Most banks close on Columbus Day, but some branches stay open
Columbus Day is a federal holiday, which means most banks observe it and close their doors. However, the answer depends on which bank you use and where you live. Some banks close all branches, while others keep certain locations open — particularly in states that don't officially recognize Columbus Day or in areas where branches operate under different schedules.
The safest approach is to check with your specific bank before you need to do banking on Columbus Day. A quick call to your branch or a look at their website will tell you whether they're open. If you need to handle banking that day, many banks offer online services and mobile apps that work around the clock, even when physical branches are closed.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks close all branches on Columbus Day because it is a federal holiday, though some regional banks and credit unions may stay open.
- Your bank's website or a phone call to your local branch is the fastest way to confirm whether they will be open on Columbus Day.
- Online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs work on Columbus Day even when branches are closed, so you can handle many transactions without visiting in person.
- Some states do not recognize Columbus Day as a paid holiday, so banks in those states may operate normally or have different closure policies.
- If you need cash or services that require a teller, plan ahead by visiting your bank the day before Columbus Day.
Which banks typically close on Columbus Day
The largest national banks — Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, and US Bank — close all their branches on Columbus Day. If you use one of these banks, you will not be able to visit a physical branch that day.
Regional banks and credit unions vary. Some close entirely, while others keep branches open in states that don't recognize Columbus Day as an official holiday. Hawaii and South Dakota do not observe Columbus Day, so banks in those states often remain open. Alaska observes it as "Alaska Day" instead, and some banks there may operate on a different schedule.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no physical branches, so Columbus Day does not affect them. You can log in and conduct business as usual.
What you can and cannot do on Columbus Day
Services that work on Columbus Day: You can use ATMs to withdraw cash, deposit checks (though they may not process until the next business day), and check your balance. Online banking portals and mobile apps let you transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and view transactions. You can also use debit cards to make purchases anywhere that accepts them.
Services that do not work on Columbus Day: You cannot speak to a teller or customer service representative at a branch. Wire transfers, cashier's checks, and loan applications typically cannot be processed. If you need to deposit a large check or handle something that requires a teller's help, you will need to wait until the next business day.
Some banks process online transactions submitted on Columbus Day, but they may not clear until the following business day. If you are paying a bill with a tight important date, submit it before Columbus Day to be safe.
How to learn about your bank is open
The quickest method is to visit your bank's website and look for holiday hours. Most banks post their Columbus Day schedule weeks in advance. You can usually find this information under "Hours" or "Holiday Hours" on the main page.
If you cannot find it online, call your local branch directly. The phone number is on your bank card or statement. A staff member can tell you whether that specific branch will be open and what services are available.
You can also check your bank's mobile app, which often displays branch hours and may have a location finder that shows which nearby branches are open on specific days.
Planning ahead to avoid problems
If you know you will need cash or a service that requires a teller on or around Columbus Day, visit your bank the day before. Withdraw extra cash if you think you might need it, and handle any transactions that require a person to process them.
If you have bills due on Columbus Day or shortly after, pay them online or by mail several days early. Do not rely on a bank visit to process a payment at the last minute.
If you use a credit union, check their specific holiday schedule. Some credit unions observe Columbus Day while others do not, and hours can vary by location even within the same institution.
States and regions with different Columbus Day policies
Hawaii and South Dakota do not recognize Columbus Day as a holiday, so federal employees and many banks in those states work normally. Alaska observes "Alaska Day" on October 18 instead of Columbus Day on the second Monday in October. Some banks in Alaska may close for Alaska Day rather than Columbus Day, or may not close at all.
In states that do recognize Columbus Day, banks generally follow the federal holiday schedule. However, some smaller regional banks or credit unions may have their own policies. If you live in or are traveling to one of these states, confirm with your bank directly rather than assuming.
Using online and mobile banking on Columbus Day
Online banking is your best option if you need to handle something on Columbus Day. You can log into your bank's website or app from any device with internet access, 24 hours a day. You can transfer money between your own accounts, check balances, view recent transactions, and set up bill payments.
Mobile apps often have the same features as the website version, plus the ability to deposit checks by taking a photo. This is useful if you receive a check on or before Columbus Day and want to deposit it without visiting a branch.
Keep in mind that transactions submitted through online banking on a holiday may not process until the next business day. If you are paying a bill, the payment date is usually the day you submit it, but the money may not leave your account until the following day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Columbus Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant or ATM on Columbus Day, regardless of whether your bank's branches are open. You can withdraw cash from ATMs, make purchases, and check your balance. The only thing you cannot do is visit a branch to speak with a teller.
Will my check deposit process if I use the ATM on Columbus Day?
The deposit will be recorded in your account, but the check may not clear until the next business day or later, depending on the amount and your bank's processing schedule. Mobile check deposits submitted on Columbus Day typically follow the same timeline.
What if I need to wire money on Columbus Day?
Wire transfers cannot be processed on Columbus Day because they require bank staff to handle them. If you need to send money urgently, do it before Columbus Day. Some online payment services or peer-to-peer apps like Venmo or PayPal may work on the holiday, though they are not the same as a bank wire.
Do credit unions close on Columbus Day?
Most credit unions close on Columbus Day, but some stay open. Check your specific credit union's website or call ahead. Credit union hours can vary by branch, so do not assume all locations have the same schedule.
If my bank is closed on Columbus Day, can I still pay my bills online?
Yes. You can pay bills through online banking or your bank's bill pay service on Columbus Day. The payment will be submitted, though it may not process until the next business day. Plan ahead if your bill is due on or shortly after the holiday.