Brazilian banks are set to adjust their operating hours during the end-of-year holiday period, impacting customers' banking activities from Christmas to New Year. This alteration aims to accommodate national holidays, as outlined by the Federação Brasileira de Bancos (Febraban).
On December 24, the banks will operate on reduced hours, opening only from 9 AM to 11 AM (Brasília time). After this early closure, there will be no banking services available on December 25, Christmas Day, and December 31, New Year's Eve. These closures mean no deposits, withdrawals, or processing of transactions will occur on these days.
For customers planning to manage their finances over the year-end holiday, it's important to understand how these changes may affect payment schedules. According to Febraban, payments for bills such as water, electricity, and telephone, which are due on Christmas Day (December 25), New Year's Day (January 1), or New Year's Eve (December 31), can be made without incurring additional fees or penalties on the next business day — December 26 or January 2, respectively.
While traditional banking services will be paused, electronic transfer systems will remain active. Febraban confirmed the Pix system will function continuously throughout the holiday season, allowing customers to make instant payments at any time, including holidays. This 24/7 accessibility has been well-received, especially during peak times when many financial transactions take place.
For those wishing to use alternative transfer methods, such as TED (Transferência Eletrônica Disponível), it's worth noting these will not be processed on December 25, December 31, or January 1. Any TED transactions initiated on these dates will only be reflected on the next operational day. Hence, users need to schedule their transactions accordingly to avoid delays.
Beginning on December 26 and continuing through December 30, banks will resume their normal operating hours, allowing customers to visit branches for assistance. Bank services will also be available on January 2, ensuring minimal disruption to banking activities following the holiday break.
Febraban advises customers to utilize digital banking platforms wherever possible during this period. Online banking services will allow users to manage accounts, make payments, and schedule transactions without needing to visit bank branches, thereby easing the burden of holiday closures.
Bank customers are encouraged to pay special attention to any bills due during the holiday period. While some bills can be paid later without penalties, it's recommended to pay taxes or deadlines prone to fines ahead of time, as these often can't be deferred past their due dates. Scheduling these payments or utilizing automated payment setups like Debito Direto Autorizado (DDA) can help avoid any late fees.
To summarize holiday banking hours:
- December 24: Open 9 AM to 11 AM
- December 25: Closed
- December 26-27: Normal hours
- December 28-29: Closed
- December 30: Normal hours
- December 31: Closed
- January 1: Closed
- January 2: Resumption of normal services begins
It is also notable how the operational guidelines between public holidays are determined by the Conselho Monetário Nacional (CMN), which stipulates non-working days for banking institutions are defined as Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, thereby impacting bank services. Customers are reminded to plan transactions according to these schedules to avoid any potential disruption.
This holiday season, with its uniquely adjusted banking hours and increased digital transaction capabilities, encourages customers to remain proactive with their financial commitments — ensuring they don't miss important deadlines and can enjoy the festivities with peace of mind.
