Most banks are closed on Columbus Day, but some branches stay open

Yes, Columbus Day is a federal holiday, and most banks observe it by closing their physical branches. However, the picture is more complicated than a straightforward yes or no. Some banks keep certain locations open, ATMs run around the clock regardless, and online banking never stops. If you need to do something in person on Columbus Day 2025 — which falls on Monday, October 13 — you should check with your specific bank first rather than assume.

The reason banks close on federal holidays is that the Federal Reserve, which processes large transfers and clears checks, is closed. This means a teller cannot complete certain transactions that require the Fed's systems. But your bank's policy on which holidays trigger closures is its own decision, and a few banks stay open on Columbus Day even though most do not.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks close their branches on Columbus Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available.
  • A small number of banks, particularly some credit unions and regional institutions, may keep branches open on Columbus Day — call ahead to confirm.
  • Any transaction you can do online or through an ATM (deposits, transfers, withdrawals) can happen on Columbus Day without delay.
  • If you need to speak to someone in person, plan your banking for the day before or after Columbus Day.

Which banks close and which stay open

The major national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most others — close all their branches on Columbus Day. This is standard practice for banks with federal charters or those that participate heavily in the Federal Reserve system.

Some credit unions and smaller regional banks do stay open on Columbus Day. There is no single rule; each institution decides. If you bank with a credit union or a regional bank you have not checked before, call the branch directly or look at their website's holiday hours. Many banks post their Columbus Day schedule online by early October.

What you can still do on Columbus Day

ATMs work on Columbus Day just like any other day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has a deposit slot), and transfer money between your own accounts without any interruption.

Online banking — checking your balance, paying bills, sending money to other people, setting up transfers — all works on Columbus Day. The bank's website and mobile app do not close for federal holidays. If you need to move money or check something, you can do it from home at any hour.

Mobile check deposit, if your bank offers it, also works on Columbus Day. You photograph the check with your phone and submit it through the app. The check will not clear until the next business day (Tuesday, October 14), but you can submit it on Monday without any problem.

What you cannot do on Columbus Day

You cannot speak to a teller or a banker in person because the branches are closed. This means you cannot open a new account, get a cashier's check, explore for a loan, or resolve a problem that requires a person's judgment.

Certain transactions that depend on the Federal Reserve's systems — like wire transfers to other banks — may process on Columbus Day, but they will not clear until Tuesday. Your bank may allow you to initiate a wire on Monday, but the receiving bank will not see the money until the Fed's systems reopen.

How to plan ahead

If you know you need to do something in person before Columbus Day, do it on Friday, October 10, or the Thursday before. If you can wait, handle it on Tuesday, October 14.

If you need cash over the weekend before Columbus Day, withdraw it on Friday. If you need to deposit a check, use your ATM or mobile app on Monday and it will process on Tuesday. If you have a question about whether a specific transaction will work on Columbus Day, call your bank's customer service line before the holiday. Most banks have phone support available even when branches are closed, and they can tell you whether what you need can happen on Monday or must wait until Tuesday.

State and local government offices on Columbus Day

Some states and cities do not observe Columbus Day as a paid holiday for their employees, even though it is a federal holiday. This means some state offices, county courthouses, and city halls may be open on October 13 even though banks are closed. If you need to handle something at a government office, check that specific office's holiday schedule rather than assuming it follows the federal calendar.

A few states observe Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of Columbus Day, but federal banks still close on the federal holiday. Your bank's closure depends on federal holiday rules, not your state's rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on Columbus Day?

Yes. Your debit card works at any merchant, ATM, or online retailer on Columbus Day just like any other day. The bank branch being closed does not affect your card's ability to process transactions.

Will my direct deposit come through on Columbus Day?

Direct deposits scheduled for Columbus Day may be delayed by one business day because the Federal Reserve is closed. Ask your employer or the organization sending the deposit whether they process on federal holidays or wait until the next business day.

What if I need to dispute a charge on Columbus Day?

Call your bank's customer service line. Most banks have phone support available on federal holidays, and you can report a fraudulent or incorrect charge. The investigation will begin, but any refund or resolution will process after the holiday.

Do credit card payments process on Columbus Day?

Payments you submit online or by phone on Columbus Day will be received, but they may not post to your account until Tuesday. If you are close to a due date, submit your payment by Friday to be safe.