Most banks close on Columbus Day, but not all of them
Yes, most banks in the United States close on Columbus Day (the second Monday in October). The Federal Reserve, which sets the standard for federal holidays, treats Columbus Day as a banking holiday. That means the major national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others — shut their branches and do not process wire transfers or ACH payments that day.
However, some banks stay open. Credit unions, online-only banks, and regional banks sometimes operate on Columbus Day. A few large banks keep select branches open in certain cities. The safest approach is to call your specific bank or check their website before Columbus Day to confirm whether your branch will be closed.
Key Takeaways
- The Federal Reserve closes on Columbus Day, which means wire transfers and ACH payments will not process that day even if your bank's branch is open.
- Most major national banks close their physical branches on Columbus Day, but some credit unions and online banks remain open.
- ATMs and mobile apps usually work on Columbus Day regardless of whether branches are closed.
- If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash on Columbus Day, plan ahead or use an ATM.
What stays open and what closes on Columbus Day
Physical bank branches operated by national banks close on Columbus Day. This includes Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, TD Bank, and most others you will recognize. Their staff does not work, and you cannot walk in to deposit money, withdraw cash, or speak to a banker.
ATMs stay open. You can withdraw cash and check your balance on Columbus Day using any ATM, whether your bank's branch is closed or not. Mobile banking apps and online banking portals also work normally — you can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills online, and check transactions.
Credit unions often stay open on Columbus Day. Many credit unions do not observe federal holidays the same way national banks do. Call your credit union ahead of time to confirm, but there is a reasonable chance your local credit union will be open.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Marcus have no physical branches, so the concept of "closed" does not apply. You can move money and conduct transactions through their apps and websites on Columbus Day just as you would any other day.
When payments and transfers will not go through
The Federal Reserve itself closes on Columbus Day. This matters because wire transfers, ACH transfers (the system banks use to move money between accounts), and check clearing all depend on the Federal Reserve being open. If you send a wire transfer or ACH payment on Columbus Day, it will not leave your account until the next business day.
Checks deposited on Columbus Day will not clear until the day after. If you deposit a check through a mobile app or ATM on Columbus Day, the bank will not process it until Tuesday (or Wednesday if Tuesday is also a holiday). The funds will not be available in your account until then.
Bill payments scheduled for Columbus Day may process on that day if you set them up through your bank's online system, but they will not actually leave your account until the next business day. If you are cutting it close on a payment deadline, do not wait until Columbus Day to send it.
How to learn about your specific bank is open
Call your bank's customer service line. Most banks have a recorded message that lists holiday hours, or you can speak to a representative who will tell you whether your branch is open on Columbus Day. The number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website.
Check your bank's website. Major banks post their holiday hours online, often under a "Locations" or "Hours" section. You can search for your specific branch and see whether it will be open on Columbus Day.
Use your bank's mobile app. Many apps show branch hours and let you filter by date. Open the app, find the branch locator, and search for your branch on Columbus Day to see the posted hours.
Visit the branch in person before Columbus Day. If you are unsure, stop by your branch the day before and ask a teller directly. They can tell you whether the branch will be open and what services will be available.
Planning ahead if your bank is closed
Use an ATM to withdraw cash before Columbus Day. If you know you will need cash on Columbus Day and your bank is closed, withdraw it the day before. ATMs work around the clock.
Deposit checks early. If you have checks to deposit, do it before Columbus Day. Mobile check deposit through your bank's app works on Columbus Day, but the check will not clear until the next business day anyway.
Schedule bill payments for after Columbus Day. If you have bills due around Columbus Day, pay them the day before or the day after to avoid any confusion about when the payment actually leaves your account.
Keep a small amount of cash on hand. If you anticipate needing to make purchases on Columbus Day and your bank is closed, having cash in your wallet removes the problem entirely.
What happens if you need emergency cash on Columbus Day
ATMs are your only option for withdrawing cash if your bank is closed on Columbus Day. Every bank's ATM network works 24/7, including holidays. You can use your debit card to withdraw money from your bank's ATM or from an ATM in another bank's network (though you may pay a fee).
If you do not have a debit card or your card is lost, you have few options on Columbus Day itself. Some grocery stores and retailers will let you get cash back when you make a purchase, but this requires you to buy something. Your best move is to plan ahead and withdraw cash the day before.
If you truly have an emergency and need to move money between accounts or send a wire transfer on Columbus Day, you will have to wait until the next business day. The Federal Reserve does not process these transactions on holidays, and no bank can override that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Columbus Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs, stores, and online merchants on Columbus Day regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. You can withdraw cash from an ATM, make purchases, and pay bills online. Only wire transfers and ACH transfers are delayed because the Federal Reserve is closed.
Will my direct deposit hit my account on Columbus Day?
No. If your employer normally deposits your paycheck on Columbus Day, it will be delayed until the next business day because the Federal Reserve does not process ACH transfers on holidays. Check with your employer about when your paycheck will arrive if Columbus Day falls on your normal payday.
Can I deposit a check at an ATM on Columbus Day?
Yes, you can deposit a check using a mobile app or ATM on Columbus Day. However, the check will not clear until the next business day (or later, depending on the check). The funds will not be available in your account until then.
Do credit unions close on Columbus Day?
Most credit unions close on Columbus Day, but some stay open. Call your credit union directly to confirm their hours. Unlike national banks, credit unions set their own holiday schedules, so it varies by location.
What if I need to wire money on Columbus Day?
Wire transfers do not process on Columbus Day because the Federal Reserve is closed. If you initiate a wire transfer on Columbus Day, it will leave your account the next business day. Plan ahead if you have a time-sensitive wire transfer.