
The federal government designates December 25 as the banking holiday because that is when Christmas is observed. December 24 is the evening before the holiday, not the holiday itself. Banks follow the same calendar as federal offices, courts, and the stock market — all of which close on December 25 and reopen on December 26 (or the next business day if December 26 falls on a weekend).
This is different from some retail stores, which may close on Christmas Eve evening or operate on reduced hours. Banks do not follow retail schedules.
Checking your specific bank's Christmas Eve hours
Even though Christmas Eve is not a federal holiday, your bank may have its own policy. Some banks close early on December 24, some close all day, and some stay open with normal hours. The only way to know for certain is to check directly.
Visit your bank's website and look for "holiday hours" or "branch hours." Most banks post their December schedule in early December. You can also call your branch directly or use the bank's branch locator tool, which often shows hours for specific dates. If you use a credit union, check their website the same way.
Planning ahead if you need banking on December 24
If you know you will need to deposit a check or withdraw cash before Christmas, do it on December 24 rather than waiting. December 25 is closed, and checks deposited on December 26 may not clear until December 27 or later, depending on your bank's processing schedule.
If December 24 falls on a weekend (which happens occasionally), your bank will be closed anyway, and you will need to use an ATM or wait until Monday, December 26. Check your calendar and your bank's hours before the holiday week arrives.
What happens if you deposit a check on December 24
A check deposited on December 24 during business hours will be processed that day. It will likely be available in your account by December 26, though some banks hold checks for one business day after deposit. The exact timing depends on your bank's policy and whether the check is from another bank in the same system or a different system.
If you deposit a check in an ATM on December 24 evening, it will be processed the next business day the bank is open, which is December 26. Do not count on that money being available on Christmas Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card or ATM on Christmas Eve?
Yes. ATMs work 24 hours, and debit cards work anywhere that accepts them — grocery stores, gas stations, online retailers. You do not need a bank branch to be open to use these services. Online banking and mobile apps also work on Christmas Eve just like any other day.
What if I need to call my bank on December 24?
Most banks have customer service phone lines open on December 24 during regular business hours. Check your bank's website or the back of your debit card for the customer service number. If you call on December 25, you will reach a recorded message directing you to call back on December 26.
Do credit unions close on Christmas Eve?
Credit unions follow the same federal holiday schedule as banks, so Christmas Eve is a regular business day for most credit unions. Some individual credit unions may close early or all day on December 24 by choice. Check your credit union's website or call ahead to confirm their hours.
What if my bank is closed on December 24 for its own reasons?
If your bank chooses to close on December 24, you can still access your money through ATMs and online banking. If you need to speak with someone, you will have to wait until December 26. Plan ahead if you know you need in-person banking services before Christmas.