Most banks are closed on December 26th in the United States, but the answer depends on where you are and what you need to do.

December 26th is not a federal holiday in the US, so banks are not required to close. However, many banks choose to remain closed because they observe the day after Christmas as a holiday for their staff. Some larger banks open on December 26th with normal hours, while regional and smaller banks often stay closed. Your specific bank's status depends on its own holiday policy, not on a national rule.

If you need to handle banking on December 26th, the fastest way to know is to check your bank's website or call their customer service line. Most banks post their holiday hours online by early December. You can also visit a branch in person to see if it's open — the door will tell you when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • December 26th is not a federal holiday, so banks are not legally required to close, but many choose to anyway.
  • Your bank's decision to open or close on December 26th is based on its own policy, which varies by institution and sometimes by region.
  • You can find your bank's December 26th hours on its website, by calling customer service, or by visiting a branch in person.
  • ATMs and online banking typically work on December 26th even if physical branches are closed.
  • If you need cash or in-person service on December 26th, plan ahead by visiting your bank before the holiday period.

How to check your bank's December 26th hours

Go to your bank's website and look for a "Holiday Hours" or "Branch Hours" page. Most banks publish their full December holiday schedule by the first week of December. If you cannot find it online, call your bank's main customer service number — they can tell you whether your specific branch is open and what services are available.

If you use a large national bank like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, you can also use their branch locator tool to check individual locations. Some branches in the same city may have different hours, so search for the one you plan to visit.

What stays open when branches close

ATMs work 24/7 regardless of whether the branch is open, so you can withdraw cash on December 26th. Online banking, mobile apps, and phone banking also run normally. If you need to deposit a check, you can use a mobile deposit feature in your bank's app on December 26th, and the deposit will process when the bank reopens.

Wire transfers and ACH transfers can be initiated online on December 26th, but they will not process until the next business day. If you need to move money urgently, send it on December 24th or 25th instead.

Banks that typically stay open on December 26th

Large national banks often open on December 26th with reduced hours or full hours, depending on the year and the branch. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank frequently open some locations. Credit unions vary widely — some close for the entire week between Christmas and New Year's, while others open normally.

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no physical branches, so the question of closure does not explore to them. You can access your account and move money anytime, though transfers may not process until the next business day.

Banks that typically close on December 26th

Regional banks, community banks, and smaller credit unions often close on December 26th. If your bank is not a household name or operates in only a few states, assume it is closed unless you confirm otherwise. Many smaller institutions close for the entire week between Christmas and New Year's.

If your bank is closed on December 26th, you can still use ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps. For in-person service, you will need to wait until the next business day.

Planning ahead for December 26th banking needs

If you know you will need cash, a cashier's check, or in-person service on December 26th, withdraw or handle it on December 24th or 25th instead. December 24th is a normal business day for most banks, and many stay open at least part of December 25th for limited hours, though some close entirely.

If you need to pay a bill on December 26th, use online bill pay through your bank's website or app — it will schedule the payment for the next business day. Do not wait until December 26th to send a check by mail if the payment is due soon after.

What to do if you need banking services and your bank is closed

Use an ATM to withdraw cash or deposit checks via mobile deposit. Pay bills online through your bank's website or app. Transfer money between your own accounts online. If you need a cashier's check or notary service, those require a physical branch and cannot be done on December 26th if your bank is closed — plan for December 24th instead.

If you use a bank that is part of a shared branching network, you may be able to visit another bank's branch on December 26th for basic services. Credit unions often participate in shared branching. Call your bank to ask whether this option is available to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December 26th a bank holiday?

No, December 26th is not a federal holiday in the United States. Banks are not required to close. However, many banks choose to close because they observe the day after Christmas as a holiday for their employees. Whether your bank is open depends on its own policy.

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, check your balance, and deposit checks via mobile deposit on December 26th even if the physical branch is closed.

Will my wire transfer process on December 26th?

You can initiate a wire transfer online on December 26th, but it will not process until the next business day. If the transfer is urgent, send it on December 24th or 25th instead.

What if I need a cashier's check on December 26th?

Cashier's checks require a physical branch and a teller. If your bank is closed on December 26th, you cannot get one that day. Plan ahead and visit your bank on December 24th or 25th if you know you will need one.

Can I deposit a check on December 26th?

Yes, through mobile deposit in your bank's app. The check will be deposited into your account, but it will not clear until the next business day. You cannot deposit a check in person at a closed branch.