Most banks close on Columbus Day, but not all
Columbus Day is a federal holiday, which means the Federal Reserve and most large national banks shut down. However, some banks stay open, and whether yours does depends on which bank you use and where you live. A few states do not observe Columbus Day at all, so banks in those places operate normally. The safest approach is to call your specific bank or check their website the day before to confirm their schedule.
The banks that close are typically those that follow the Federal Reserve holiday calendar — this includes most major chains like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank. Smaller regional banks, credit unions, and online-only banks vary widely. Some online banks never close because they have no physical branches, though you still cannot use ATMs that belong to banks that are closed.
Key Takeaways
- The Federal Reserve closes on Columbus Day, so most national banks close their branches that day.
- Some credit unions, regional banks, and online banks stay open on Columbus Day even though it is a federal holiday.
- Five states — Hawaii, Alaska, South Dakota, Florida, and Nevada — do not observe Columbus Day, so banks there operate normally.
- You can still use ATMs and online banking on Columbus Day even if your bank's branches are closed.
- Calling your bank or checking their website is the only way to know for certain whether your branch will be open.
Which banks typically close on Columbus Day
Banks that are members of the Federal Reserve system close on Columbus Day because the Federal Reserve itself closes. This includes the largest national banks: Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, U.S. Bank, and PNC Bank. If your bank is one of these, your local branch will be closed, and you will not be able to withdraw cash, deposit checks in person, or speak to a teller.
Many smaller regional banks also close on Columbus Day, though not all. Banks that operate in only one or two states sometimes make their own decisions about which federal holidays to observe. The only way to know is to contact your bank directly or visit their website.
Banks and credit unions that may stay open
Online banks and credit unions are more likely to stay open on Columbus Day because they do not have physical branches to close. Banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Discover have no tellers or walk-in locations, so the holiday does not affect their operations. You can still transfer money, pay bills, and check your balance through their apps and websites.
Some credit unions stay open on Columbus Day even if they have physical branches. This is because credit unions are not part of the Federal Reserve system — they set their own holiday schedules. However, many credit unions do close on federal holidays to match the banks their members use. Again, the only way to know is to ask.
States where Columbus Day is not observed
Five states do not recognize Columbus Day as a holiday: Hawaii, Alaska, South Dakota, Florida, and Nevada. In these states, banks operate on a normal business day schedule. If you live in one of these states, your bank will be open on Columbus Day regardless of whether it is a national bank or a regional one.
Some other states observe the day under a different name. South Dakota calls it Native American Day, and Hawaii calls it Aloha Festivals Day. The name change does not affect banking — banks in these states still close — but it is worth knowing if you are moving or traveling.
What you can still do on Columbus Day
Even if your bank's branches are closed, you can still access your money in several ways. ATMs work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as long as they belong to a bank that is open or to a network your bank participates in. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts.
Online banking and mobile apps work on Columbus Day just like any other day. You can pay bills, transfer money between accounts, deposit checks by phone camera, and send money to other people. The only thing you cannot do is speak to a teller or visit a branch in person.
How to learn about your bank is open
The fastest way is to call your bank's customer service number — it is on the back of your debit card or on your bank statements. A representative can tell you when ready whether your branch will be open on Columbus Day. You can also visit your bank's website and look for a holiday schedule or branch hours page.
If you are planning to do something that requires a teller — like depositing a large check, opening a new account, or getting a cashier's check — do it the day before Columbus Day or the day after. Do not wait until the morning of the holiday to find out your branch is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Columbus Day if my bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any ATM, and online purchases work the same way. You can also use your card at stores that accept debit cards. The only thing you cannot do is visit a branch in person or speak to a teller.
Will my paycheck deposit on time if Columbus Day falls on a Friday?
If your employer deposits your paycheck on Friday and Columbus Day is that Friday, the deposit may be delayed until Tuesday. Some employers deposit on Thursday instead when a holiday falls on Friday. Check with your employer's payroll department to know for certain.
Do online banks close on Columbus Day?
Online banks do not close because they have no physical branches. You can transfer money, pay bills, and check your balance on Columbus Day. However, if you need to withdraw cash, you will still need to use an ATM, and some ATMs may belong to banks that are closed.
What if I need cash on Columbus Day and my bank is closed?
Use an ATM from your bank or from a bank in your bank's network. If your bank is part of a large network like Allpoint or MoneyPass, you have thousands of ATMs available nationwide. Check your bank's website to find ATMs near you.
Do all credit unions close on Columbus Day?
No. Credit unions set their own holiday schedules. Some close on Columbus Day, and some stay open. Call your credit union directly or check their website to find out whether they will be open.