Most banks will be closed on Monday, October 13, 2025, for Columbus Day

Columbus Day is a federal holiday, which means the Federal Reserve and most major banks observe it. If your bank is part of the Federal Reserve system — which includes nearly all national banks and most regional ones — you will not be able to visit a branch, use a teller, or conduct in-person business on October 13, 2025.

However, you can still use ATMs, online banking, mobile apps, and automatic transfers on that day. The holiday affects branch operations only, not digital access to your account.

Some smaller banks and credit unions do not observe Columbus Day, so if you bank with a local institution, it is worth checking their holiday schedule directly. A quick call to your branch or a look at their website will tell you whether they are open.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal Reserve member banks close on Columbus Day (October 13, 2025), but ATMs and online banking remain available.
  • You can still deposit checks through mobile apps, transfer money online, and access your account 24/7 on the holiday.
  • Some credit unions and smaller regional banks stay open on Columbus Day, so check with your specific institution.
  • If you need cash or in-person service, plan ahead and visit your branch on October 10 or 11.

What you can and cannot do on Columbus Day

On October 13, 2025, you cannot walk into a branch and speak to a teller, use a safe deposit box, or get a cashier's check in person. You also cannot conduct wire transfers through a teller or open a new account face-to-face.

What remains open: ATMs work normally and charge no extra fees. Mobile check deposit — taking a photo of a check through your bank's app — works the same as any other day. Online bill pay, transfers between your own accounts, and peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo or Zelle all function without interruption. Your debit card works everywhere, and direct deposits process on schedule.

If you need cash before the holiday, withdraw it on Friday, October 10, or Saturday, October 11. If you need to deposit a check, use your phone to photograph it through your bank's app instead of waiting for Monday.

How to learn about your specific bank is open

The safest way is to call your branch directly or check your bank's website. Search for "[Your Bank Name] Columbus Day hours" or look for a holiday schedule page on their site. Most banks post their holiday calendar in the fall.

If you bank with a national chain — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, or similar — assume the branch is closed. If you bank with a local or regional credit union, the odds are better that it stays open, but do not assume. A 30-second phone call removes all doubt.

You can also check the Federal Reserve's official holiday schedule at federalreserve.gov. Banks that follow Federal Reserve holidays will be closed on the dates listed there.

Planning ahead to avoid problems

If you know you will need in-person banking services around October 13, handle it earlier in the week. Deposit checks on Thursday or Friday. Withdraw cash on Friday. If you need a cashier's check or notary service, get it done by October 10.

If you have automatic bill payments set up, they will process normally on October 13 — the holiday does not affect scheduled transfers or direct debits. Paychecks and other direct deposits also arrive on their normal schedule.

For anything time-sensitive — a wire transfer, a new account, a loan process — contact your bank on October 9 or 10 and ask when you should expect service to resume. Some banks process applications submitted online during the holiday, while others wait until the next business day.

Credit unions and smaller banks

Credit unions are not required to close on federal holidays. Some observe Columbus Day, others do not. The same is true for smaller regional banks and community banks. Your institution may have its own holiday schedule that differs from the Federal Reserve's.

The only way to know is to ask. Call your branch, check their website, or stop by in person before October 13. If you are a member of a credit union, log into your online account — many post holiday schedules in the account dashboard or in a FAQ section.

What to do if you need emergency banking on October 13

If you have a genuine emergency — a fraudulent charge, a compromised account, a critical payment that needs to go out — call your bank's customer service line. Most banks maintain a 24/7 phone line for fraud and account emergencies, even on holidays. They may not be able to process every request, but they can often help with urgent issues.

For non-emergency problems that can wait, use your bank's online chat or email support. Many banks respond to email within 24 hours, even on holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my paycheck deposit on Columbus Day?

Yes. Direct deposits process on schedule regardless of federal holidays. If your employer deposits on a Friday and October 13 falls on a Monday, your paycheck arrives as usual. The holiday does not delay direct deposits.

Can I use my debit card on Columbus Day?

Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online retailer on October 13, just as it does any other day. The holiday only affects branch operations, not card networks.

What if I need to deposit a check on Columbus Day?

Use mobile check deposit through your bank's app. Take a photo of the front and back of the check and submit it through the app. The check posts to your account within one to two business days, usually by October 15.

Do online banks close on Columbus Day?

No. Banks that operate only online — like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, or Marcus — do not have branches, so there is nothing to close. You can transfer money, deposit checks by photo, and access your account normally on October 13.

Will my automatic bill payments process on Columbus Day?

Yes. Scheduled transfers and automatic bill payments process on their normal dates, regardless of federal holidays. If a payment is set to go out on October 13, it will go out on October 13.