Most banks are closed on Columbus Day, but some branches and online services stay open
Columbus Day is a federal holiday, and most major banks treat it the same way they treat Thanksgiving or Christmas — they close their physical branches. That means no teller service, no in-person deposits, and no access to the safe deposit box. However, your online banking, mobile app, and ATM will work normally. If you need cash or have a transaction that requires a person, you'll need to plan ahead or find a bank that operates on the holiday.
The banks that close on Columbus Day include Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional and local banks. Credit unions typically close as well. If you use a smaller bank or credit union, call ahead — some do stay open, especially if they're in a state that doesn't recognize Columbus Day as a holiday.
The second Monday in October is when Columbus Day falls each year. In 2024, that's October 14. In 2025, it's October 13. Mark it on your calendar if you know you'll need in-person banking that day.
Key Takeaways
- Physical bank branches close on Columbus Day, but ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps work normally.
- Major banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all close their branches on this federal holiday.
- If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash, plan to do it the day before or the day after.
- Some smaller banks and credit unions stay open on Columbus Day, so calling your branch ahead of time can confirm whether yours is one of them.
What you can and cannot do on Columbus Day
Your ATM card works on Columbus Day just like any other day. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts using the ATM network. This is true even if your bank's branch is closed.
Online banking and mobile apps also run on the holiday. You can pay bills, transfer money to other people, check transactions, and set up automatic payments. The bank's servers don't close — only the physical locations do.
What you cannot do is walk into a branch and speak to a teller. You cannot deposit a check in person, get a cashier's check, access a safe deposit box, or handle any transaction that requires a banker's signature or approval. If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit through your app if your bank offers it, or wait until the next business day.
Which banks stay open on Columbus Day
Most national banks close on Columbus Day, but a few stay open in certain locations. Some banks open a limited number of branches in high-traffic areas like airports, hospitals, or shopping centers. Call your specific branch to confirm.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no physical branches, so the holiday doesn't affect them at all. If you bank with one of these, you can do everything you normally do.
Credit unions vary widely. Some close on all federal holidays. Others stay open on Columbus Day because they don't recognize it. Call your credit union's main line to ask whether your branch is open.
If you live in a state that doesn't recognize Columbus Day — Hawaii, Alaska, South Dakota, and some others observe a different holiday on that day — your bank may stay open. Check with your bank directly.
Plan ahead for deposits and withdrawals
If you need to deposit a check on or around Columbus Day, do it before the holiday. Most banks process deposits that arrive before 5 p.m. on a business day the same day. A check deposited on Friday will clear by Monday, but a check deposited on the Friday before Columbus Day won't clear until Tuesday.
Mobile deposit is faster if your bank offers it. You photograph the check with your phone, and it posts to your account within hours. This works on Columbus Day because you're using the app, not the branch.
If you need cash and your ATM is out of service or out of money, find another bank's ATM. Most ATM networks are shared, so you can use a Chase ATM even if you bank at Wells Fargo — you may pay a small fee, but it's faster than waiting for the branch to reopen.
Wire transfers and time-sensitive transactions
Wire transfers do not process on Columbus Day. If you need to send money to another bank account, do it before the holiday. A wire sent on Friday will leave your account Friday but won't arrive at the receiving bank until Tuesday.
If you're buying a house or closing on a loan, confirm the closing date with your lender. Many closings are scheduled to avoid federal holidays because wire transfers and bank signatures are part of the process. If your closing is scheduled for Columbus Day, ask the title company or lender to reschedule it.
Automatic payments and bill pay set up through your bank will process normally. The bank's system doesn't stop on holidays — only the staff does.
What to do if you have an emergency on Columbus Day
If you have a banking emergency — a fraudulent charge, a lost card, or a locked account — call your bank's customer service line. Most banks staff their phone lines 24/7, even on holidays. You won't reach a branch, but you can speak to someone who can help.
If your card is lost or stolen, call the number on the back of your card or your bank's main customer service line. They can freeze the card immediately and order a replacement. This works on Columbus Day.
If you're locked out of your online account, call customer service. They can reset your password or unlock your account over the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Columbus Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online store on Columbus Day. The bank being closed doesn't affect card transactions. You can also use it to withdraw cash from any ATM in the network.
Will my direct deposit come through on Columbus Day?
Direct deposits scheduled for Columbus Day may arrive a day late because the bank's processing systems don't move money on federal holidays. If your payday falls on Columbus Day, the deposit usually arrives the next business day. Check with your employer or the source of the deposit to confirm the timing.
Can I get a cashier's check on Columbus Day?
No. Cashier's checks require a teller and a signature, so you need the branch to be open. If you need one urgently, plan to get it the day before. Some banks can mail one to you, but that takes several days.
What if my bank's ATM is broken on Columbus Day?
Use another bank's ATM. Most ATM networks are shared across banks, so you can withdraw from a different bank's machine. You may pay a small out-of-network fee, but it's usually $2 to $3. Alternatively, you can wait until the next day when the branch reopens.
Do online banks close on Columbus Day?
No. Banks with no physical branches, like Ally or Discover, operate normally on Columbus Day. You can transfer money, pay bills, and access your account just like any other day.