Most banks close on Columbus Day, but some branches stay open
Columbus Day is a federal holiday, and most major banks treat it as a day when branches are closed. That means Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional banks will not have staff at their physical locations on Columbus Day. However, the specifics depend on which bank you use and where you live — some states do not observe Columbus Day at all, some banks open certain branches anyway, and online banking and ATMs work regardless of the holiday.
The safest approach is to check your own bank's website or call your branch directly, because holiday schedules vary by location and change year to year. A branch in one state might be open while the same bank's branch across the border is closed.
Key Takeaways
- Most major bank branches close on Columbus Day because it is a federal holiday, though ATMs and online banking remain available.
- Some states do not observe Columbus Day, so banks in those states may operate on a normal schedule.
- A few banks open select branches on Columbus Day even though most locations close, so checking your specific branch is necessary.
- You can withdraw cash, check balances, and transfer money via ATM or your bank's app on Columbus Day without visiting a branch.
- If you need to speak to someone, most banks offer phone support on holidays, though wait times are often longer.
Which major banks close on Columbus Day
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, TD Bank, PNC, and U.S. Bank all close their branches on Columbus Day. These closures apply to the vast majority of their locations nationwide. However, this does not mean you cannot access your money — ATMs work 24/7, and you can move money, pay bills, and check balances through your bank's mobile app or website.
Some credit unions also close on Columbus Day, though policies vary by institution. If you bank at a smaller credit union or regional bank, do not assume it follows the same schedule as the big national chains.
States that do not observe Columbus Day
Hawaii, Alaska, and South Dakota do not recognize Columbus Day as a holiday. In those states, banks operate on a normal Monday schedule. Arizona and New Mexico observe a different holiday on the same day (Native American Day), but banks still close. If you live in one of these states or your bank is headquartered there, your branch may be open even though Columbus Day is a federal holiday.
Some cities and counties also do not observe Columbus Day, but banks typically follow federal holiday schedules rather than local ones. The exception is if your bank is a small local institution that explicitly follows city or county holidays.
How to check if your specific branch is open
The fastest way is to visit your bank's website and use their branch locator tool. Most banks list holiday hours right there — you can search by location and see whether that branch is open or closed on Columbus Day. Alternatively, call the branch directly; the phone number is usually on the locator page.
If you cannot find the information online, call your bank's customer service line. They can tell you the hours for your branch and whether it will be open on Columbus Day. Have your branch location ready when you call, because hours vary by location.
What you can do on Columbus Day without visiting a branch
ATMs work around the clock on holidays, so you can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has mobile deposit), and check your balance at any time. You can also transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and send money to other people through your bank's app or website. Most banks do not charge extra fees for using ATMs on holidays.
If you need to deposit a check and your ATM does not have mobile deposit, you can take a photo of the check through your bank's app on most platforms. The deposit will process after the bank reopens, usually the next business day.
Phone and online support on Columbus Day
Most major banks offer phone support on Columbus Day, though you may wait longer than usual. Call your bank's customer service number (usually on the back of your card) to speak with someone about account issues, fraud, or questions about your account. Response times are often 15 to 30 minutes longer on holidays because fewer staff are working.
Online chat support is also usually available on bank websites and apps, though response times may be delayed. Email support is available but typically takes 24 to 48 hours to answer, so it is not the best option if you need help on the holiday itself.
Planning ahead for Columbus Day banking needs
If you know you will need cash or need to complete a transaction on Columbus Day, withdraw money or handle it the business day before. This is especially important if you need a cashier's check, a wire transfer, or any service that requires a teller. Those services are not available through ATMs or apps.
If you are expecting a deposit on Columbus Day — such as a paycheck or government payment — it may not post until the next business day. Banks process deposits on the day they receive them, but if Columbus Day falls on a Monday, deposits received that day typically post on Tuesday.
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 retailer on Columbus Day regardless of whether your bank branch is open. The bank's computer systems process transactions 24/7, even when physical branches are closed.
Will my direct deposit post on Columbus Day?
If your employer sends the deposit before Columbus Day, it will post on Columbus Day. If they send it on Columbus Day, it typically posts the next business day (Tuesday). Check with your employer about their payroll schedule if you are unsure when they send deposits.
What if I need to deposit a check on Columbus Day?
Use mobile deposit through your bank's app if available — take a photo of the front and back of the check and submit it. The deposit will process after the bank reopens. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, wait until Tuesday to deposit the check in person or at an ATM.
Do online banks close on Columbus Day?
No. Banks that operate only online (like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Marcus) do not have physical branches, so they do not close on holidays. You can transfer money, check balances, and access customer support on Columbus Day just as you would any other day.
Can I get a wire transfer on Columbus Day?
No. Wire transfers require a teller and are not processed on federal holidays. If you need to send a wire, do it before Columbus Day. Wires sent after the holiday reopens will process the next business day.