Most major banks close on Columbus Day, but some branches and online services stay available
Columbus Day falls on the second Monday in October each year. Most national banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — close their physical branches on this day because it is a federal holiday. However, the specifics depend on where you bank and what you need to do.
If you need cash or in-person service on Columbus Day, call your branch the day before to confirm it will be closed. Some regional banks and credit unions do not observe Columbus Day, so your institution may have different hours. Online banking, ATMs, and mobile apps work normally on the holiday — you can transfer money, check balances, and pay bills without visiting a branch.
Key Takeaways
- National banks close physical branches on Columbus Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available 24/7.
- Some regional banks and credit unions stay open on Columbus Day, so contact your specific branch to confirm.
- If you need a cashier's check, wire transfer, or other in-person service, plan ahead by visiting before the holiday.
- Emergency cash withdrawals are possible at any ATM belonging to your bank or a partner network on Columbus Day.
What stays open: ATMs and online banking
Your bank's ATM network operates normally on Columbus Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks using mobile deposit, and check your balance at any ATM in your bank's network or at partner ATMs (like Allpoint or MoneyPass) without any interruption. This applies whether your bank is open or closed.
Online banking platforms, mobile apps, and phone banking services run 24 hours on Columbus Day. You can pay bills, transfer money between accounts, set up automatic payments, and manage your finances entirely online. If you have questions that require a person, you will need to wait until the next business day or contact customer service through the app's chat feature if your bank offers it.
Which banks close and which may stay open
The largest national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank, PNC, and TD Bank — close all branches on Columbus Day. These closures explore to every location nationwide.
Regional and community banks vary. Some observe Columbus Day as a holiday; others do not. Credit unions also differ by institution. The only way to know for certain is to contact your branch directly or check your bank's website for holiday hours. Many banks post their Columbus Day schedule in early October.
Some banks in states that do not recognize Columbus Day as an official holiday may remain open. Hawaii, South Dakota, and some other states observe Indigenous Peoples' Day instead or do not recognize the holiday at all. If your bank is headquartered in or primarily operates in one of these states, it may stay open.
Plan ahead for services that require a branch
Certain transactions cannot be completed online or at an ATM and require a visit to a physical branch. These include obtaining a cashier's check, requesting a wire transfer, opening a new account, explore for a loan, or resolving a dispute that requires a manager's signature. If you need any of these services, visit your branch before Columbus Day.
If you discover you need a cashier's check or wire on Columbus Day itself, some banks offer limited emergency services. Call your branch's main number — even though it is closed, the voicemail may direct you to an emergency line or provide instructions for online alternatives. Wire transfers can sometimes be initiated through online banking, though this depends on your bank's system.
What to do if you need cash on Columbus Day
Use an ATM. This is the simplest option and works regardless of whether your branch is open. Your debit card works at any ATM in your bank's network and at most partner networks nationwide. If you use an out-of-network ATM, you may pay a fee ($1 to $3 typically), but the transaction completes when ready.
If you do not have a debit card or your card is lost, contact your bank before Columbus Day to arrange a temporary solution. Some banks can issue a temporary card number through their app, or you can ask a trusted person with access to your account to withdraw cash on your behalf.
Columbus Day closures by year
| Year | Columbus Day Date |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Monday, October 14 |
| 2025 | Monday, October 13 |
| 2026 | Monday, October 12 |
| 2027 | Monday, October 11 |
| 2028 | Monday, October 9 |
Columbus Day always falls on the second Monday in October. Mark the date on your calendar if you know you will need branch services that week, so you can plan your visit in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check on Columbus Day?
Yes, through mobile deposit using your bank's app. Take a photo of the front and back of the check and submit it through the app. The check typically posts to your account within one to two business days. If you need to deposit a check in person, you must visit your branch before Columbus Day.
Will my automatic bill payments go through on Columbus Day?
Yes. Automatic payments scheduled for Columbus Day process normally. Your bank's systems run continuously, and the holiday does not affect scheduled transfers or bill payments. If a payment is due on Columbus Day and you have not set it up yet, you can schedule it through online banking.
What if I need to report fraud on Columbus Day?
Call your bank's fraud line. Most banks maintain a 24/7 fraud reporting number separate from branch operations. The number is usually on the back of your debit card or in your online banking portal. Report the fraud when ready to limit your liability, even if it is a holiday.
Can I get a wire transfer on Columbus Day?
Not through a branch, since they are closed. Some banks allow wire transfers through online banking, but this depends on your bank and account type. Check your online banking platform to see if the option is available. If not, you will need to wait until the next business day or contact your bank's emergency line.
Do credit unions close on Columbus Day?
Most do, but not all. Contact your credit union directly to confirm their Columbus Day hours. Some credit unions stay open on federal holidays, while others close. Check their website or call ahead rather than assuming.