Most banks are closed on Columbus Day, but your money stays accessible
Columbus Day is a federal holiday, which means most banks — including large national chains and smaller community banks — close their physical branches. You will not be able to walk in and speak to a teller, use the safe deposit box, or get a cashier's check in person.
However, your money does not disappear. ATMs work 24/7, online banking stays open, and mobile apps function normally. If you need cash or want to check your balance, you can do that without stepping into a branch. The only things you cannot do are the ones that require a person behind a counter.
Columbus Day falls on the second Monday in October each year. In 2024, that is October 14. In 2025, it is October 13. Some states and cities do not observe Columbus Day — they may call it Indigenous Peoples' Day instead — but federal banks close regardless of what your state calls the day.
Key Takeaways
- Bank branches close on Columbus Day, but ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps work normally.
- You can withdraw cash, check balances, and transfer money between your own accounts without visiting a branch.
- Deposits made at an ATM or through mobile deposit may not post until the next business day.
- If you need to speak to someone at your bank, you will have to wait until the next day the branch is open.
- Credit unions and some online-only banks may have different holiday schedules — check with your institution directly.
What you can and cannot do on Columbus Day
ATMs are your main tool on a holiday. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks through a mobile app or ATM (if your bank has one), transfer money between your own accounts, and check your balance. All of this happens when ready or within minutes.
What you cannot do: speak to a banker, open a new account in person, get a cashier's check, access a safe deposit box, or resolve a dispute that requires a human decision. If you have a question that needs an answer from a real person, you will have to call back the next business day or use your bank's online chat feature if they offer one.
Deposits made on the holiday — whether through an ATM, mobile app, or ATM envelope — typically post the next business day. That means if you deposit a check on Columbus Day, the funds may not be available until Tuesday. This matters if you are counting on that money for a payment due soon.
How to prepare if you need cash or need to pay a bill
The simplest step is to withdraw cash before the holiday. If you know you will need money over the weekend and Columbus Day, get it out on Friday or Saturday. ATMs are always available, but you avoid any chance of running short.
For bills due around the holiday, pay them online or through your bank's bill pay system a day or two early. Most bills do not need to arrive on a specific date — they just need to post before the due date. Paying on Friday for a bill due on Tuesday gives you a cushion and means you do not have to worry about the holiday.
If you use a service that requires a live person — like opening a new account, getting a loan decision, or disputing a charge — plan to do that on a day the branch is open. Do not wait until the day before a holiday hoping to squeeze it in.
Which banks close and which stay open
All federally chartered banks close on Columbus Day. This includes Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most other large national banks. State-chartered banks that are members of the Federal Reserve also close.
Credit unions vary. Many close on federal holidays, but some stay open or have limited hours. Call your credit union or check their website to confirm. Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close — you can do everything online as usual.
Some banks offer Saturday hours during the week, but Columbus Day is a Monday, so those branches will be closed. If your bank has multiple locations, they all close on the same day.
What happens to automatic payments and transfers
Automatic payments and transfers scheduled for Columbus Day usually process on that day, even though the branch is closed. The bank's computer system runs continuously. If you have a bill set to pay on October 14 (Columbus Day), it will likely go out on October 14.
However, if a payment is supposed to arrive at another institution on Columbus Day, that institution may not process it until the next business day. For example, if you transfer money to another bank on Monday, that bank may not credit it until Tuesday. Check with the receiving bank if timing is critical.
If you need to cancel or change an automatic payment, do it through your online banking or mobile app before the holiday. You do not have to wait for the branch to reopen.
Planning around Columbus Day if you are traveling
If you are traveling over Columbus Day weekend, withdraw cash before you leave. ATMs in other cities and states work the same way as your home ATM — you can use them to get cash, though you may pay a fee if the ATM is not part of your bank's network.
Let your bank know you are traveling, especially if you plan to use your debit card in a different state or region. Banks sometimes flag out-of-area purchases as fraud. You can do this through your mobile app or by calling before the holiday.
If you lose your card while traveling, you can order a replacement through your mobile app on most banks' platforms. It will arrive after you return home, or you can pick it up at a branch once they reopen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Columbus Day?
Yes. Your debit card works at stores, restaurants, and ATMs on Columbus Day. The bank branch is closed, but the payment network is open. You can swipe or insert your card normally.
Will my paycheck deposit be delayed if it arrives on Columbus Day?
Direct deposits usually post on the scheduled day even if it is a holiday. However, if your employer's bank is also closed, the deposit may be delayed by one day. Check with your employer's payroll department if you are unsure when they process payroll.
What if I need to dispute a charge on Columbus Day?
You can report a fraudulent or incorrect charge through your mobile app or online banking on most banks' platforms. You do not have to wait for the branch to open. Document what happened and submit the report — the bank will investigate after the holiday.
Do online banks close on Columbus Day?
Online-only banks do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can log in, transfer money, and manage your account normally. Customer service hours may vary, so check your bank's website if you need to speak to someone.
Can I get a cashier's check on Columbus Day?
No. Cashier's checks require a teller, and the branch is closed. If you need one urgently, plan ahead and get it before the holiday. Some banks offer cashier's checks through their mobile app, but this varies by institution.