Columbus Day is a federal holiday, but most banks stay open

Columbus Day falls on Monday, October 13, 2025. It is a federal holiday, which means federal offices close and federal employees get the day off. However, most banks remain open on Columbus Day — it is not a banking holiday.

The distinction matters because federal holidays and banking holidays are not the same thing. A federal holiday closes government offices. A banking holiday closes banks. Columbus Day is one but not the other.

Some individual banks may choose to close on Columbus Day, particularly smaller community banks or credit unions that want to align with federal holidays. But the major national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others — typically operate on their normal schedule.

Key Takeaways

  • Columbus Day 2025 is Monday, October 13, and is a federal holiday, but not a banking holiday.
  • Most major banks stay open on Columbus Day and process transactions normally.
  • Some smaller banks or credit unions may close, so check with your specific bank before the holiday.
  • If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash on October 13, plan to visit an ATM or use mobile banking if your bank is closed.
  • Wire transfers and ACH payments initiated on Columbus Day may not process until the next business day.

Which banks close on Columbus Day

The Federal Reserve publishes an official list of banking holidays each year. Columbus Day is not on that list. The Federal Reserve's banking holidays are: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Because Columbus Day is not a Federal Reserve banking holiday, the major national banks do not close. However, some regional banks, community banks, and credit unions may have their own policies. A few institutions choose to close on Columbus Day even though they are not required to.

The safest approach is to contact your bank directly or check their website. Most banks list their holiday hours online, and you can usually find this information under "Locations" or "Hours" on their site. If you use a credit union, call the branch you plan to visit — credit union policies vary widely.

What you can still do on Columbus Day if your bank is closed

If your bank closes on October 13, you still have options for basic banking needs. ATMs operate 24/7 at most banks, so you can withdraw cash or check your balance anytime. Mobile banking apps let you transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and deposit checks by taking a photo of the front and back.

If you need to deposit a physical check and your bank is closed, you can use mobile check deposit through your bank's app if it offers that feature. Many banks do. Alternatively, you can deposit the check the next business day — October 14 — and it will typically post by October 15 or 16, depending on the bank's processing schedule.

Wire transfers and ACH payments (automatic transfers between banks) initiated on Columbus Day may not process until October 14 or later. If you need money to move urgently, initiate the transfer before October 13 or wait until after the holiday.

How Columbus Day affects payroll and direct deposit

If your employer pays you by direct deposit and payday falls on Columbus Day, your deposit will likely still arrive on time. Direct deposits are processed by the Federal Reserve's automated clearing house system, which operates on its own schedule. Columbus Day does not stop direct deposits because it is not a Federal Reserve banking holiday.

However, if your employer's payroll department is closed on Columbus Day, they may process payroll a day early or a day late. Check with your HR or payroll department if you are unsure when your October payment will arrive.

The same applies to automatic bill payments and recurring transfers. Most of these process automatically regardless of the day of the week, but if a payment is scheduled for October 13 and your bank is closed, it may process on October 14 instead.

Planning ahead for Columbus Day banking needs

If you know you will need to visit your bank on or around October 13, take a few minutes before the holiday to confirm whether your branch is open. Call the branch directly or visit your bank's website and search for "holiday hours" or "Columbus Day hours."

If you need cash, withdraw it on October 10 or 12 so you are not caught short. If you need to deposit a check, use mobile deposit if your bank offers it, or plan to deposit it on October 14. If you need to send money to someone, initiate the transfer by October 10 to may support it clears before the holiday.

For routine transactions — checking your balance, paying bills online, or transferring money between your own accounts — your mobile app works whether your bank is open or closed. Most banks' apps are available 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my paycheck arrive on time if payday is October 13?

Most likely yes. Direct deposits process through the Federal Reserve's system, which does not close on Columbus Day. However, if your employer's payroll department is closed, they may process payroll a day early or late. Contact your HR department if you are unsure.

Can I use my debit card on Columbus Day if the bank is closed?

Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs and stores 24/7, regardless of whether your bank branch is open. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and make purchases normally on Columbus Day.

What if I need to deposit a check and my bank is closed?

Use mobile check deposit through your bank's app if available — you photograph the front and back of the check and submit it through the app. Otherwise, deposit the check on October 14. It will typically post within one to two business days.

Do wire transfers process on Columbus Day?

Wire transfers initiated on Columbus Day may not process until October 14 or later, depending on your bank and the receiving bank. If you need money to move urgently, send it before October 13.

Is Columbus Day a holiday for the stock market?

No. The stock market operates normally on Columbus Day. The New York Stock Exchange is open, and you can buy and sell stocks as usual. Banking holidays and stock market holidays are different lists.