Yes, most banks close on Columbus Day
Most major U.S. banks close on Columbus Day, which falls on the second Monday in October. This is a federal holiday, and banks treat it the same way they treat Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day — they shut down and do not process transactions.
However, not every bank closes, and the ones that do stay closed for different lengths of time. Some regional banks and credit unions remain open. Online banks do not have physical branches to close, but they also do not process transfers or clear checks on the holiday itself. If you need cash or have a time-sensitive transaction, you need to plan ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Most national banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) close all branches on Columbus Day and do not process transactions that day.
- Online banks and credit unions may stay open or close depending on the institution — call or check your bank's website to confirm.
- ATMs work on Columbus Day even when branches are closed, so you can withdraw cash if you planned ahead.
- Checks deposited on Columbus Day will not clear until the next business day, and wire transfers will not process until Tuesday.
- If you need to reach your bank on Columbus Day, use the phone number on the back of your card or log into your online account — some banks staff customer service lines even when branches close.
Which banks close and which stay open
The largest national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — close all branches on Columbus Day. If you have an account at one of these, assume your local branch will be closed.
Smaller regional banks and credit unions vary. Some close for the full day, some close only in the morning, and some stay open. Your best move is to check your bank's website or call the branch directly before the holiday. Most banks post holiday hours online by late September.
Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover do not have physical branches, so there is nowhere to close. However, they still observe the federal holiday — they do not process transfers, clear checks, or move money between accounts on Columbus Day itself. Transactions you initiate on Monday will process on Tuesday.
What you can and cannot do on Columbus Day
You can withdraw cash from ATMs. ATMs run 24/7 and do not close for holidays. If you need money over the weekend or on Columbus Day, withdraw it before the holiday or use an ATM on the day itself.
You cannot deposit checks at a teller. If your bank is closed, you cannot walk in and hand a check to someone. However, most banks let you deposit checks through their mobile app or at an ATM, and those deposits will process on the next business day (Tuesday).
Wire transfers will not go through. If you initiate a wire transfer on Columbus Day, it will not leave your account until Tuesday. If you need money to move on Monday, you have to do it before the holiday ends on Sunday.
Customer service may be available by phone. Many large banks keep phone lines staffed even when branches close. Call the number on the back of your card if you have an urgent question, but do not expect to speak to someone immediately — hold times are usually longer on holidays.
How to plan ahead for Columbus Day
If you know you will need cash or need to move money around Columbus Day, take care of it on Friday or earlier in the week. Withdraw cash from an ATM, deposit checks through your mobile app, and schedule any wire transfers to go out before Monday.
If you are expecting a direct deposit (paycheck, tax refund, government payment) on Columbus Day, it will not hit your account until Tuesday. Employers and government agencies do not send money on federal holidays, so plan your budget accordingly.
If you have a time-sensitive payment due on Columbus Day — a mortgage payment, credit card payment, or loan payment — send it a day or two early. Most banks have a grace period, but do not count on it. Sending money early removes the risk entirely.
What happens to checks and transfers over the holiday
Checks you deposit on Columbus Day will not clear until Tuesday. The bank receives them on Monday but does not process them until the next business day. If you are counting on a check to clear by a certain date, deposit it on Friday instead.
ACH transfers (the most common type of bank-to-bank transfer) also pause over the holiday. If you send money from your checking account to another bank on Monday, it will not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on the receiving bank.
Wire transfers are faster but still do not process on federal holidays. A wire you send on Columbus Day will go out the next business day. If the money is urgent, send it before the holiday.
Columbus Day closures for government payments and refunds
If you are waiting for a tax refund, stimulus payment, or other government payment, Columbus Day does not change the timeline. The government does not send payments on federal holidays, so if your payment was scheduled to arrive on Monday, it will arrive on Tuesday instead.
The IRS, Social Security Administration, and other federal agencies do not process or send payments on Columbus Day. If you are tracking a refund or payment status, do not expect movement on the holiday itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Columbus Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Debit cards work at merchants, ATMs, and online retailers on Columbus Day regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The only thing you cannot do is visit a physical branch to speak to a teller.
Will my paycheck deposit on Columbus Day if it is scheduled for that day?
No. Employers do not send direct deposits on federal holidays. If your payday falls on Columbus Day, your paycheck will arrive on Tuesday instead. Check with your employer's payroll department if you are unsure.
What if I need to report fraud or a missing card on Columbus Day?
Call the number on the back of your card. Most banks staff fraud lines 24/7, even on holidays. You do not have to wait until Tuesday to report a problem.
Do credit unions close on Columbus Day?
Most do, but not all. Some credit unions observe Columbus Day as a holiday and close all branches, while others stay open. Contact your credit union directly to confirm their holiday schedule.
If I deposit a check through my mobile app on Columbus Day, when will it clear?
The deposit will process on Tuesday, the next business day. Mobile check deposits do not process on federal holidays, even though you can submit them anytime.