Most banks are closed on Columbus Day, but some branches and services stay open
Columbus Day is a federal holiday, and most traditional banks close their physical branches on that day. However, the picture is more complicated than a simple yes or no. Some banks keep certain locations open, ATMs run 24/7 regardless of the holiday, and online banking never stops. What matters is whether you need to walk into a branch, use an ATM, or handle something through your phone or computer.
If tomorrow is Columbus Day where you live, call your specific branch today to confirm. Bank hours vary by location, and some branches in busy areas or shopping centers may stay open even when others close. The main bank phone line can tell you whether your nearest branch is open, or you can check the bank's website — most show holiday hours by location.
Key Takeaways
- Federal banks close on Columbus Day, but some branches in malls or commercial areas may stay open — call your branch directly to confirm.
- ATMs work on Columbus Day regardless of branch closures, so you can withdraw cash or deposit checks anytime.
- Online banking, bill pay, and mobile apps work normally on Columbus Day with no interruption.
- Wire transfers and other services that require staff may be delayed until the next business day.
- Not all states observe Columbus Day, so some banks in those states operate on a normal schedule.
Which banks close and which stay open on Columbus Day
The major national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most credit unions — close their branches on Columbus Day because it is a federal holiday. However, some branches in high-traffic areas like malls, airports, or downtown shopping districts may stay open. Regional and community banks vary; some close entirely, others keep select locations staffed.
The only way to know for certain is to contact your bank directly. Call the main number on your debit card or visit the bank's website and search for "holiday hours" or "Columbus Day hours." Most banks let you enter your zip code to see which branches near you are open. If you have a specific transaction in mind, ask the person who answers whether it can wait until Tuesday or whether you need to visit today.
What you can do on Columbus Day without visiting a branch
ATMs operate 24 hours on Columbus Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks using mobile deposit or an ATM that accepts deposits, and check your balance anytime. This covers most routine needs — if you just need cash or want to deposit a check, the holiday does not affect you.
Online banking works normally. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, set up automatic payments, and send money to other people through your bank's app or website. Mobile deposit — photographing a check through your bank's app — works on Columbus Day, though the check may not clear until the next business day. Credit card payments, loan payments, and account management all function without interruption.
Services that are delayed on Columbus Day
Wire transfers initiated on Columbus Day will not process until Tuesday. If you need to send money urgently, do it today. The same applies to cashier's checks, which require a teller to issue — you cannot get one tomorrow if the branch is closed.
Loan applications, mortgage processing, and other services requiring staff review will pause until Tuesday. If you are waiting for a decision or need documentation, expect the timeline to shift by one day. Notarization services also require a person, so if you need a document notarized, you will need to visit a branch that is open or wait until Tuesday.
States that do not observe Columbus Day
Hawaii, Alaska, and South Dakota do not observe Columbus Day as a paid holiday. In those states, banks operate on a normal schedule tomorrow. Some Native American communities also do not recognize the holiday. If you live in one of these places, your bank branches should be open and staffed as usual.
A few states call the day something different — South Dakota calls it Native American Day, and Alabama calls it Native American Heritage Day — but the effect is the same: banks in those states do not close. If you are unsure whether your state observes Columbus Day, a quick call to your branch will clear it up.
How to handle banking needs if your branch is closed
Plan ahead. If you need cash, withdraw it today or use an ATM tomorrow. If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit or an ATM that accepts deposits. If you need to pay a bill, do it through online banking or your bank's app. Most routine needs can be handled without a teller.
If you have a question that requires talking to someone, call the bank's customer service line. Many banks staff phone lines on holidays even when branches are closed. Be prepared to wait longer than usual. If the issue truly cannot wait, some banks operate a limited number of branches on holidays — ask whether one near you is open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check on Columbus Day if the branch is closed?
Yes, if your bank offers mobile deposit through its app, you can photograph the check and deposit it anytime. Some ATMs also accept check deposits. The check will not clear until the next business day, but the deposit itself goes through immediately.
Will my automatic bill payments go through on Columbus Day?
Yes. Automatic payments scheduled for Columbus Day process normally. The bank's systems run 24/7 regardless of branch closures. If a payment is scheduled for tomorrow and the receiving company is also closed, they will receive it on Tuesday.
Can I get a cashier's check on Columbus Day?
Only if your branch is open. Cashier's checks require a teller to issue, so you cannot get one through an ATM or online. Call your branch today to confirm it is open tomorrow, or plan to get the check on Tuesday.
What if I need to wire money tomorrow?
Wire transfers initiated on Columbus Day will not process until Tuesday. If the transfer is time-sensitive, initiate it today. Some banks may allow you to schedule a wire for Tuesday through online banking if you cannot reach a branch.
Are credit unions closed on Columbus Day?
Most federal credit unions close on Columbus Day, but some state-chartered credit unions may stay open. Call your credit union directly to confirm. ATMs and online banking work the same way as at banks — available 24/7 regardless of branch status.