Most banks close on Columbus Day, but some stay open
Yes, most major U.S. banks 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, so Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional banks shut their branches that day. However, some credit unions, online-only banks, and smaller regional institutions remain open, and ATMs and mobile apps work regardless of whether a branch is staffed.
If you need to handle banking on Columbus Day, your options depend on what you're trying to do. Deposits made at an ATM or through a mobile app will process normally, though they may not post to your account until the next business day. Wire transfers, loan applications, and anything requiring a teller or loan officer will have to wait until Tuesday.
Key Takeaways
- Federal Reserve member banks close on Columbus Day, including all major national chains, but ATMs and online banking work around the clock.
- Credit unions and online-only banks may stay open on Columbus Day, so check with your specific institution before assuming it's closed.
- Deposits made at ATMs on Columbus Day will be processed, but the funds may not show in your account until the next business day.
- If you need to speak with a banker, make a deposit at a teller window, or complete a loan application, plan to do it before Monday or after Tuesday.
Which banks are definitely closed on Columbus Day
The Federal Reserve observes Columbus Day as a holiday, which means all banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System close their branches that day. This includes Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, PNC Bank, U.S. Bank, TD Bank, and KeyBank. If your bank is one of the largest in the country, it is almost certainly closed.
Closing on Columbus Day does not mean your account freezes. You can still check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, and deposit checks through your mobile app or ATM. The restriction is on services that require a person: speaking to a banker, cashing a check at the counter, opening a new account, or getting a loan decision.
Banks and credit unions that may stay open
Some credit unions do not follow the Federal Reserve holiday schedule and may stay open on Columbus Day. This varies by credit union and by state, so you need to check with yours directly. Call the main number or check the website for holiday hours before you plan a trip to the branch.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Discover Bank do not have physical branches, so the concept of being "closed" does not apply to them. You can transfer money, deposit checks by photo, and manage your account on Columbus Day the same way you would on any other day. However, if you need to speak to customer service by phone, wait times may be longer because fewer staff are working.
What you can and cannot do on Columbus Day
| Action | Works on Columbus Day? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Check account balance | Yes | Online or through mobile app, anytime |
| Transfer money between your accounts | Yes | Posts immediately or next business day depending on account type |
| Deposit a check via mobile app | Yes | Processes but may not post until Tuesday |
| Deposit cash at an ATM | Yes | Processes but may not post until Tuesday |
| Withdraw cash at an ATM | Yes | Works anytime |
| Speak to a banker or teller | No | Branches closed; try calling customer service |
| Cash a check at the counter | No | Use ATM instead or wait until Tuesday |
| Open a new account | No | Requires in-person visit or phone appointment |
| Get a loan decision | No | Loan officers do not work on federal holidays |
How deposits posted on Columbus Day are handled
If you deposit a check or cash through an ATM or mobile app on Columbus Day, the bank receives the deposit but does not process it until the next business day (Tuesday). This means the money will not show in your available balance until Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on the bank's processing schedule and the type of deposit.
If you need the money to clear by a specific date, deposit it before Monday. If you deposit on Monday and the check is from another bank, it may take an additional day to clear even after Tuesday, so plan accordingly if you have a bill due or a payment scheduled.
Planning ahead if you need banking services on Columbus Day
If you know you will need to handle banking on or around Columbus Day, do it before the holiday. Deposit checks, withdraw cash, or handle account changes on Friday or earlier in the week. This avoids the rush on Tuesday when everyone else is trying to do the same thing.
If you have a time-sensitive need — a loan decision, a wire transfer, or a deposit that has to post by a certain date — call your bank on Friday to ask whether they can process it before the holiday or schedule it for Tuesday morning. Some banks can arrange this if you ask in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my direct deposit post on Columbus Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Columbus Day will not post until Tuesday because the Federal Reserve does not process transactions on federal holidays. If your paycheck is due on Monday, ask your employer to schedule it for Friday instead, or expect it to arrive Tuesday morning.
Can I use my debit card on Columbus Day?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant or ATM on Columbus Day. The bank branch may be closed, but the card itself and the payment network are active 24/7.
What if I need to pay a bill on Columbus Day?
Pay online or through your bank's mobile app. Bill payments scheduled for Columbus Day will process, though they may not reach the recipient until Tuesday. If the bill is due on Monday, pay it on Friday instead to be safe.
Do credit card companies close on Columbus Day?
Credit card companies observe the federal holiday, so you cannot speak to a representative or make changes to your account in person. You can make payments online or by phone through automated systems, and payments posted on Columbus Day will be recorded, though they may not show as posted until Tuesday.
Is the stock market open on Columbus Day?
No. The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ both close on Columbus Day, so you cannot buy or sell stocks that day. Any trades you attempt to place will be queued and executed when the market opens on Tuesday.