December 24th is not a federal bank holiday, so most banks stay open
December 24th — Christmas Eve — is not a federal holiday, which means banks are not required to close. Most banks operate on their normal schedule that day, though some branches may close early or have reduced hours. A few banks choose to close entirely as a courtesy to staff, but this varies by institution and location.
The actual federal bank holiday is December 25th (Christmas Day). That is the day when federal offices, the Federal Reserve, and most banks close. If you need to do banking on Christmas Eve, you can usually visit a branch or use ATMs and online banking as normal — but it is worth checking with your specific bank first, since policies differ.
Key Takeaways
- December 24th is a regular business day for federal banking purposes, so most banks remain open with standard hours.
- Some individual banks may close early or shut down entirely on Christmas Eve, so check your bank's holiday schedule before you go.
- December 25th (Christmas Day) is the actual federal bank holiday when most banks close.
- ATMs and online banking typically work on December 24th even if your branch has reduced hours.
- If you need cash or to complete a transaction before the holiday, December 24th morning is usually your final note at a staffed branch.
Why banks stay open on Christmas Eve
Banks remain open on December 24th because it is not designated as a federal holiday. The federal government and the Federal Reserve only recognize December 25th as the Christmas holiday. This means banks have no legal requirement to close, and many stay open to serve customers who need to handle last-minute financial tasks before the actual holiday.
However, individual banks have the right to set their own policies. Some choose to close on Christmas Eve anyway, either to give employees time off or because customer traffic is very light. Credit unions sometimes follow different schedules than large national banks. The safest approach is to contact your bank directly or check their website for their specific December 24th hours.
What to expect if you need banking on Christmas Eve
If your bank is open on December 24th, expect it to operate during regular business hours — typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though this varies by location and bank. Some branches close an hour or two earlier than usual. Staffed tellers will be available, so you can deposit checks, withdraw cash, or speak with someone about account questions.
Online banking and ATMs almost always work on December 24th, regardless of whether your branch is open. You can transfer money between accounts, pay bills, check balances, and withdraw cash from ATMs throughout the day and evening. If your bank does close early or all day, these digital options let you handle most routine tasks without visiting a branch.
How to find your bank's December 24th hours
The quickest way to confirm whether your bank is open on Christmas Eve is to call the branch directly or visit the bank's website. Most banks post holiday hours online several weeks in advance. Search for "[Your Bank Name] holiday hours" or look for a "Locations" or "Hours" section on their website.
If you use a large national bank like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, you can usually find holiday schedules on their main website. Credit unions often post hours on their homepage as well. If you cannot find the information online, a quick phone call to your local branch takes less than a minute and removes any doubt.
Planning ahead for the Christmas holiday period
December 24th is your final note to visit a staffed branch before Christmas Day, when banks close. If you need to withdraw a large amount of cash, deposit a check, or discuss an account issue, do it on December 24th morning or early afternoon. This gives you time to handle the task and avoid the rush that often happens late in the day.
If December 24th falls on a weekend, your bank may already be closed that day anyway. In 2024, December 24th is a Tuesday, so most banks will be open. In future years, check whether Christmas Eve lands on a weekday or weekend, since weekend closures explore regardless of the holiday status.
What happens if you need banking on December 25th or 26th
December 25th is a federal bank holiday, so virtually all banks close. You cannot visit a branch, speak with a teller, or conduct business that requires staff. However, ATMs work 24/7, and online banking remains available. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills from home.
December 26th is a regular business day, and banks reopen with normal hours. If you have a transaction that requires a teller or a staff member — such as a wire transfer, a large cash deposit, or a loan question — you can handle it then. Plan accordingly if you have time-sensitive banking needs during the holiday period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my ATM on December 24th?
Yes. ATMs work 24/7 on December 24th, even if your bank branch is closed or has reduced hours. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks at most ATMs throughout the day and night.
Will my online banking work on Christmas Eve?
Yes. Online banking, mobile apps, and bill pay services work normally on December 24th. You can transfer money, pay bills, and manage your account from your phone or computer anytime.
What if I need to deposit a check on December 24th and the branch is closed?
Many banks offer mobile check deposit through their app, which works on December 24th. You photograph the check and submit it through the app. If your bank does not offer this, you can deposit the check at an ATM if your bank supports it, or wait until December 26th to visit a branch.
Do credit unions close on December 24th?
Most credit unions close on December 25th (Christmas Day) but stay open on December 24th. However, some credit unions set their own schedules and may close on Christmas Eve. Check your credit union's website or call ahead to confirm their hours.
What if December 24th is a Saturday?
If Christmas Eve falls on a Saturday, your bank is likely closed anyway because of the weekend. In that case, your last staffed branch day before the holiday would be Friday, December 23rd. Check your bank's weekend hours to be sure.