Most banks close their branches on Columbus Day, but ATMs and online banking stay open
Columbus Day is a federal holiday, which means most major banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, U.S. Bank, and PNC — close their physical branches on the second Monday in October. However, the closure is not uniform across all banking services. ATMs and online banking remain open, and some banks operate limited branch hours or keep certain locations open depending on state law and local observance.
Whether your specific bank closes depends on three things: whether your state observes Columbus Day as a paid holiday, whether your bank follows federal holidays, and whether your branch is in a state that has renamed the day. South Dakota calls it Native American Day, Hawaii calls it Aloha Festivals Day, Alaska calls it Indigenous Peoples' Day, and Oregon also observes Indigenous Peoples' Day instead. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or handle a transaction that requires a teller, call your branch directly the week before to confirm hours.
Key Takeaways
- Most national banks close their branches on Columbus Day, but ATMs and online banking work normally.
- Some states do not observe Columbus Day or have renamed it, so branches in those states may stay open.
- Credit unions follow different rules than banks — some close, some stay open — so you should check with yours directly.
- If you need to make a deposit or withdrawal, plan ahead or use an ATM, because branch closures can delay check deposits by one business day.
- Wire transfers and bill payments can usually be scheduled online even when branches are closed, though they may process the next business day.
Which banks typically close on Columbus Day
The largest national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, U.S. Bank, and PNC — close their branches on Columbus Day because they follow the federal holiday calendar. This means no teller service, no safe deposit box access, and no in-person transactions. However, you can still use ATMs to withdraw cash and deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), and you can log into online banking to transfer money, pay bills, or check your balance.
Regional banks vary. Some follow federal holidays exactly, while others stay open because their customer base spans multiple states with different holiday observances. Call your bank's customer service line or check their website for the specific holiday schedule — most banks publish this information in September or early October.
States where Columbus Day is not observed or has been renamed
If you bank in one of these states, your branch may stay open on Columbus Day:
- South Dakota — observes Native American Day instead
- Hawaii — observes Aloha Festivals Day instead
- Alaska — observes Indigenous Peoples' Day instead
- Nevada — observes Nevada Day (last Friday in October) and does not observe Columbus Day
- Oregon — observes Indigenous Peoples' Day instead
Even in these states, national banks may still close if they follow a federal holiday calendar rather than state law. The safest approach is to contact your branch directly rather than assume it will be open. Some regional banks in these states do stay open, but you cannot know without asking.
Credit unions and Columbus Day closures
Credit unions are not required to follow federal holidays, so their Columbus Day hours vary widely. Some credit unions close on all federal holidays, some close only on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, and some stay open year-round. A few credit unions operate on a different calendar altogether and may not close on Columbus Day at all.
Check your credit union's website or call their main line to confirm whether your branch will be open. Many credit unions publish their holiday schedule on their homepage or in their mobile app. If you cannot find the information online, a quick phone call to your branch will give you a definitive answer.
What you can and cannot do when banks are closed
| Transaction Type | Closed Branch | Online/ATM |
|---|---|---|
| Withdraw cash | No | Yes (ATM) |
| Deposit a check | No | Yes (ATM or mobile app) |
| Transfer money between accounts | No | Yes |
| Pay a bill online | No | Yes |
| Wire money | No | Yes (schedule for next business day) |
| Access safe deposit box | No | No |
| Speak to a banker in person | No | No |
| Dispute a transaction | No | Yes (online or phone) |
Check deposits made through a mobile app or ATM on Columbus Day will typically post to your account the next business day (Tuesday, if Columbus Day falls on Monday). If you need cash urgently, withdraw it before the holiday or use an ATM that does not charge a fee.
Most banks allow you to schedule wire transfers and bill payments online, and these will process on the next business day. If you need to access a safe deposit box or speak to a banker about a complex transaction, you must wait until Tuesday or visit before the holiday.
Planning ahead for Columbus Day banking needs
If you know you will need to visit your bank branch around Columbus Day, plan your visit for the Friday before or the Tuesday after. If you need to deposit a check, use your bank's mobile app or ATM to avoid the one-day delay that comes with holiday closures. If you need to wire money or make a large transfer, schedule it online the day before so it processes first thing Tuesday morning.
For transactions that absolutely require a teller — such as cashing a large check, accessing a safe deposit box, or getting a cashier's check — call your branch the week before to confirm hours and ask whether they can handle your request before the holiday. Some banks offer limited Saturday hours that you can use as a backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my direct deposit go through on Columbus Day?
Yes. Direct deposits are processed by the Federal Reserve and ACH network, which operate on their own schedule. Your employer's payroll will deposit your money as scheduled, even though banks are closed. The funds will appear in your account on the normal deposit date.
Can I use my debit card to buy things when the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at stores, gas stations, and online retailers regardless of whether your bank branch is open. The transaction will process normally and post to your account the next business day if it occurs after hours.
What if I need to dispute a charge on Columbus Day?
You can report a fraudulent or incorrect charge through your bank's website, mobile app, or by calling their customer service line — these are staffed on holidays. Start the dispute process immediately, even though your branch is closed. The bank will investigate and respond within the standard timeframe (usually 10 business days).
Do online banks close on Columbus Day?
No. Banks that operate only online (like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, or Marcus) do not close on holidays. You can transfer money, pay bills, and access customer service the same way you would on any other day.
If I deposit a check on Columbus Day using my ATM, when will it clear?
The check will post to your account on Tuesday (the next business day after the holiday). You may not be able to withdraw the full amount until Wednesday, depending on your bank's funds availability policy. Check your bank's website for their specific hold times.