Most banks close on Columbus Day, but some branches stay open

Columbus Day is a federal holiday, which means most major banks treat it as a day off and close their physical branches. The Federal Reserve, which sets the standard for the banking system, does not operate on Columbus Day. However, not every bank follows the same schedule—some regional banks, credit unions, and online-only banks may have different policies.

If you need to do banking on Columbus Day, your options depend on what you need to do and which bank you use. ATMs and online banking work on the holiday regardless of branch closures. Some banks open select branches in certain locations. A few credit unions stay open. The safest approach is to call your specific branch or check your bank's website before the holiday.

Key Takeaways

  • Major national banks including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank close all branches on Columbus Day.
  • ATMs and online banking platforms remain available 24/7 on Columbus Day, even when physical branches are closed.
  • Some regional banks and credit unions keep branches open on Columbus Day, so you need to check with your institution directly.
  • If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash, plan ahead by visiting your branch before the holiday or using an ATM.

Which banks definitely close on Columbus Day

The largest U.S. banks close on Columbus Day because the Federal Reserve observes it as a holiday. This includes Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, U.S. Bank, PNC Bank, and TD Bank. All branches of these institutions are closed on Columbus Day, and no teller services are available.

If you have an account at one of these banks, you cannot visit a branch, speak to a teller, or process transactions that require a person. Wire transfers, loan applications, and account disputes cannot be handled on Columbus Day. However, you can still use ATMs to withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks at many locations.

What you can still do on Columbus Day

Online banking works on Columbus Day. You can log into your account, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and check your balance at any time. Mobile banking apps function normally. If your bank offers mobile check deposit, you can photograph and submit checks through the app.

ATMs operate continuously on Columbus Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has that feature), and transfer funds between accounts. Some banks charge a fee if you use an out-of-network ATM, so using your own bank's ATM avoids that cost.

Debit card transactions process normally on Columbus Day. Purchases you make with your debit card go through as usual, though the transaction may not post to your account until the next business day.

Regional banks and credit unions that may stay open

Some smaller regional banks and credit unions do not close on Columbus Day. Examples include certain community banks and local credit unions, but policies vary widely by institution and location. A bank in one state may close while a branch of the same bank in another state stays open.

The only way to know whether your bank is open is to contact them directly. Call the branch phone number, check the bank's website for holiday hours, or look for a notice posted at the branch. Many banks post their Columbus Day hours online by late September.

Planning ahead to avoid problems

If you need cash or need to deposit a check before Columbus Day, visit your branch the day before the holiday. Most banks are open on Sundays in some locations, so you may have a Saturday or Sunday option depending on your branch's regular hours.

If you need to make a large withdrawal or handle a transaction that requires a teller, do it before Columbus Day. ATMs have daily withdrawal limits, which vary by bank but often range from $500 to $1,000 per day. If you need more than your limit allows, you must visit a branch while it is open.

For time-sensitive matters like disputing a charge or reporting a lost card, call your bank's customer service line. Most banks maintain a phone line for urgent issues even on holidays, though response times may be longer.

What happens to checks and deposits on Columbus Day

Checks you deposit on Columbus Day do not clear until the next business day after the holiday. If you deposit a check on Friday before Columbus Day (Monday), it will not clear until Wednesday. The Federal Reserve does not process checks on federal holidays.

If you deposit a check through a mobile app on Columbus Day, the bank receives the image but does not process it until Tuesday. The same delay applies to ATM check deposits.

Transfers between your own accounts at the same bank process immediately in your online account, but transfers to other banks may not complete until the next business day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on Columbus Day?

Yes. Debit card transactions process normally on Columbus Day. Purchases go through as usual, though the transaction may not appear in your account until the next business day. ATM withdrawals also work on Columbus Day.

Will my direct deposit arrive on Columbus Day?

No. Employers and government agencies do not process direct deposits on federal holidays. If your regular payday falls on Columbus Day, the deposit arrives on the next business day instead. Check with your employer or benefits provider for their specific schedule.

What if I need to wire money on Columbus Day?

You cannot initiate a wire transfer on Columbus Day through a bank branch. If your bank offers online wire transfers, you may be able to schedule one to send the next business day. Call your bank's customer service line to ask whether this option is available.

Do online banks close on Columbus Day?

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Marcus do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can access your account and conduct transactions 24/7. However, transfers to other banks may not complete until the next business day.

Can I get a cashier's check on Columbus Day?

No. Cashier's checks require a teller and can only be issued when the bank is open. If you need a cashier's check, get it before Columbus Day or after the holiday ends.