Most banks close on Columbus Day, but some branches stay open
Columbus Day is a federal holiday, and most major banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — close their physical branches on that day. If you need cash, a deposit, or in-person service, you will not be able to walk into a branch.
However, you can still access your money through ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking. Some credit unions and smaller regional banks keep branches open on Columbus Day, so if you bank with a smaller institution, call ahead to confirm. A few banks also open select branches in certain cities, though this is uncommon.
The federal holiday falls on the second Monday in October each year. In 2024, that is October 14. In 2025, it is October 13.
Key Takeaways
- Major national banks close all branches on Columbus Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available 24/7.
- Credit unions and regional banks may have different hours, so contact your bank directly if you are unsure.
- Checks and transfers you submit online or through ATMs will process normally, though they may not clear until the next business day.
- If you need cash before the holiday, withdraw it the day before rather than waiting until the morning of.
How to access your money when branches are closed
ATMs work on Columbus Day just like any other day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your bank's ATM has a deposit slot), and check your balance without visiting a branch. There is no limit to how many ATM transactions you can make, though your bank may have daily withdrawal limits — usually $500 to $1,000 depending on your account type.
Mobile apps and online banking are also fully operational. You can transfer money between your own accounts, send money to other people through your bank's bill pay or peer-to-peer system, and view your transactions. Any transfer you initiate online will be processed, though it may not settle until the next business day if the receiving bank is also closed.
If you need to deposit a check and your ATM does not have a deposit slot, you will have to wait until Tuesday. Checks deposited on Columbus Day through an ATM will typically be processed the next business day anyway.
What happens to payments and transfers on Columbus Day
Payments you send electronically — bill pay, wire transfers, ACH transfers — will process on schedule if you submit them before the bank's cutoff time (usually 5 p.m. the business day before). The receiving bank will process them on the next business day, which may be Tuesday if Columbus Day falls on a Monday.
Checks you write will not clear any faster or slower because of the holiday. The bank that receives the check will process it when it arrives, which depends on mail delivery and the receiving bank's processing schedule, not on whether Columbus Day falls in between.
If you have an automatic payment scheduled for Columbus Day — a mortgage, loan payment, or subscription — it will go through on time. Automatic payments are not affected by bank holidays.
Which banks close and which stay open
All major national banks close on Columbus Day: Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank, PNC, TD Bank, Capital One, and Ally Bank all shut their branches. Some of these banks have a small number of branches that stay open in major cities, but this is rare and not may provide.
Credit unions vary. Many close on Columbus Day, but some stay open. Call your credit union or check their website to confirm. Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover do not have physical branches, so the holiday does not affect you if you bank with them.
Regional and community banks are split. Some observe Columbus Day; others do not. If you are unsure, call your branch or check the bank's website for holiday hours.
Planning ahead to avoid problems
If you know you will need cash on or around Columbus Day, withdraw it the day before. This is the simplest way to avoid a trip to a closed branch. Most ATMs allow daily withdrawals of at least $500, which covers most immediate needs.
If you need to make a large deposit, use your bank's mobile app to deposit a check by taking a photo. Most banks process mobile deposits within one business day. If you must deposit cash, wait until Tuesday.
If you have a time-sensitive payment — rent, a bill with a due date, a loan payment — send it online or by mail at least two business days before the due date. This gives the receiving bank time to process it even if a holiday falls in between.
What to do if your bank is unexpectedly closed
If you arrive at a branch expecting it to be open and find it closed, check your bank's website or call the main customer service line to confirm the holiday schedule. Some branches may have posted a notice on the door or in the lobby.
If you have an urgent banking need — a fraud dispute, a blocked account, a payment that needs to be stopped — call your bank's customer service line. Most banks staff phone lines on holidays, and you can often resolve issues without visiting a branch.
If you need cash and cannot access an ATM, ask a friend or family member to lend you money, or visit a store that offers cash back with a debit card purchase. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and many retailers will give you cash back if you make a small purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my paycheck deposit on Columbus Day if I have direct deposit?
Yes. Direct deposits are processed automatically and are not delayed by bank holidays. Your employer sends the deposit to your bank, and it will land in your account on the scheduled day, even if that day is Columbus Day. You will see the money in your account, though it may take until the next business day to be fully available for withdrawal.
Can I still use my debit card on Columbus Day?
Yes. Debit cards work at any merchant or ATM on Columbus Day. The bank holiday only affects physical branch locations, not card processing or ATM networks.
What if I need to dispute a charge on Columbus Day?
Call your bank's customer service line. Most banks staff fraud and dispute teams on holidays. You can report the charge and start the dispute process over the phone without visiting a branch.
Do online banks like Ally or Discover close on Columbus Day?
Online-only banks do not have physical branches, so they do not close. You can access your account and make transactions 24/7. However, some online banks may process certain transactions more slowly on holidays — check your bank's website for details.
If I mail a check on Columbus Day, when will it arrive?
Mail delivery is not affected by bank holidays. Your check will be delivered according to the normal mail schedule. Processing time depends on when the receiving bank receives it and how long their processing takes, not on whether Columbus Day falls in between.