Most banks close on Columbus Day, but not all of them
Yes, most major banks in the United States close on Columbus Day (the second Monday in October). If Columbus Day falls on a Monday and you need to visit a branch, deposit a check, or conduct business in person, you will likely find the bank closed. However, the rules vary by bank, by state, and by the type of transaction you need to do.
Federal banks must close on Columbus Day because it is a federal holiday. This includes branches of Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most other national banks. Some state-chartered banks and credit unions may stay open, depending on state law and the institution's own policy. A few banks do not observe Columbus Day at all, particularly in states where it is not recognized as a paid holiday.
Even if your bank branch is closed, you can still move money and handle routine transactions through ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking. Checks deposited through a mobile app or ATM will process, though the funds may not be available until the next business day. Wire transfers and other time-sensitive payments may be delayed if you initiate them on Columbus Day.
Key Takeaways
- Federal banks close on Columbus Day because it is a federal holiday, though some state banks and credit unions may remain open depending on state law.
- You can still use ATMs, mobile deposit, and online banking on Columbus Day even if the branch is physically closed.
- Wire transfers and other transactions initiated on Columbus Day may not process until the next business day.
- Call your bank's customer service line or check their website to confirm whether your specific branch will be open, since policies vary by location and institution.
- Some states do not recognize Columbus Day, so banks in those states may operate on a normal schedule.
Which banks close and which stay open on Columbus Day
All national banks chartered by the federal government must close on Columbus Day. This includes Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, PNC, TD Bank, Capital One, and US Bank. These banks are required to observe federal holidays, and Columbus Day is one of them.
State-chartered banks and credit unions have more flexibility. Some follow the federal holiday schedule anyway, but others stay open. Credit unions in particular vary widely — some close, some stay open with reduced hours, and some operate normally. Your best move is to contact your bank or credit union directly rather than assume.
A handful of states do not recognize Columbus Day as a paid holiday. In South Dakota, it is called Native American Day. In Hawaii, it is called Aloha Festivals Day. In Alaska, it is called Alaska Day. Banks in these states may operate on a normal schedule, though some still choose to close anyway. Again, calling ahead is the only way to be sure.
What you can do on Columbus Day even if your branch is closed
ATMs work 24 hours a day, every day, including Columbus Day. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts at any ATM that accepts your card. ATM transactions process immediately, though transfers between accounts at different banks may take until the next business day to show up.
Mobile deposit — taking a photo of a check through your bank's app — works on Columbus Day. The check image is submitted to the bank's system, and the deposit is recorded. However, the funds will not be available until the next business day because the bank does not process deposits on federal holidays. The same applies to checks deposited at an ATM.
Online banking and bill pay work on Columbus Day. You can log in, view your accounts, transfer money between your own accounts, and set up bill payments. Payments you schedule will process on the next business day if you submit them on Columbus Day. Wire transfers initiated on Columbus Day will not process until the next business day, so if you need money to move urgently, plan ahead.
How to learn about your specific bank is open
The fastest way is to call your bank's customer service number, which is usually on the back of your debit card or on your monthly statement. Customer service lines are staffed on holidays, and they can tell you whether your branch is open and what hours it keeps. Have your branch location ready when you call.
You can also check your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks post holiday hours online, often with a banner on the homepage or a dedicated holiday schedule page. Search for "Columbus Day hours" on the bank's site, or look for a branch locator tool that shows hours for your specific location.
If you use a smaller regional bank or credit union, call the branch directly. Local institutions sometimes have different policies than national banks, and the branch staff can answer immediately whether they will be open.
What happens to time-sensitive transactions on Columbus Day
Wire transfers initiated on Columbus Day will not process until Tuesday (or the next business day). If you need to send money urgently, initiate the transfer on Friday or the day before Columbus Day. The same applies to ACH transfers, which are electronic transfers between bank accounts — they will not process until the next business day.
Checks deposited on Columbus Day will not clear until the next business day at the earliest. If you deposit a check through mobile deposit or at an ATM on Monday, the bank will not process it until Tuesday. Funds from that check may not be available for several more days, depending on the amount and your bank's policy.
Loan payments, mortgage payments, and other scheduled payments that fall on Columbus Day may be processed on that day if you set them up through automatic bill pay, but they will be recorded as processed on the next business day. If you are close to a payment deadline, do not wait until Columbus Day — submit the payment on Friday instead.
Planning ahead for Columbus Day banking needs
If you know you will need cash or need to deposit a check before Columbus Day, handle it on Friday or the day before. This gives you time to visit a branch during normal hours and ensures any deposits or transfers process without delay.
If you need to pay a bill or send money and Columbus Day falls on the payment due date, submit it online or through your bank's app on Friday. Most banks process payments submitted before midnight on Friday for the next business day, which means your payment will be recorded as on time even though it processes after the holiday.
Set reminders on your phone or calendar for the Friday before Columbus Day if you have recurring payments or deposits that need attention. This prevents you from accidentally trying to handle banking business on a day when branches are closed and some transactions are delayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw money from an ATM on Columbus Day?
Yes. ATMs operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including Columbus Day. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts at any ATM that accepts your card. The transaction processes immediately.
Will my check deposit process on Columbus Day if I use mobile deposit?
The deposit will be recorded on Columbus Day, but the bank will not process the check until the next business day. Funds from the check may not be available for several more days, depending on the amount and your bank's policy. Mobile deposit works on holidays, but processing does not.
What if I need to send a wire transfer on Columbus Day?
Wire transfers initiated on Columbus Day will not process until the next business day. If the transfer is urgent, initiate it on Friday or the day before the holiday. If you must send it on Monday, contact your bank's customer service line to see if they can expedite it, though this is not may provide.
Do credit unions close on Columbus Day?
Most credit unions close on Columbus Day, but not all. Some stay open with reduced hours, and a few operate normally. Contact your credit union directly to confirm their Columbus Day hours, as policies vary by institution and location.
Which states do not recognize Columbus Day?
South Dakota, Hawaii, and Alaska do not recognize Columbus Day as a paid holiday — they observe different holidays instead. Banks in these states may operate on a normal schedule, though some still choose to close. Call your bank to confirm.