Christmas Day, December 25, is a U.S. federal holiday and one of the most predictable bank closures on the calendar. All U.S. bank branches are closed on Christmas Day at every standalone, supermarket-based, in-Walmart, and shopping-mall location. ATMs remain available 24/7, mobile apps and online banking are 24/7, and most major-bank 24/7 phone customer service lines still work on Christmas Day (lost or stolen card, credit card support).
The Christmas banking week is more complicated than the day itself. Christmas Eve (December 24) is not a federal holiday and most banks are open, but with early-close hours typically 1:00 PM or 3:00 PM local time. Boxing Day (December 26) is not a U.S. federal holiday and U.S. banks operate on normal Saturday hours; UK, Canadian, and Australian banks observe Boxing Day and close. And when December 25 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the Federal Reserve shifts the official observance: a Saturday Christmas is observed on the preceding Friday, a Sunday Christmas on the following Monday, with all bank branches closed on the observed day.
This page covers Christmas Day banking for 2026 (Friday Christmas, simple closure), 2027 (Saturday Christmas, observed Friday Dec 24), and 2028 (Monday Christmas, simple closure); the bank-by-bank Christmas Eve early-close hours; the 24/7 ATM, mobile app, and customer service alternatives during the closure; direct deposit and wire transfer timing through Christmas week; and the FAQ items that come up every year about Boxing Day, Christmas Sunday observance, and post-Christmas bank reopening.
Christmas Day 2026: Friday December 25
All U.S. bank branches are closed Friday, December 25, 2026. Christmas Day falls on a Friday in 2026, so there is no observance shift. Banks operate on normal Christmas Eve hours Thursday December 24 (most with early-close at 1 PM or 3 PM), are closed all day Friday December 25, and resume normal Saturday hours December 26 (Boxing Day is not observed by U.S. banks).
| Date | Day | Bank Branches | ATMs / Mobile App | Direct Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday Dec 24, 2026 | Christmas Eve | Open with early close (typically 1 PM or 3 PM) | Available 24/7 | Posts normally (Fedwire/ACH open Thursday) |
| Friday Dec 25, 2026 | Christmas Day (federal holiday) | All Closed | Available 24/7 | Does not post Friday (Fed Reserve closed) |
| Saturday Dec 26, 2026 | Boxing Day (not U.S. federal holiday) | Normal Saturday hours at most U.S. banks | Available 24/7 | Does not post Saturday (ACH closed) |
| Sunday Dec 27, 2026 | Sunday | Closed at most U.S. banks (Sunday-open exceptions apply) | Available 24/7 | Does not post Sunday |
| Monday Dec 28, 2026 | Regular Monday | Open normal Monday hours | Available 24/7 | Posts normally (catching up Friday-Saturday-Sunday delayed deposits) |
Christmas Day next 3 years: 2026, 2027, 2028
| Year | Date | Day of Week | Bank Branches Closed | Observance Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 25, 2026 | Friday | Friday Dec 25 | Regular Friday closure; Christmas Eve Thursday early close |
| 2027 | December 25, 2027 | Saturday | Friday Dec 24 (observed Christmas Day) + Saturday Dec 25 (already non-business) | Federal Reserve observes preceding Friday when Christmas falls Saturday; banks closed Friday and Saturday |
| 2028 | December 25, 2028 | Monday | Monday Dec 25 | Regular Monday closure; Christmas Eve Sunday is already a closed Sunday at most banks |
Why 2027 is different: when a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, the Federal Reserve and most banks observe the holiday on the preceding Friday. So in 2027, Friday December 24 becomes “observed Christmas Day” with branches closed, the Fedwire and ACH systems closed, and federal employees off. Saturday December 25 is then a regular Saturday (and itself non-business). This means in 2027 the Christmas closure effectively becomes a 4-day weekend for federal banking: Thursday Dec 23 early close, Friday Dec 24 closed (observed Christmas), Saturday Dec 25 closed (actual Christmas, regular Saturday non-business at standalone branches), Sunday Dec 26 closed, Monday Dec 27 reopens.
Map of banks near me
Banks are closed Christmas Day. Use the map below to locate your nearest bank for Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, or post-Christmas business and find a 24/7 ATM.
Christmas Eve bank hours: early close at most major banks
Christmas Eve (December 24) is not a U.S. federal holiday and most banks are open, but most banks observe early-close hours, typically 1:00 PM or 3:00 PM local time. The exception year is 2027, when Friday December 24 is observed Christmas Day and banks are closed all day.
Bank-by-bank typical Christmas Eve hours (when Christmas Eve is not on a weekend):
| Bank | Christmas Eve (Dec 24) Hours | Christmas Day (Dec 25) Hours | Day After Christmas (Dec 26) Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Bank | Open with early close (typically 1 PM) | Closed | Normal hours (Saturday if Dec 26 is Sat, weekday if weekday) |
| Bank of America | Open with early close (typically 1 PM) | Closed | Normal hours |
| Wells Fargo | Open with early close (typically 1 PM) | Closed | Normal hours |
| TD Bank | Open with early close (typically 3 PM) | Closed | Normal hours; TD often has the longest day-after-Christmas hours of any major bank |
| U.S. Bank | Open with early close (typically 2 PM lobby) | Closed | Normal hours; Safeway / Vons / Albertsons in-store locations open per host hours |
| PNC Bank | Open with early close (typically 1 PM) | Closed | Normal hours |
| Truist Bank | Open with early close (typically 1 PM) | Closed | Normal hours |
| Citizens Bank | Open with early close (typically 1 PM) | Closed | Normal hours |
| Huntington Bank | Open with early close (typically 1 PM) | Closed | Normal hours |
| Fifth Third Bank | Open with early close (typically 1 PM) | Closed (except CVG airport branch may follow airport schedule) | Normal hours |
| Capital One Bank | Open with early close (typically 1 PM); Capital One Cafe early close typically 3 PM | Closed | Normal hours |
| Regions Bank | Open with early close (typically 12 PM or 1 PM) | Closed | Normal hours |
| KeyBank | Open with early close (typically 1 PM) | Closed | Normal hours |
| M&T Bank | Open with early close (typically 1 PM) | Closed | Normal hours |
| Woodforest National Bank | Host Walmart hours (Walmart Christmas Eve is typically shortened to 6 PM) | Closed all day (Walmart Christmas Day closed) | Open Boxing Day per Walmart Saturday hours |
| Citibank | Open with early close (typically 1 PM at U.S. branches) | Closed | Normal hours |
Christmas Eve early-close hours vary by branch. Use your bank’s official locator with the holiday schedule view, or call the branch directly, to confirm Christmas Eve hours at your specific location.
Banks closed all day Christmas (the complete list)
All major U.S. retail banks are closed Christmas Day at every branch. The closure is universal across:
- National banks: Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, U.S. Bank, PNC, TD Bank, Truist, Capital One, BMO Bank
- Regional banks: Huntington, Fifth Third, KeyBank, M&T, Regions, Citizens, Santander, Comerica, First Horizon, First Citizens, Atlantic Union, Prosperity, Frost, WaFd, Banner
- Hawaii banks: Bank of Hawaii, First Hawaiian Bank (closed Christmas Day HST)
- In-Walmart and supermarket-based branches: Woodforest in Walmart (Walmart Christmas Day closed), U.S. Bank Safeway / Vons / Albertsons in-store, Chase Acme / ShopRite, Citizens Stop & Shop, all closed Christmas Day
- Online-only banks: Ally, Marcus, Discover, Synchrony, SoFi (no physical branches; mobile and online 24/7)
- UK and international banks at U.S. offices: HSBC, Barclays, NatWest, Lloyds, Santander, Deutsche Bank (UK and Commonwealth banks also observe Boxing Day Dec 26)
- Indian banks at U.S. branches: HDFC, ICICI, SBI, Bank of Baroda, Canara, PNB, Axis, RBL (closed Christmas Day at U.S. branches)
- Credit unions: Navy Federal, PenFed, SECU of NC, and most other U.S. credit unions are closed Christmas Day
What still works on Christmas Day: ATMs, mobile apps, and 24/7 customer service
While all bank branches are closed Christmas Day, almost every routine banking need can be handled through 24/7 channels:
24/7 ATMs (cash, deposits, balance) work normally
ATMs at all major U.S. bank branches are available 24 hours a day on Christmas Day. Most modern ATMs accept cash and check deposits via Envelope-Free Deposit, with funds typically credited the next business day (which will be Monday December 28, 2026, since Christmas Day Friday plus Saturday plus Sunday are all non-business banking days). Drive-thru ATMs at standalone branches are also 24/7 on Christmas. See our ATM Near Me page.
Mobile apps and online banking are 24/7
Every major U.S. bank mobile app and online banking platform runs 24/7 on Christmas Day, supporting: balance inquiry, transfer between accounts, bill pay scheduling, Zelle transfers (24/7 within the U.S.), Mobile Check Deposit, card lock and unlock, account statements, and dispute filing. Zelle transfers between U.S. banks settle within minutes 24/7 including on federal holidays.
24/7 customer service phone lines
Most major U.S. banks have 24/7 phone customer service for at least some functions, including Christmas Day:
- Bank of America credit card 1-800-421-2110, mortgage 1-800-669-6607
- Chase credit card 1-800-432-3117, deposit 1-800-935-9935
- U.S. Bank 24-Hour Banking 1-800-USBANKS
- Wells Fargo 1-800-869-3557
- Truist credit card 844-4TRUIST
- Citi credit card 1-800-950-5114
- Capital One 1-877-383-4802
- WaFd 1-800-324-9375 (live specialists 24/7)
- Huntington credit card 1-800-340-4165
- Lost or stolen card 24/7: every major bank has a dedicated 24/7 number on the back of every card
Bank of America Erica virtual assistant
Bank of America’s Erica virtual assistant handles most account questions 24/7 inside the BofA mobile app, including Christmas Day.
Direct deposit and bill pay timing across Christmas week
Federal Reserve ACH (Automated Clearing House) and Fedwire systems are closed on Christmas Day (and the observed-Christmas Day when Dec 25 falls on a weekend). This affects direct deposit, ACH payments, and wire transfers:
- Direct deposit scheduled for Friday Dec 25, 2026: will not post Friday. Most banks make funds available on the preceding Thursday Dec 24 (Early Pay for many banks) or on Monday Dec 28 (next business day). Banks with “Early Pay” or “Direct Deposit Up to 2 Days Early” features (Chime, Varo, SoFi, Discover, Capital One 360, Ally) commonly post Christmas payday on Wednesday Dec 23.
- Bill payments scheduled for Dec 25, 2026: will be processed on the next business day (Monday Dec 28) if scheduled via ACH. Schedule early to avoid late payment.
- Wire transfers: Fedwire is closed Christmas Day. A wire scheduled for Dec 25 will queue and process Monday Dec 28. For same-day urgent transfers across Christmas week, use Zelle (24/7 between U.S. banks).
- Federal benefits (Social Security, SSI, VA): typically arrive on the scheduled benefit day or the preceding business day if the schedule falls on a federal holiday. Social Security checks scheduled Dec 25, 2026 should arrive Thursday Dec 24, 2026.
Is Boxing Day (December 26) a U.S. bank holiday?
No. Boxing Day, December 26, is not a U.S. federal holiday. U.S. bank branches are open on Boxing Day with normal hours for that day of the week (Saturday if Dec 26 falls on Saturday, weekday if weekday). U.S. ACH and Fedwire systems also resume normal operations on December 26 if it is a weekday.
Boxing Day IS observed in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth countries. UK banks (HSBC, Barclays, NatWest, Lloyds, Bank of Scotland, Metro Bank) are closed Boxing Day in the UK; their U.S. offices operate on normal U.S. schedules.
2026 specifically: Boxing Day Saturday December 26, 2026 is a regular Saturday at U.S. banks. Most major U.S. banks are open Saturday 9 AM to 12 PM or 1 PM. See our Banks Open on Saturday Near Me page for Saturday hours.
What if I’m traveling and need cash on Christmas?
If you are traveling for Christmas and need cash, the practical options are:
- Any bank ATM: ATMs at any U.S. bank are 24/7 on Christmas Day. Out-of-network ATM fees apply if you use an ATM that is not part of your bank’s network. Some premium accounts refund out-of-network ATM fees.
- Surcharge-free ATM networks: Allpoint (used by Ally, Capital One, Marcus, many online banks and credit unions) and MoneyPass (used by U.S. Bank, FNBO) provide tens of thousands of fee-free ATMs nationwide. Plan ahead by checking the network’s locator before traveling.
- Cash back at retail: grocery stores, Walmart, Target, CVS, and Walgreens that are open Christmas Day (most major retailers are closed Christmas Day but pharmacies and some grocery chains are open with reduced hours) typically offer up to $50-$100 cash back on debit card purchases.
- Zelle: if you need to send money to a family member to help with cash, Zelle works 24/7 between U.S. bank accounts including Christmas Day.
- Mobile wallet payments: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay all work normally on Christmas Day at any merchant that accepts contactless payments.
Christmas Day banking history and why banks observe it
Christmas Day has been a U.S. federal holiday since the 1870 federal holiday act. The Federal Reserve, established in 1913, has observed Christmas Day since its founding, which means the U.S. banking system has been closed on December 25 every year since 1914 (with the brief exception of war-year emergency banking days).
Christmas is also a global banking standard observance: virtually every Western banking system closes December 25, and the international SWIFT wire transfer network treats December 25 as a non-business day for cross-border settlement. This means international wires sent to or received from European, U.K., Commonwealth, or other Christian-tradition banking systems also queue across Christmas Day and process on the next business day.
Frequently asked questions
Are banks open on Christmas Day?
No. All U.S. bank branches are closed on Christmas Day, December 25. ATMs at branches are available 24/7, mobile apps and online banking are 24/7, and most major-bank 24/7 phone customer service lines (lost or stolen card, credit card support) still work on Christmas Day.
What time do banks close on Christmas Eve?
Most U.S. banks close early on Christmas Eve (December 24), typically at 1:00 PM or 3:00 PM local time. TD Bank typically closes at 3 PM Christmas Eve. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, PNC, Truist, and most other major banks close at 1 PM. U.S. Bank typically closes at 2 PM. Confirm Christmas Eve hours with your specific branch via the bank’s locator.
Is Christmas Eve a federal holiday?
No. Christmas Eve (December 24) is not a federal holiday in the United States. Banks operate on a regular weekday schedule on Christmas Eve, but most observe early-close hours as a courtesy to employees. The exception is when Christmas Day falls on Saturday (next happens 2027), in which case the Federal Reserve observes the preceding Friday December 24 as Christmas Day and all banks are closed.
Is Boxing Day (December 26) a U.S. bank holiday?
No. Boxing Day, December 26, is not a U.S. federal holiday. U.S. bank branches operate on normal hours for that day of the week. Boxing Day IS a federal holiday in the U.K., Canada, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries; banks in those countries close December 26. U.S. branches of U.K. and Commonwealth banks operate on normal U.S. schedules and are open Dec 26.
What happens when Christmas Day falls on a Saturday?
When Christmas Day December 25 falls on a Saturday (next happens in 2027), the Federal Reserve and most U.S. banks observe Christmas Day on the preceding Friday December 24. Banks close all day Friday Dec 24 (the observed Christmas Day) and Saturday Dec 25 is a regular Saturday that is also non-business at standalone branches. Effectively the closure becomes a 4-day weekend: Thursday Dec 23 early close, Friday Dec 24 closed (observed), Saturday Dec 25 closed, Sunday Dec 26 closed, Monday Dec 27 reopens.
What happens when Christmas Day falls on a Sunday?
When Christmas Day December 25 falls on a Sunday, the Federal Reserve and most U.S. banks observe Christmas Day on the following Monday December 26. Banks are closed Sunday Dec 25 (regular Sunday closure plus Christmas Day) and Monday Dec 26 (observed Christmas Day). The previous time this happened was 2022; the next time will be 2033.
Will direct deposit arrive on Christmas Day?
No. Direct deposits scheduled for Christmas Day cannot post because the Federal Reserve ACH system is closed on Christmas Day. Most banks make funds available on the preceding business day (Thursday Dec 24, 2026) as a courtesy. Banks with “Early Pay” or “Direct Deposit Up to 2 Days Early” features (Chime, Varo, SoFi, Discover, Capital One 360, Ally, Bank of America early pay) commonly post Christmas payday on Wednesday Dec 23, 2026.
Can I deposit a check on Christmas Day?
Yes, three ways: (1) Mobile Check Deposit through your bank’s mobile app, available 24/7 at every major U.S. bank; (2) at a 24/7 branch ATM that supports deposits via Envelope-Free Deposit; (3) at a Christmas-open branch (almost none in the U.S.). Mobile Check Deposit is the fastest option. Funds typically credit the next business day, which for a Friday Dec 25, 2026 deposit is Monday Dec 28, 2026.
Can I do a wire transfer on Christmas Day?
No. Fedwire (the Federal Reserve wire transfer system) is closed Christmas Day. A wire scheduled or initiated on Christmas Day will queue and process on the next Fedwire business day, which is typically Monday Dec 28 for a Friday Christmas. For same-day urgent transfers across Christmas, use Zelle (available 24/7 between U.S. bank accounts including federal holidays).
Are credit card payments processed on Christmas Day?
Credit card swipe and online purchase authorizations are processed 24/7 including Christmas Day. Card payments to your credit card account (scheduled bill pay or in-app payment) are recorded immediately but settle via ACH on the next business day. If you pay your credit card bill on Christmas Day, the payment is credited as Dec 25 but settles Monday Dec 28.
Are banks open the day after Christmas (Boxing Day)?
Yes. U.S. banks operate on normal hours December 26. If December 26 falls on a Saturday (2026), banks operate Saturday morning hours typically 9 AM to 12 PM or 1 PM. If December 26 falls on a weekday, banks operate full weekday hours. UK and Commonwealth banks close Boxing Day; U.S. branches of those banks operate on normal U.S. schedules.
How do I get cash on Christmas Day if I am traveling?
Use any U.S. bank ATM (24/7 on Christmas Day). Surcharge-free ATM networks (Allpoint for online banks and credit unions, MoneyPass for U.S. Bank and FNBO) provide thousands of fee-free ATMs nationwide. Cash back at retail (grocery stores, pharmacies, Walmart, Target that are open Christmas Day, mostly pharmacies and some grocery chains) offers up to $50-$100 cash back. Zelle works 24/7 to send money between U.S. bank accounts.
Are international wires affected by U.S. Christmas Day?
Yes. The SWIFT international wire network and the U.S. Fedwire system both treat December 25 as a non-business day. International wires sent or received around Christmas will queue and process on the next U.S. and recipient-country business day. International wires across Christmas can take 1 to 2 additional business days to settle. For urgent international transfers around the holidays, schedule wires at least 2 business days before the target settlement date.
For more banking guides
- Banks Open on Holidays Near Me, the full 11 federal holiday schedule including Christmas and the rest of the year
- Banks Open on Thanksgiving Day, the Thursday Thanksgiving closure, Black Friday open status, Small Business Saturday, and direct deposit timing across Thanksgiving week
- Banks Open Now Near Me, the right-now lookup matrix by day-of-week and time-of-day
- Banks Open on Saturday Near Me, Saturday hours by bank including the Boxing Day Saturday handling
- Banks Open on Sunday Near Me, the short list of Sunday-open banks (does not change on Christmas Sunday observance years)
- Drive Thru Banks Near Me, drive-up window vs drive-thru ATM, hours by bank, and 24/7 ATM details
- ATM Near Me, find ATMs at any bank, surcharge-free options, drive-thru ATMs, and Envelope-Free Deposit ATMs
- Banks Near Me homepage, a directory of 80+ U.S., U.K., and international banks