The year-end festive season is upon us, and with it come changes to banking operations across Brazil, as announced by the Federação Brasileira de Bancos (Febraban). These adjustments to banking hours will impact customers significantly as they prepare for holiday celebrations.
On December 24, known as Christmas Eve, banks will operate under reduced hours, opening their doors from 9 AM to 11 AM (Brasília time). Customers hoping to complete transactions will need to plan accordingly, as the following day, December 25, is a national holiday, leading to all bank branches being closed and no banking operations taking place.
The impact does not stop there; the close of the year also means no banking will occur on December 31, New Year’s Eve. The Febraban has confirmed, “On December 31, there will be no banking hours.” This schedule means any transactions planned for this day, including Transferência Eletrônica Disponível (TED), will be ineffective, as no compensations will occur.
Banks will resume their normal operations starting January 2, 2025. Days between the holidays where banks will function regularly include December 23, 26, 27, and 30. These days will allow customers to attend to their banking needs before the long holiday break.
The Febraban encourages customers to stay informed; on December 25 and January 1, the banking system will be completely shut down, with no operations or compensations available. For bills due during these closures, the federation advises consumers to take advantage of the following business day to make payments without incurring fines. “Bills for essentials like water and electricity, which are due on December 25, 31, or January 1, can be paid on the next business day without penalties,” they note.
Customers handling taxes and other official payments should prioritize settling these amounts before the holiday rush to avoid any penalties or interest, especially considering tax notices often come with deadlines aligned with national holidays. If unsure about due dates, customers are advised to verify and, if necessary, adjust their payment schedules.
For convenience, the Febraban emphasizes the continuing availability of digital banking services. The PIX system will remain functional around the clock even during holidays, offering customers the opportunity to conduct transfers and payments without needing to wait for bank branches to open. "The PIX will operate normally during holiday periods," reassured the Febraban, providing peace of mind for clients who may need to manage their finances during this hectic time.
During this festive season, clients should be encouraged to utilize digital banking channels which offer safe and reliable methods for payment and account management without the need to physically visit the bank. Options such as bank apps and ATMs, as well as services like Débito Direto Autorizado (DDA), allow for seamless payments, including those with barcodes.
With the arrival of many public holidays marked as non-business days by the Conselho Monetário Nacional (CMN)—which includes Saturdays, Sundays, and the holidays of December 25 and January 1—customers need to be fully aware of operational changes to avoid surprises. Adapting to holiday schedules and promoting awareness of available options will prove advantageous for all patrons during this year-end frenzy.
To avoid stress during this busy period, customers are encouraged to check with their respective banks for specific hours of operation, as they may vary slightly by institution. Remembering the key dates will help clients navigate their year-end banking needs effectively, ensuring all festivities can be enjoyed with peace of mind.
