Most major banks close on Columbus Day, but some branches and online services stay available
Columbus Day is a federal holiday, which means most large banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and similar national chains — close their physical branches. However, the closure is not total. You can still use ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking to check balances, transfer money, and pay bills. If you need to speak to a person or conduct business that requires a teller, you will need to wait until the next business day.
Some smaller regional banks and credit unions follow different schedules. A few stay open on Columbus Day, while others close. The only way to know for certain is to call your specific branch or check their website before the holiday.
Key Takeaways
- Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most national banks close all branches on Columbus Day, though ATMs and online banking remain available.
- Credit unions and regional banks vary — some close, some stay open — so you need to contact your institution directly.
- ATM withdrawals, transfers, and bill payments through your bank's app or website work normally on Columbus Day.
- Checks deposited through mobile deposit or ATM on Columbus Day typically post the next business day, not immediately.
- If you need cash or in-person service, plan ahead by withdrawing money before the holiday.
Which banks definitely close on Columbus Day
The Federal Reserve observes Columbus Day as a holiday, which triggers closures at all federally chartered banks. This includes Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, PNC, TD Bank, US Bank, and Capital One. Every branch of these banks will be closed on Columbus Day, with no teller service available.
The closure applies only to physical locations. Their mobile apps, websites, and automated systems continue to run. You can log in, check your balance, transfer funds between your own accounts, pay bills, and send money to other people — all without visiting a branch.
Credit unions and regional banks — check before assuming closure
Credit unions are not required to follow the federal holiday schedule. Some close on Columbus Day, others do not. Navy Federal, for example, typically closes, but Alliant Credit Union and some others stay open. The only reliable way to know is to call your credit union or visit their website.
Regional banks like Ally Bank, Charles Schwab Bank, and online-only institutions often stay open on Columbus Day because they have no physical branches to close. If your bank operates primarily through apps and websites, Columbus Day will not affect your access.
What you can and cannot do on Columbus Day
| Service | Available on Columbus Day |
|---|---|
| ATM withdrawal or deposit | Yes |
| Check mobile deposit | Yes, but posts next business day |
| Online transfer between your accounts | Yes |
| Pay bills through online banking | Yes |
| Send money to another person (Zelle, wire) | Yes, but may post next business day |
| Speak to a teller in person | No |
| Open a new account | No |
| Get a cashier's check | No |
| Dispute a transaction with staff | No (call the next day) |
Transactions you initiate on Columbus Day through online banking or ATM will process, but they may not post to your account until the next business day. A transfer you send on Monday (Columbus Day) might not appear in the recipient's account until Tuesday.
Planning ahead if you need cash or in-person service
If you know you will need cash on or around Columbus Day, withdraw it before the holiday. ATMs work 24/7, so you can pull money out at any time, but if your ATM is out of service or you hit your daily withdrawal limit, you will have no way to get cash from your bank until Tuesday.
If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit through your app if your bank offers it. The check will not post until the next business day anyway, so depositing it on Monday versus Tuesday makes no practical difference. If mobile deposit is not an option, hold the check and deposit it Tuesday morning.
For disputes, account problems, or questions that require a person, call your bank's customer service line on Columbus Day. Many banks staff their phone lines even when branches are closed. If you cannot reach anyone, your call will be returned the next business day.
What happens to checks and transfers on Columbus Day
The Federal Reserve does not process payments on federal holidays. Any check you deposit on Columbus Day will not clear until at least Tuesday. The same applies to ACH transfers (the electronic system banks use to move money between accounts) and wire transfers — they initiate on Monday but do not actually move until Tuesday.
This matters if you are counting on a deposit to clear by a certain date. If you need money to be available by Monday evening, you must deposit it before Columbus Day. If you deposit it on Monday, assume it will not be available until Wednesday morning at the earliest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Columbus Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online store on Columbus Day. The bank closure does not affect card transactions. Purchases will post to your account normally, though they may show as pending until the next business day.
Will my direct deposit arrive on Columbus Day?
No. If your employer normally deposits your paycheck on Columbus Day, it will arrive the next business day instead. Employers and the Federal Reserve coordinate around federal holidays, so your paycheck will be delayed by one day.
What if I need to dispute a charge on Columbus Day?
Call your bank's customer service line — most banks staff these lines even on holidays. If you cannot reach anyone, file a dispute the next business day. You have up to 60 days to report unauthorized charges, so one day of delay will not hurt your case.
Do online banks like Ally or Charles Schwab close on Columbus Day?
Online banks typically stay open on Columbus Day because they have no physical branches. You can access your account, transfer money, and conduct business normally. However, any transaction that requires Federal Reserve processing (like a check clearing) will still be delayed until the next business day.
Can I get a cashier's check on Columbus Day?
No. Cashier's checks require a teller, and all bank branches are closed. If you need a cashier's check, get it before Columbus Day or wait until Tuesday. Some credit unions that stay open on Columbus Day can issue them, so call ahead if you have a credit union account.