Most major banks close on Columbus Day, but some branches and online services stay available
Columbus Day is a federal holiday observed on the second Monday in October. Most national banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — close their physical branches on this day. However, online banking, mobile apps, ATMs, and 24-hour customer service lines remain open at these institutions, so you can still transfer money, check balances, and pay bills without visiting a branch.
Regional and community banks follow the same pattern: branches shut down, but digital services continue. Some credit unions also close on Columbus Day, though a few stay open depending on their policies. The key difference is that you cannot deposit checks in person, speak to a teller, or handle transactions that require a physical location.
If you need cash, ATMs work normally on Columbus Day. If you need to deposit a check or handle a transaction that requires a teller, you will need to wait until the next business day or use mobile check deposit if your bank offers it.
Key Takeaways
- Major national banks close their physical branches on Columbus Day but keep ATMs, online banking, and phone support open.
- You can still transfer money, pay bills, and check balances through your bank's app or website on Columbus Day.
- Mobile check deposit works on Columbus Day at most banks, so you do not have to wait to deposit checks in person.
- If you need cash, ATMs are available 24 hours, even when branches are closed.
- Some regional banks and credit unions may have different hours, so contact your specific institution to confirm.
What stays open on Columbus Day at your bank
ATMs operate around the clock on Columbus Day at every major bank. You can withdraw cash, deposit cash or checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), transfer money between accounts, and check your balance without any interruption.
Online banking portals and mobile apps work exactly as they do on any other day. You can log in, transfer funds between your own accounts, pay bills, set up automatic payments, and monitor transactions. No services are restricted because of the holiday.
Phone support lines remain staffed at most major banks on Columbus Day. If you have questions about your account, need to report fraud, or want to discuss a transaction, you can call customer service. Wait times may be longer than usual because fewer staff are working, but the lines do not close.
What closes on Columbus Day at your bank
Physical branch locations close entirely on Columbus Day. You cannot visit a teller, deposit checks in person, apply for a loan, open a new account, or handle any transaction that requires face-to-face interaction with a banker.
If you need to deposit a check and your bank does not offer mobile deposit, you will have to wait until Tuesday (or the next business day after the holiday). Some banks allow you to deposit checks at ATMs with envelope slots, but not all machines have this feature.
Safe deposit boxes are not accessible on Columbus Day. If you need to retrieve documents or valuables from a box, plan ahead and visit your branch before the holiday.
How to handle banking needs on Columbus Day
If you need to pay a bill, transfer money, or check your balance, use your bank's website or mobile app. These services never close, even on federal holidays. Most transactions process immediately or within one business day.
If you need to deposit a check, use mobile check deposit if your bank offers it. Open the app, take photos of the front and back of the check, and submit it. The funds typically appear in your account within one to two business days. This works on Columbus Day just like any other day.
If you need cash and your account is low, withdraw from an ATM before Columbus Day. ATMs work on the holiday, but if you are out of cash and cannot reach an ATM, you will have to wait until a branch reopens.
If you need to speak with someone about a complex issue — fraud, a large transfer, account problems — call your bank's customer service line. Wait times will be longer than usual, but representatives are available on Columbus Day at most major institutions.
Regional banks and credit unions may have different hours
Not all banks follow the same Columbus Day schedule. Some regional banks and credit unions stay open on Columbus Day, while others close. A few institutions observe the holiday on a different date or do not observe it at all.
The only way to know for certain is to contact your bank directly. Call the main number, check your bank's website, or visit the branch location page to see if hours are listed for Columbus Day. Many banks post holiday hours online a week or two in advance.
If you bank with a smaller institution and cannot find information online, call during regular business hours the day before Columbus Day and ask whether your branch will be open on the holiday.
Planning ahead for Columbus Day banking
If you know you will need cash or need to handle an in-person transaction, visit your bank on Friday before Columbus Day (or the last business day before the holiday). Deposit checks, withdraw cash, and handle any business that requires a teller.
Set up automatic bill payments before the holiday if you have bills due around Columbus Day. This way, payments go out on time even if you cannot visit a branch or access online banking (though online banking works on the holiday).
If you are expecting a check deposit or transfer, remember that it may not process until after Columbus Day. Banks do not process deposits or transfers on federal holidays, so a check deposited on Friday may not clear until Wednesday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Columbus Day?
Yes, debit cards work normally on Columbus Day. You can use them at stores, restaurants, gas stations, and ATMs. There are no restrictions on card transactions on federal holidays.
Will my direct deposit go through on Columbus Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Columbus Day may be delayed by one business day because banks do not process deposits on federal holidays. If your payday falls on Columbus Day, the deposit typically arrives on Tuesday instead. Check with your employer or the organization sending the deposit to confirm the exact timing.
Can I deposit a check on Columbus Day using an ATM?
Only if your ATM has a check deposit slot. Not all ATMs accept check deposits. If yours does, you can deposit on Columbus Day and the check will be processed when the bank reopens on Tuesday. Check your bank's app or website to see which ATMs near you have deposit capability.
What if I need to report fraud on Columbus Day?
Call your bank's fraud department immediately. Customer service lines are open on Columbus Day, and fraud is treated as urgent. Have your card and account information ready when you call.
Do online banks close on Columbus Day?
No. Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no physical branches, so there is nothing to close. All services — transfers, bill pay, customer support — operate normally on Columbus Day.