Most major banks close on Columbus Day, but some branches and online services stay available
Columbus Day falls on the second Monday in October. On that day, most large banks — including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank — close their physical branches. Federal employees also get the day off, which affects some credit unions and government-affiliated financial institutions.
However, "closed" does not mean you lose access to your money. ATMs stay open 24/7 at nearly all banks. Online banking, mobile apps, and phone customer service lines usually run normally. If you need cash or want to deposit a check, you can use the ATM. If you need to speak to someone, you may have to wait until the next business day.
Some smaller banks and credit unions do not observe Columbus Day, so their branches stay open. A few states do not recognize Columbus Day as a paid holiday at all. The safest move is to call your specific bank's customer service line or check their website the day before to confirm whether your local branch will be open.
Key Takeaways
- Major national banks close their branches on Columbus Day, but ATMs and online banking remain available around the clock.
- Some regional banks and credit unions stay open on Columbus Day, so check with your institution directly rather than assuming closure.
- If you need cash, use your bank's ATM on Columbus Day — no branch visit required.
- Customer service phone lines may have reduced hours or longer wait times, so plan ahead if you need to speak with someone.
What you can and cannot do on Columbus Day
ATMs work the same way on Columbus Day as any other day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (at banks with mobile deposit or check-deposit ATMs), check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts. This covers most routine banking needs.
What you cannot do is walk into a branch and speak to a teller, open a new account in person, or get a cashier's check. Wire transfers may be delayed until the next business day. If your bank offers Saturday hours, those branches may be open on Columbus Day — but this varies widely, so confirm first.
Online banking and mobile apps work normally. You can pay bills, send money to other people, set up automatic payments, and review your account history without any interruption.
How to learn about your bank is open
The fastest way is to search "[Your Bank Name] Columbus Day hours" or "[Your Bank Name] holiday hours." Most banks post this information on their website in September or early October.
You can also call your bank's main customer service line. They will tell you whether your specific branch is open and what services are available. If you are calling on Columbus Day itself, expect longer wait times.
Check your bank's mobile app or website directly — many show branch hours and holiday schedules in the locations section. Some apps let you find nearby branches and their hours in real time.
Banks that typically close versus those that may stay open
| Usually Closed on Columbus Day | May Stay Open (Check First) |
|---|---|
| Bank of America | Local and regional credit unions |
| Chase | Some community banks |
| Wells Fargo | Banks in states that do not recognize Columbus Day |
| Citibank | Some branches with extended Saturday hours |
| U.S. Bank |
This table shows general patterns, but individual branches vary. A Wells Fargo in one state might close while another stays open. Always confirm with your specific bank rather than relying on this list.
What to do if you need banking services on Columbus Day
Plan ahead. If you know you will need cash, withdraw it the day before. If you need to deposit a check, use your bank's mobile deposit feature (available through most banking apps) or deposit it at an ATM if your bank offers that service.
If you need to wire money or complete a transaction that requires a teller, do it on Friday or wait until Tuesday. Most banks process these transactions the next business day anyway, so waiting one day usually does not change the outcome.
If you have an urgent banking problem — a fraudulent charge, a locked account, or a critical error — call your bank's customer service line. Many banks staff their phone lines on holidays even when branches are closed. Be prepared for longer hold times.
States and regions where Columbus Day may not affect banking hours
A handful of states do not recognize Columbus Day as a paid holiday. In Hawaii, it is called Aloha Festivals Day. In South Dakota, it is Native American Day. In these states, some banks may stay open because the holiday is not officially observed.
Even in states that do recognize Columbus Day, some smaller institutions choose not to close. This is especially true for credit unions and community banks that operate on different holiday schedules than national chains.
The only way to know for certain is to contact your bank directly. Do not assume your bank is open or closed based on your state alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card on Columbus Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs and stores regardless of whether your bank's branches are open. You can withdraw cash from any ATM, and most ATMs from other banks work too (though you may pay a small fee).
Will my direct deposit still go through on Columbus Day?
Direct deposits usually post on schedule, even on holidays. Your employer sends the money, and it arrives in your account on the normal day. If Columbus Day falls on a Monday and your deposit is scheduled for that day, it should still arrive, though some employers may process it on Friday instead.
What if I need to deposit a check on Columbus Day?
Use mobile deposit through your bank's app if you have it — you photograph the check and submit it through your phone. If your bank has ATMs that accept check deposits, you can use those too. Otherwise, wait until Tuesday to deposit in person or at a branch ATM.
Do credit unions close on Columbus Day?
Most federal credit unions close on Columbus Day because they follow the federal holiday calendar. State-chartered credit unions may have different policies. Call your credit union to confirm their specific hours.
Can I still pay my bills online on Columbus Day?
Yes. Online bill pay works 24/7. The payment may not process until the next business day, but you can schedule it on Columbus Day without any problem.