If your normal payday falls on Christmas Day, you will usually be paid either the business day before or the next business day after, depending on how your employer runs payroll and your bank’s policies. Many employers choose to pay people early before the holiday, but some keep the same processing schedule so the deposit shows up the next working day after banks reopen.
Key factors
- Employer policy: Some companies explicitly state in their handbook or contract that if payday is on a bank holiday, pay moves to the previous or next business day.
- Bank and deposit timing: Even if your employer sends the money early, your bank might release it early, on the scheduled day, or on the next working day, so timing can differ between employees.
What you should do
- Check with HR or payroll: Ask, “If our payday lands on a holiday like Christmas Day, is pay moved earlier or to the next business day?”
- Check your bank: Many banks and prepaid accounts advertise “early direct deposit,” which can mean you see your money 1–2 days before the official payday when payroll is submitted ahead of the holiday.
