Most banks are closed on Columbus Day, but some branches and services stay open
Columbus Day is a federal holiday, which means most banks observe it and close their physical branches. However, the specifics depend on which bank you use, where you live, and what service you need. Some banks keep certain locations open, and digital services like ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps run 24/7 regardless of the holiday.
If you need to handle banking on Columbus Day, your options are limited but they exist. The key is knowing which services your bank keeps running and planning ahead if you need something that requires a teller or a phone call to customer service.
Key Takeaways
- Most bank branches close on Columbus Day because it is a federal holiday, though ATMs and online banking remain available.
- Some banks operate select branches in certain locations on Columbus Day, so checking your bank's website or calling ahead is the only way to know for sure.
- Wire transfers, bill payments, and account transfers can usually be done through online banking or mobile apps even when branches are closed.
- If you need cash, ATMs work on Columbus Day, but deposits made at ATMs may not post until the next business day.
- Customer service phone lines are typically closed on Columbus Day, so urgent issues may have to wait until Tuesday.
Which banks close on Columbus Day
The major national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional banks — close all or nearly all of their branches on Columbus Day. This is because Columbus Day is a federal holiday and banks are required to close on federal holidays unless they choose to stay open.
Some banks do open a small number of branches on Columbus Day, particularly in urban areas or in states where Columbus Day is not widely observed. However, this is not standard practice. Your best move is to check your specific bank's website or call the branch directly before the holiday to confirm whether it will be open.
Credit unions follow the same pattern as banks — most close on Columbus Day, though some may stay open. Check with your credit union directly.
What banking services work on Columbus Day
ATMs work 24/7, including on Columbus Day. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts. Deposits made at ATMs on Columbus Day will typically post to your account on the next business day (Tuesday), not immediately.
Online banking and mobile apps are available around the clock. You can pay bills, transfer money between accounts, deposit checks using mobile check deposit, and view your account history. These transactions process on the holiday itself, though transfers to other banks may not clear until the next business day depending on the type of transfer.
Customer service phone lines are closed on Columbus Day at most banks. If you need to speak to someone about a problem, you will have to wait until Tuesday. Some banks offer chat support or email support through their websites, but response times may be slower on holidays.
Planning ahead for Columbus Day banking needs
If you know you will need cash on Columbus Day, withdraw it before the holiday. ATMs work, but if you need a large amount or a cashier's check, you must go to a branch before Monday.
If you need to make a payment or transfer money, do it through online banking or your mobile app. These services work on the holiday and are faster than waiting for a branch to reopen. Bill payments made online on Columbus Day typically process on the next business day.
If you have a time-sensitive issue — a fraudulent charge, a missing deposit, or a problem with your account — contact your bank's customer service before Columbus Day if possible. If the issue arises on the holiday itself, you may have to wait until Tuesday to resolve it, though some banks have emergency fraud lines that operate on holidays.
State and regional differences
A handful of states do not observe Columbus Day as a holiday. These include Hawaii, Alaska, South Dakota, and parts of other states. In these areas, banks may remain open on Columbus Day because it is not a state holiday, even though it is a federal holiday.
Some banks in states that do not observe Columbus Day may still choose to close anyway, so do not assume your bank is open just because your state does not recognize the holiday. Call or check online to be certain.
What to do if you need cash and your bank is closed
Use an ATM. This is the simplest option and works on Columbus Day. If you need cash from a bank that is not your own, you can use an out-of-network ATM, though you may pay a fee.
Some retailers like grocery stores and pharmacies offer cash back when you make a purchase with a debit card, even on holidays. This is free and does not require a bank branch to be open.
If you need a cashier's check or a service that only a teller can provide, you will have to wait until Tuesday when branches reopen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check on Columbus Day?
You can deposit a check using your bank's mobile app (mobile check deposit) or at an ATM if your bank offers ATM deposits. The check will post to your account on the next business day. You cannot deposit a check at a teller window because branches are closed.
Will my wire transfer go through on Columbus Day?
Wire transfers initiated through online banking on Columbus Day may process on the holiday itself, depending on your bank and the receiving bank. Outgoing wires typically process faster than incoming wires. Call your bank before the holiday if timing is critical.
What if I need to report fraud on Columbus Day?
Many banks have dedicated fraud lines that operate on holidays. Check your bank's website or the back of your debit card for the fraud reporting number. If you cannot reach anyone, document the fraudulent transaction and call customer service first thing Tuesday morning.
Do online bill payments process on Columbus Day?
You can schedule bill payments through online banking on Columbus Day, but the payment will not leave your account until the next business day. If you need to pay a bill urgently, schedule it before the holiday.
Can I use my debit card on Columbus Day?
Yes. Debit cards work at merchants, ATMs, and online retailers on Columbus Day. The bank being closed does not affect your ability to use your card.