Most banks close on Columbus Day, but some stay open depending on where you bank and what you need
Columbus Day is a federal holiday, which means the Federal Reserve and most national banks shut down their branch locations. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to someone in person, your bank branch will almost certainly be closed on the second Monday in October. However, ATMs and online banking stay available around the clock, and some credit unions and regional banks operate on different schedules.
The real question is not whether banks close—they do—but whether you can handle your banking needs without a branch visit. For most people, the answer is yes. For others, knowing which banks stay open and which services keep running can save you a trip.
Key Takeaways
- National banks and most regional banks close their physical branches on Columbus Day because it is a federal holiday observed by the Federal Reserve.
- ATMs and online banking services work normally on Columbus Day, so you can deposit checks remotely, transfer money, and check balances without visiting a branch.
- Some credit unions and smaller banks stay open on Columbus Day, so calling your bank ahead of time is the only way to know for certain.
- If you need cash or a cashier's check on Columbus Day, plan ahead by withdrawing money the day before or using an ATM.
Why most banks close on Columbus Day
The Federal Reserve, which sets the operating calendar for the U.S. banking system, designates Columbus Day as a holiday when federal offices close. National banks—those chartered by the federal government—must close their branches on this day. This includes the largest banks: Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most others you would recognize by name.
State-chartered banks and credit unions have more flexibility. Some follow the federal calendar anyway because it is simpler to operate on the same schedule as the Federal Reserve. Others stay open because they are not required to close and want to serve customers on a day when competitors are shut down.
Which banks might stay open on Columbus Day
Smaller regional banks and credit unions are your best bet for finding an open location. Examples include USAA, Charles Schwab, and many community banks, though this varies by institution and by branch. Some credit unions stay open specifically because they are member-owned and want to offer service when national banks do not.
The only reliable way to know is to call your bank or check their website before Columbus Day. Search for "[Your Bank Name] Columbus Day hours" or call the branch directly. Do not assume based on the bank's size or type—call and confirm.
What banking services work on Columbus Day
ATMs operate 24/7, including on Columbus Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks using mobile deposit or an ATM with a deposit slot, and check your balance without stepping into a branch.
Online banking and mobile apps work normally. You can transfer money between accounts, pay bills, send wire transfers, and review transactions. If your bank offers mobile check deposit, you can photograph a check and submit it through your phone.
Phone banking and customer service lines may have reduced hours or be closed entirely on Columbus Day. If you need to speak to someone, try calling the day before or the day after.
Planning ahead if you need cash or a cashier's check
If you know you will need cash on or around Columbus Day, withdraw it from an ATM the day before. Most ATMs allow you to take out several hundred dollars at a time, depending on your account and daily limits.
Cashier's checks are harder to obtain on a holiday because they require a teller. If you need one for a closing, payment, or other time-sensitive transaction, request it before Columbus Day arrives. Some banks can mail a cashier's check, which takes a few business days but avoids the holiday problem altogether.
What happens to deposits made on Columbus Day
Deposits made through an ATM or mobile app on Columbus Day will be processed, but the funds may not be available until the next business day. The Federal Reserve does not process transactions on holidays, so deposits sit in a queue until Tuesday morning (or whenever the next business day falls).
If you deposit a check through mobile deposit on Columbus Day evening, expect it to post to your account on Tuesday. If you need the money sooner, deposit it before the holiday ends on Sunday.
States that do not observe Columbus Day
Hawaii, Alaska, South Dakota, and some other states do not observe Columbus Day as a paid holiday. Banks in these states may stay open on the second Monday in October because the state does not recognize it as a holiday. However, the Federal Reserve still closes, so national banks in these states typically close anyway to align with the federal banking system.
If you live in one of these states, call your bank to confirm. A state-chartered bank or credit union might stay open even though the Federal Reserve is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Columbus Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs and online merchants on Columbus Day. The bank branch being closed does not affect card transactions or ATM access. You can spend money, check your balance, and transfer funds normally.
Will my paycheck deposit on time if my employer deposits it on Columbus Day?
Your employer's payroll system will likely submit the deposit before Columbus Day, so it will post to your account on Friday or Monday depending on the calendar. If your employer submits payroll on Columbus Day itself, the deposit may not appear until Tuesday. Check with your payroll department about their schedule.
What if I need to dispute a transaction on Columbus Day?
Call your bank's customer service line, though hours may be limited or the line may be closed. If you cannot reach anyone, send an email or use your online banking portal to report the issue. Most banks accept dispute reports through these channels and will investigate after the holiday ends.
Do online banks like Ally or Marcus close on Columbus Day?
Online banks do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can access your account, transfer money, and manage deposits through their apps and websites on Columbus Day. Customer service phone lines may have reduced hours, but your account itself remains fully accessible.
Can I get a loan or open an account on Columbus Day?
Most banks cannot process new loan applications or open accounts on Columbus Day because these require a teller or loan officer. Some online banks may allow account opening through their website, but loan approvals typically wait until the next business day. Call ahead if you need to complete either transaction urgently.