Most banks close on Columbus Day, but not all of them
Yes, most major U.S. banks close on Columbus Day because it is a federal holiday. That means Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and other national banks shut their branches and do not process transactions that day. However, some banks and credit unions stay open, and online banking continues to work regardless of whether the branch is staffed.
The key distinction is between branch closures and service closures. A closed branch means you cannot walk in or use the drive-through. But ATMs still work, mobile apps still work, and you can still transfer money online. If you need to deposit a check or speak to someone in person, you will have to wait until the next business day.
Columbus Day falls on the second Monday in October each year. In 2024 it was October 14. In 2025 it will be October 13. Some states and cities do not observe Columbus Day at all—they may call it Indigenous Peoples' Day instead—but federal banks still close because the federal government recognizes it as a holiday.
Key Takeaways
- National banks like Chase and Bank of America close their branches on Columbus Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available.
- Some regional banks and credit unions stay open on Columbus Day, so check with your specific institution before assuming it is closed.
- Checks deposited on Columbus Day through a mobile app or ATM are typically processed the next business day, not immediately.
- Wire transfers and ACH payments initiated before Columbus Day go through as scheduled, but those initiated on the holiday may delay until Tuesday.
Which banks close and which stay open
Federal Reserve member banks and banks chartered by the federal government must close on Columbus Day. This includes all the major national chains: Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, PNC, TD Bank, and U.S. Bank. If your bank is one of these, your local branch will be closed.
Some smaller regional banks and most credit unions decide their own holiday schedules. A credit union in your area might stay open on Columbus Day even though the Chase down the street is closed. The only way to know is to call your bank or credit union directly or check their website. Many institutions post their holiday hours online in September or early October.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover do not have physical branches, so the concept of closure does not apply to them. You can log in and move money any time, though customer service phone lines may have reduced staffing.
What happens to deposits and transfers on Columbus Day
A check you deposit through a mobile app or ATM on Columbus Day will not be processed until Tuesday morning. The bank receives the image or physical check, but the clearing process does not begin until the next business day. This means if you deposit a check on Monday (Columbus Day), it typically shows as pending until Wednesday or Thursday, depending on the check amount and your bank's processing rules.
Wire transfers and ACH payments (like direct deposits or bill payments) that you set up before Columbus Day go through on schedule. The banking system processes these overnight, and the holiday does not interrupt them. However, if you initiate a wire transfer on Columbus Day itself, it will not send until Tuesday.
If you need cash on Columbus Day, use an ATM. ATMs work 24/7 and do not close for holidays. The only exception is if your ATM is inside a bank branch that is physically locked—in that case, you will need to find an ATM at a different location or a different bank's network.
How Columbus Day affects payroll and direct deposits
If your employer pays you by direct deposit and payday falls on Columbus Day, your paycheck still arrives on time. Direct deposit is an automated process that runs overnight, and the federal holiday does not stop it. Your money will be in your account on the scheduled payday, even though the banks are closed.
The same applies to government payments like Social Security, disability benefits, and tax refunds. These are deposited electronically and are not affected by bank closures. If your payment was scheduled to arrive on Columbus Day, it arrives as planned.
The only delay occurs if your employer or the government agency processes payroll on Columbus Day itself and the system is down. Most large employers process payroll the day before a federal holiday to avoid this problem, so your check should arrive on time or even early.
Planning ahead for Columbus Day banking needs
If you know you will need to visit your bank on or around Columbus Day, plan for Tuesday instead. Deposit checks, withdraw cash, or handle any in-person business on the Friday before or the Tuesday after. This avoids the holiday closure and any backlog of customers trying to bank on the first day the branch reopens.
If you need cash over the weekend before Columbus Day, withdraw it on Friday. ATMs will work on Monday, but if you prefer to get cash from a teller or need a large amount, Friday is your last chance.
For bill payments, set them up at least one business day before Columbus Day. If a bill is due on Columbus Day or the day after, submit the payment by Friday to ensure it posts on time. Online bill pay typically processes overnight, so Friday's submission will clear by Monday or Tuesday.
States and cities that do not observe Columbus Day
Some states and cities have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day or do not recognize the holiday at all. However, federal banks still close in these places because they follow federal holiday schedules, not state or local ones. Your bank branch will be closed on the second Monday in October regardless of what your city calls the day.
States that do not observe Columbus Day include Hawaii, Alaska, South Dakota, and parts of California, Oregon, and other states. But again, this does not change bank hours. Federal banks close nationwide on Columbus Day.
What to do if you need banking services on Columbus Day
Use an ATM to withdraw cash, deposit checks (via mobile app or ATM), or check your balance. ATMs are available 24/7 and do not close for holidays.
Use your bank's mobile app to transfer money between accounts, pay bills, or send money to another person. These services work on holidays.
Call your bank's customer service line. Most banks maintain phone support on holidays, though wait times may be longer. Check your bank's website or the back of your debit card for the customer service number.
Visit a different bank's ATM if you need cash and your bank's ATM is inside a closed branch. Most ATM networks are shared, so you can use another bank's machine, though you may pay a small fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check on Columbus Day using my phone?
Yes. Mobile check deposit works on Columbus Day because it is an automated process. The image is captured and sent to the bank, but the check is not actually processed until Tuesday. The funds will typically be available by Wednesday or Thursday, depending on the check amount.
Will my direct deposit arrive on time if payday is Columbus Day?
Yes. Direct deposit is an automated overnight process that is not affected by bank closures. Your paycheck will arrive on the scheduled date even though the bank branch is closed.
What if I need to wire money on Columbus Day?
If you initiate a wire transfer on Columbus Day, it will not send until Tuesday. If you need the money to arrive on Monday, you must set it up on Friday. Wire transfers typically process overnight, so Friday's request will clear by Monday morning.
Are credit unions closed on Columbus Day?
Most credit unions close on Columbus Day, but some stay open. Call your credit union to confirm their hours. Credit unions are not required to follow federal holiday schedules the way banks are, so policies vary by institution.
Can I use my debit card on Columbus Day?
Yes. Debit cards work at stores, restaurants, and online retailers on Columbus Day. The bank closure does not affect point-of-sale transactions. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs.