Most banks are closed on Columbus Day, but some branches and ATMs stay open
Columbus Day is a federal holiday, and most major banks treat it the same way they treat Thanksgiving or Christmas — they close their physical branches and do not process transactions. That means no teller service, no loan appointments, and no in-person deposits on that day.
However, the specifics depend on which bank you use, which state you live in, and whether you need an ATM or a human. Some banks open a few branches in major cities even on federal holidays. Some states do not observe Columbus Day at all, which means banks in those states may operate normally. And ATMs work around the clock regardless of what day it is.
Key Takeaways
- Major national banks including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank close all branches on Columbus Day, though ATMs remain available.
- Some credit unions and regional banks stay open on Columbus Day, so you need to check your specific bank's holiday schedule.
- Five states — Hawaii, Idaho, South Carolina, New Mexico, and Alaska — do not observe Columbus Day, so banks in those states may operate on a normal schedule.
- ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking work on Columbus Day the same as any other day.
- If you need cash or to deposit a check, plan ahead by visiting your bank the day before or using an ATM.
Which banks close on Columbus Day
The major national banks all close on Columbus Day: Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, U.S. Bank, PNC, and TD Bank. Their branches will not open, and you cannot speak to a teller or process transactions that require a person.
Credit unions vary. Many credit unions follow the federal holiday calendar and close on Columbus Day, but some stay open. Call your credit union directly or check their website — they usually post holiday hours a week or two in advance. The same goes for smaller regional banks and community banks; some close, some do not.
If you bank with an online-only bank like Ally, Chime, or Charles Schwab, there is no physical branch to close, so the holiday does not affect you the same way. You can still transfer money, pay bills, and move funds between accounts through your app or website.
States where banks may be open on Columbus Day
Five states do not observe Columbus Day as a holiday: Hawaii, Idaho, South Carolina, New Mexico, and Alaska. In those states, banks operate on a normal Monday schedule even though it is Columbus Day elsewhere in the country. If you live in one of these states, your bank branch may be open — but call ahead to confirm, because some national banks close all branches nationwide regardless of state law.
A few other states observe Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of Columbus Day, or observe both. This does not usually change bank hours, because banks follow the federal holiday calendar, not state-specific observances. However, some credit unions and local banks may close for Indigenous Peoples' Day if their state recognizes it.
How to access money on Columbus Day
ATMs work on Columbus Day. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts using any ATM — your bank's ATM or another bank's ATM (though you may pay a fee for out-of-network use). ATMs do not close for federal holidays.
Mobile banking apps and online banking also work on Columbus Day. You can transfer money, pay bills, deposit checks using mobile check deposit, and send money to other people through your bank's app or website. The only thing you cannot do is speak to a person or use services that require a teller.
If you need to deposit a physical check and your bank does not have mobile check deposit, or if you need to deposit cash, plan ahead. Visit your bank on Friday or Saturday before Columbus Day, or wait until Tuesday after the holiday.
How to find your bank's specific Columbus Day hours
The fastest way is to search "[Your Bank Name] Columbus Day hours" or "[Your Bank Name] holiday hours." Most banks publish their holiday schedule on their website, usually under a "Locations" or "Hours" page. You can also call your local branch directly — the phone number is on your debit card or your bank's website.
If you use a credit union, visit their website or call the branch you use most often. Credit union holiday schedules vary widely, and some credit unions stay open on federal holidays while others close.
Google Maps also shows holiday hours for many bank branches. Search your bank name and your city, and Google will often display whether that location is open or closed on specific holidays.
What to do if you need banking services on Columbus Day
If you need cash, use an ATM. If you need to pay a bill, use your bank's app or website. If you need to deposit a check, use mobile check deposit through your app if your bank offers it — most do. If you need to speak to someone, call your bank's customer service line; many banks staff phone support on holidays even when branches are closed.
If your situation cannot wait until Tuesday, consider whether a different bank's ATM or a different service can solve the problem. For example, if you need to deposit cash and your bank is closed, some banks allow you to deposit cash at ATMs, though not all do. If you need a cashier's check or a wire transfer, those services require a person and cannot be done on Columbus Day at a closed branch.
Planning ahead for Columbus Day
If you know you will need banking services around Columbus Day, take care of it the Friday before. Deposit checks, withdraw cash, pay bills that are due, and handle any transactions that require a teller. This is especially important if you need a cashier's check, a wire transfer, or a loan decision.
If you have automatic bill payments or direct deposits scheduled for Columbus Day, they will still process — the holiday does not stop electronic transactions. However, if you are expecting a deposit and need the money on Columbus Day itself, it may not show up until Tuesday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Columbus Day?
Yes. Debit card transactions, online purchases, and ATM withdrawals all work on Columbus Day. The holiday only affects physical bank branches and services that require a teller or banker to be present.
Will my direct deposit come through on Columbus Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Columbus Day will process, but they may not appear in your account until Tuesday if your employer's bank is closed. The timing depends on when your employer's payroll system sends the deposit and whether both banks process it on the holiday.
Can I deposit a check at an ATM on Columbus Day?
Many banks allow check deposits through ATMs on holidays, but not all. Check your bank's website or call customer service to confirm whether your bank's ATMs accept deposits on Columbus Day. Mobile check deposit through your app is usually available.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on Columbus Day?
Call your bank's customer service line. Many banks staff phone support on federal holidays even when branches are closed. You can also use your bank's app to message customer service, though response times may be slower on holidays.
Do credit unions close on Columbus Day?
Most credit unions close on Columbus Day, but some stay open. Check your credit union's website or call your branch directly to find out their specific holiday schedule.