Most major banks close on Columbus Day, but some branches and online services stay available
Columbus Day falls on the second Monday in October each year. Most national banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — close their physical branches on this federal holiday. However, you can still access your money through ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking platforms, which run 24/7 regardless of the holiday.
Some regional banks and credit unions may stay open on Columbus Day, so it depends on your specific institution. A few states do not observe Columbus Day at all, which means banks in those states may operate normally. The safest approach is to check your bank's website or call ahead the day before to confirm whether your local branch will be open.
Key Takeaways
- Major national banks close their branches on Columbus Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available around the clock.
- Regional banks and credit unions may have different holiday schedules, so you should verify with your specific institution.
- States that do not observe Columbus Day — including Hawaii, Alaska, South Dakota, and parts of other states — may have banks that operate normally.
- If you need cash or in-person service on Columbus Day, plan ahead by withdrawing money the day before or using an ATM.
- Wire transfers, bill payments, and account transfers initiated online on Columbus Day typically process the next business day.
Which banks close and which may stay open
National banks that close on Columbus Day include Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank, PNC Bank, TD Bank, and Ally Bank. These institutions treat Columbus Day as a federal holiday and shut down their branch locations. Teller services, loan officers, and in-person transactions are not available.
Credit unions vary widely. Many large credit unions like Navy Federal, Vanguard Federal Credit Union, and Pentagon Federal Credit Union close on Columbus Day, but smaller local credit unions may stay open. Your best move is to log into your credit union's website or call the branch directly to ask about their Columbus Day schedule.
Online-only banks like Chime, Charles Schwab Bank, and Ally Bank do not have physical branches, so the holiday does not affect their digital services. You can transfer money, check balances, and pay bills anytime, though transfers to other banks may not clear until the next business day.
States where banks may operate normally
Hawaii, Alaska, South Dakota, and parts of California do not observe Columbus Day as a paid holiday. In these places, some banks may remain open on the second Monday in October. However, even in these states, many national banks choose to close anyway to maintain a uniform holiday schedule across all their branches.
If you live in one of these states, call your bank directly rather than assuming it will be open. Some branches may operate on a reduced schedule or with limited staff. The bank's website usually lists holiday hours, or you can visit in person the day before to confirm.
How to access your money on Columbus Day
ATMs work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including Columbus Day. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks at any ATM your bank operates or through its network partners. If you use an out-of-network ATM, you may pay a fee, so plan ahead if you know you will need cash.
Mobile banking apps let you transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, send money to other people, and deposit checks by photograph. These services run continuously and do not stop for holidays. If you need to send money to someone else's account, initiate the transfer on Columbus Day, but expect it to process on Tuesday (the next business day).
Online banking portals work the same way. Log in from your computer or phone to view transactions, set up payments, and manage your accounts. Wire transfers initiated on Columbus Day typically process the following business day, not immediately.
What happens to deposits and payments on Columbus Day
Checks you deposit on Columbus Day will not be processed until Tuesday. If you deposit a check at an ATM or through mobile banking on Monday, the funds may not be available until Wednesday, depending on your bank's clearing schedule. Some banks credit mobile deposits faster than ATM deposits.
Bill payments you schedule online on Columbus Day will process on Tuesday if you set them for that date. If you set a payment for Columbus Day itself, most banks will hold it and process it the next business day instead. Check your confirmation to see the actual processing date.
Automatic payments and recurring transfers scheduled for Columbus Day will process normally on that date, even though the bank is closed. The bank's systems handle these automatically without staff intervention.
Planning ahead to avoid problems
If you know you will need cash on Columbus Day, withdraw it on Friday or Saturday. ATMs are always available, but if you need a large amount or have questions about your account, you will need to visit during regular business hours before the holiday.
If you need to make a time-sensitive payment, submit it online before Columbus Day and schedule it for Tuesday. Do not wait until Monday morning, because the bank will not process it until after the holiday anyway.
If you are expecting a deposit — such as a paycheck or government payment — and it normally arrives on Monday, check whether your employer or the paying agency observes Columbus Day. Some do, some do not. The deposit may arrive Tuesday instead. Contact your employer or the agency directly if you are unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Columbus Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Debit cards work at any merchant, ATM, or online retailer on Columbus Day, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The transaction processes through the bank's systems, which run continuously. You will see the charge in your account immediately or within a few hours.
Will my direct deposit arrive on Columbus Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Columbus Day may arrive on that date or may be delayed until Tuesday, depending on your employer's payroll system and your bank's processing schedule. Contact your employer's payroll department to confirm. Some employers delay payroll when it falls on a federal holiday.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on Columbus Day?
Most banks offer phone support on holidays, though wait times may be longer. Check your bank's website for the holiday customer service number. For urgent issues, use your mobile app or online banking to handle what you can, and call the next business day for anything that requires a person.
Do wire transfers process on Columbus Day?
Wire transfers initiated on Columbus Day will not process until Tuesday. If you need money to arrive urgently, send it before the holiday. Some banks allow you to schedule a wire transfer in advance for a specific date and time.
Are credit card payments due on Columbus Day?
If your credit card payment is due on Columbus Day, most card issuers automatically extend the deadline to Tuesday. Check your statement or call your card issuer to confirm. Paying early through your online account avoids any confusion.