Most banks are closed on Columbus Day, October 13, 2025

Columbus Day is a federal holiday, and most banks observe it by closing their physical branches. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to someone in person, you will not be able to do so at a traditional bank branch on October 13.

However, you can still move money on Columbus Day through ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking. Transfers between your own accounts, bill payments, and peer-to-peer payments all work normally. The holiday affects only in-person services at the branch.

Some banks that operate in states without Columbus Day observance may stay open, and a small number of banks in major cities run limited weekend hours that might extend to the holiday. Check your specific bank's website or call ahead if you are uncertain.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank branches close on Columbus Day, October 13, 2025, because it is a federal holiday.
  • ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking work normally on the holiday — you can transfer money and pay bills without visiting a branch.
  • Deposits made through ATMs or mobile deposit will process the next business day, October 14.
  • A few banks in certain states or major cities may have limited hours; call your bank directly to confirm.

What you can and cannot do on Columbus Day

You cannot walk into a branch and speak to a teller, use a teller window to deposit cash, or access a safe deposit box. If you need to do any of those things, plan ahead and visit on October 10, 11, or 12.

You can use an ATM to withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts. You can also use your bank's mobile app or website to send money to other people, pay bills, set up transfers, and deposit checks by taking a photo. These services run 24/7 and do not stop for holidays.

If you are expecting a direct deposit on October 13, it will still arrive on that date — payroll deposits process automatically regardless of whether the bank is open. The same is true for automatic bill payments you have set up.

When deposits and transfers actually post

If you deposit a check through an ATM or mobile app on Columbus Day, the bank will not process it until October 14, the next business day. The money will not be available in your account until then, even though you made the deposit on the 13th.

Wire transfers and ACH transfers you initiate on Columbus Day will also wait until October 14 to process. If you need money to move by a specific date, send it on October 12 instead.

Checks you write will not clear any faster or slower because of the holiday — they clear based on when the receiving bank processes them, which is usually one to three business days after deposit.

Which banks stay open and which close

The major national banks — Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, and US Bank — all close on Columbus Day. Regional banks and credit unions do the same.

A handful of states do not observe Columbus Day as a paid holiday. In those states, some banks may stay open, but most still close anyway because they operate nationally. If your bank is based in or has branches in South Carolina, Alabama, or Mississippi, call ahead to confirm.

Some banks in New York City, Los Angeles, and other major financial centers run Saturday hours and may have a few branches open on Columbus Day, but this is rare. Your best option is to check your bank's website or call the specific branch you plan to visit.

How to plan ahead for Columbus Day

If you need cash, withdraw it on October 12. If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit or an ATM on the 12th so it processes the same day. If you need to pay a bill or send money, do it on the 12th as well.

If you have a time-sensitive transaction — a mortgage payment due on the 14th, for example — send it on October 10 or 11 to be safe. ACH transfers and bill payments usually take one to two business days, so sending early gives you a buffer.

If you have a question only a banker can answer, call your bank's customer service line on October 12. Many banks run phone support on holidays even when branches are closed.

What to do if you need help on Columbus Day

Call your bank's customer service number. Most banks staff their phone lines on federal holidays, and you can ask questions, report fraud, or get help with your account. The number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website.

If you have a banking emergency — a fraudulent charge, a locked account, or a critical transfer that needs to happen — call immediately. Banks have 24/7 fraud lines and emergency support even on holidays.

For routine questions, use your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks have detailed FAQs and chat support that runs around the clock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my paycheck deposit on Columbus Day?

Yes. Direct deposits process automatically on the scheduled date, regardless of whether the bank is open. Your paycheck will arrive on October 13 as usual. If payday falls on Columbus Day and you need the money immediately, it will be in your account.

Can I use my debit card on Columbus Day?

Yes. Debit cards work at stores, restaurants, and ATMs on Columbus Day just like any other day. The bank being closed does not affect card transactions. You can also use your card to withdraw cash from any ATM.

What if I need to deposit a check urgently?

Use mobile deposit through your bank's app if you have it. Take a photo of the front and back of the check and submit it. The bank will not process it until October 14, but it will be in the queue. If you absolutely need the money on the 13th, you will need to visit a branch on October 12.

Do credit unions close on Columbus Day?

Most credit unions close on Columbus Day because it is a federal holiday. Some smaller credit unions in states that do not observe the holiday may stay open. Call your credit union directly to confirm their hours.

Can I pay my mortgage on Columbus Day?

You can submit a payment through your bank's website or app on Columbus Day, and it will process on October 14. If your mortgage payment is due on the 14th, submit it on October 12 to be safe, since it takes one business day to process.