Most banks are closed on Columbus Day, but some branches and ATMs stay open
Columbus Day is a federal holiday, and most major banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — close their physical branches on the second Monday in October. This means you cannot walk in to deposit checks, withdraw cash, or speak to a teller on that day.
However, your money does not freeze. ATMs run 24/7 regardless of the holiday, so you can withdraw cash or check your balance anytime. Online banking, mobile apps, and bill pay all work normally. Some credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different schedules, so it is worth checking your specific bank's website the day before if you have a time-sensitive need.
If you need to deposit a check or handle something that requires a teller, plan to do it the Friday before or the Tuesday after Columbus Day. Checks deposited on the holiday through ATM or mobile app will typically post the next business day, which is Tuesday.
Key Takeaways
- Physical bank branches close on Columbus Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available around the clock.
- Checks deposited through an ATM or mobile app on Columbus Day will post on Tuesday, the next business day.
- Wire transfers and bill payments initiated online on the holiday may not process until Tuesday.
- Some credit unions and regional banks may have different holiday schedules, so confirm with your bank before the day arrives.
- If you need to speak to a teller or handle a transaction that requires a person, plan for Friday before or Tuesday after the holiday.
What stays open on Columbus Day
ATMs are the most reliable option. Every major bank's ATM network runs continuously, including on federal holidays. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks via mobile deposit or ATM envelope, transfer money between accounts, and check your balance without any interruption.
Online and mobile banking work exactly as they do on any other day. You can pay bills, transfer money between your own accounts, send money to other people through Zelle or similar services, and review your transactions. The only limitation is that some transactions — like wire transfers or ACH payments — may not actually process until the next business day.
Credit card payments made online on Columbus Day will be recorded as received on that day, so you will not be late even though the bank is closed. The same applies to loan payments made through online banking.
What does not work on Columbus Day
You cannot visit a teller or speak to someone in person at a branch. This matters if you need to cash a check that requires ID verification, dispute a transaction in real time, open a new account, apply for a loan, or handle anything that the bank's system flags as needing human review.
Wire transfers initiated on Columbus Day will not send until Tuesday. The same is true for ACH transfers to other banks — they will sit in queue and process the next business day. If you are paying a bill that is due on Monday, do not wait until Columbus Day to send it; the payment will arrive late.
Some banks' customer service phone lines may have reduced hours or be closed entirely on Columbus Day. If you need to call about a fraud dispute or account issue, try the next business day or use the bank's online chat feature if available.
How to handle time-sensitive transactions before the holiday
If you have a check to deposit, use mobile deposit through your bank's app on Friday or earlier in the week. Take a photo of the front and back, and it will post by Tuesday. If you cannot use mobile deposit, deposit it in an ATM envelope on Friday — ATM deposits typically post the next business day.
If you need to send money to someone or pay a bill with a specific due date, initiate the transfer on Friday. Most banks process ACH transfers and bill payments the same day if you submit them before their cutoff time (usually 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. on business days). Transfers sent on Friday will arrive by Tuesday at the latest.
If you need cash over the weekend, withdraw it on Friday. ATMs have daily withdrawal limits that vary by bank and account type, but most allow $500 to $1,000 per day. Plan ahead if you need more than that amount.
Credit unions and smaller banks may have different schedules
Not every financial institution observes Columbus Day. Some credit unions, community banks, and online-only banks stay open or have modified hours. A few states do not recognize Columbus Day as a paid holiday for state employees, which can affect state-chartered banks.
The safest approach is to check your specific bank's website or call their main number on the Friday before Columbus Day. Most banks post holiday hours prominently on their homepage or in the mobile app. If you bank with a credit union, call your local branch directly — they often have different policies than national banks.
What happens to deposits and payments made on Columbus Day
Deposits made through ATM or mobile app on Columbus Day are treated as received on that day for record-keeping purposes, but they will not actually post to your account until Tuesday. This matters if you are trying to clear a check or move money quickly — the transaction is timestamped as Monday, but the funds will not be available until the next business day.
Payments made through online banking on Columbus Day will also be timestamped as Monday, which protects you from late fees if the payment was due that day. However, the money will not actually leave your account or reach the recipient until Tuesday. If you are paying a bill due on Monday, do not rely on Columbus Day submissions — send it on Friday instead.
Automatic recurring payments (like mortgage, loan, or subscription payments set up in advance) will process normally on Tuesday if they are scheduled for Monday. Your bank's system handles these automatically, so you do not need to do anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw money from an ATM on Columbus Day?
Yes. ATMs operate 24/7 on all federal holidays, including Columbus Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, transfer money, and check your balance anytime. The only limit is your daily withdrawal limit, which varies by bank but is typically $500 to $1,000.
Will my check deposit post if I use mobile deposit on Columbus Day?
Your deposit will be recorded as received on Columbus Day, but the funds will not actually post to your account until Tuesday. This is normal for holiday deposits. If you need the money sooner, deposit on Friday instead.
What if I need to speak to someone at the bank on Columbus Day?
You cannot visit a branch or reach a teller on Columbus Day. If it is urgent, try calling customer service — some banks have limited phone support on holidays. Otherwise, handle it online through banking or wait until Tuesday to visit a branch in person.
Do wire transfers go through on Columbus Day?
No. Wire transfers initiated on Columbus Day will not send until Tuesday. If you need money to arrive by Monday, initiate the transfer on Friday. Wire transfers sent on Friday typically arrive the same day or by Saturday morning.
Is my credit union open on Columbus Day?
Some credit unions are open and some are closed — it depends on the individual institution. Check your credit union's website or call your local branch on Friday to confirm their Columbus Day hours. Many credit unions have different schedules than national banks.