Most major banks close on Columbus Day, but some stay open
Yes, most large banks close on Columbus Day (the second Monday in October). Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank all shut their branches on this federal holiday. However, some banks stay open, and online banking continues regardless of whether branches are closed.
The key distinction is between branch closures and service availability. A closed branch means you cannot walk in or use the drive-through, but you can still transfer money, pay bills, and check your balance through your bank's app or website. ATMs remain available 24/7 at most banks, even when branches are closed.
Credit unions follow the same pattern as banks — most close on Columbus Day, though a few stay open. Check your specific credit union's website or call ahead if you need in-person service on Columbus Day.
Key Takeaways
- Major national banks including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank close their physical branches on Columbus Day.
- Online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs work normally on Columbus Day even when branches are closed.
- Some regional and community banks stay open on Columbus Day, so contact your bank directly to confirm.
- If you need cash or in-person service, plan ahead by visiting your bank on Friday or Saturday before the holiday.
What you can and cannot do when branches are closed
When your bank's branch is closed on Columbus Day, you lose access to tellers, loan officers, and safe deposit boxes. You cannot deposit checks at a closed branch or speak to someone in person about account issues. If you need a cashier's check or notary service, you will have to wait until Tuesday.
Everything else continues to work. You can deposit checks through your mobile app (mobile deposit), transfer money between accounts, pay bills online, withdraw cash from ATMs, and check your balance anytime. If your bank offers 24/7 phone support, you can call and speak to someone even on the holiday — though wait times are often longer.
Wire transfers and ACH transfers (automatic payments to other accounts) process normally on Columbus Day, though they may not clear until the next business day. If you are expecting a direct deposit on Columbus Day, it will arrive on schedule.
Banks that typically stay open on Columbus Day
Some banks do not observe Columbus Day as a holiday. Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Discover Bank have no physical branches, so the holiday does not affect them. Their services run 24/7 regardless of the date.
Certain regional banks and community banks stay open on Columbus Day. Examples include some local credit unions and smaller regional institutions, though this varies by location and institution. The only way to know for certain is to check your bank's website or call the specific branch you plan to visit.
If you bank with a smaller institution, look for a holiday hours notice on their website or call the branch directly. Many banks post their Columbus Day schedule a week or two in advance.
How to plan ahead if you need banking services
If you know you will need in-person banking on or around Columbus Day, visit your branch on Friday before the holiday. Deposit checks, withdraw cash, or handle any transactions that require a teller. Most branches are busier than usual on the Friday before a holiday, so arrive early or go during off-peak hours (mid-morning or mid-afternoon).
If you need a service that only branches provide — such as a cashier's check, notary, or safe deposit box access — do not wait until Monday. Plan to complete it by Friday afternoon. If you miss the deadline, you will have to wait until Tuesday.
For routine transactions, use your mobile app or online banking on Columbus Day itself. Deposit checks through mobile deposit, transfer money, and pay bills as usual. If you absolutely need to speak to someone, call your bank's customer service line; most banks staff phone support even on federal holidays, though wait times are longer.
What happens to direct deposits and automatic payments on Columbus Day
Direct deposits scheduled for Columbus Day will arrive on time. Your employer's payroll system processes the deposit on schedule, and it will appear in your account on Monday morning even though the bank is closed. The same applies to government payments like Social Security or tax refunds — they deposit on the scheduled date regardless of whether it falls on a holiday.
Automatic bill payments (ACH transfers you have set up to pay utilities, credit cards, or loans) also process on schedule. If a payment is due on Columbus Day, it will be deducted from your account on that date. If you are worried about timing, set up automatic payments a day or two early to avoid any confusion.
Checks you deposit through mobile deposit on Columbus Day will be processed, but the funds may not clear until Tuesday or Wednesday depending on your bank's policy. If you need the money urgently, deposit the check on Friday instead.
State and local variations in Columbus Day observance
A handful of states do not observe Columbus Day as a paid holiday. Hawaii, Alaska, South Dakota, and some other states have replaced it with different holidays or simply do not recognize it. However, federal banks still close on Columbus Day because it is a federal holiday, even in states that do not officially observe it.
Some states observe Indigenous Peoples' Day on the same date instead of Columbus Day, but this does not change bank hours. Banks close on the second Monday in October regardless of what the state calls the day.
If you live in a state that does not observe Columbus Day, your state and local government offices may be open, but your bank will still be closed. Do not assume that because your state does not recognize the holiday, your bank will be open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my ATM on Columbus Day?
Yes. ATMs work 24/7 at nearly all banks, even when branches are closed on Columbus Day. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between accounts using the ATM anytime during the holiday.
Will my paycheck deposit on Columbus Day if it is scheduled for that date?
Yes. Direct deposits process on schedule regardless of federal holidays. Your paycheck will appear in your account on Columbus Day morning. The same applies to government payments like Social Security or tax refunds.
What if I need to deposit a check on Columbus Day?
Use mobile deposit through your bank's app if you have a smartphone. Take a photo of the front and back of the check and submit it through the app. The check will be processed, though funds may not clear until Tuesday or Wednesday. If you cannot use mobile deposit, wait until Tuesday to deposit the check in person.
Do credit unions close on Columbus Day?
Most credit unions close on Columbus Day, but some stay open. Contact your credit union directly or check their website to confirm their hours. Do not assume they follow the same schedule as banks in your area.
Can I still pay bills online on Columbus Day?
Yes. Online bill pay works normally on Columbus Day. You can log into your bank's website or app and pay any bills you need to. The payment will process on schedule, though it may not clear until the next business day depending on the recipient.