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

Columbus Day is a federal holiday, and most banks observe it by closing their branches for the day. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to someone in person, you will not be able to do so at a traditional bank branch on October 13.

However, you can still move money on Columbus Day through ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking. Transfers between your own accounts, bill payments, and peer-to-peer payments all work normally. The holiday affects only in-person services at physical locations.

Some banks and credit unions do not observe Columbus Day—they remain open on October 13 and treat it as a regular business day. This varies by institution, so checking your specific bank's holiday schedule before that date matters if you have a time-sensitive transaction planned.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major banks close their branches on Columbus Day, October 13, 2025, because it is a federal holiday.
  • ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking services work normally on Columbus Day, so you can transfer money and pay bills without visiting a branch.
  • Some regional banks and credit unions stay open on Columbus Day, so you should check your bank's specific holiday schedule.
  • If you need cash or in-person services on October 13, plan ahead by withdrawing money on October 10 or using an ATM.
  • Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated on Columbus Day may not process until the next business day, October 14.

Which banks close and which stay open

The major national banks—Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank—all close on Columbus Day. Regional banks and credit unions vary. Some follow the federal holiday calendar and close; others treat October 13 as a regular business day. Your bank's website or a phone call to your local branch will confirm whether they are open.

If your bank is closed but you need in-person service, you may be able to visit a branch of a partner bank or credit union network. Many banks belong to shared branching networks that allow you to conduct basic transactions at other institutions' locations. Ask your bank whether this option is available to you.

What you can and cannot do on Columbus Day

You can deposit checks, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and send money to other people through your bank's mobile app or website. These services run 24 hours a day, even on holidays. You can also withdraw cash from any ATM that accepts your card, regardless of which bank owns it.

You cannot visit a branch to speak with a banker, open a new account in person, get a cashier's check, or conduct services that require a teller or loan officer. If you need a notary, safe deposit box access, or help with a complicated transaction, you will need to wait until October 14.

Timing for transfers and payments on Columbus Day

Transfers you initiate on Columbus Day through your mobile app or online banking will process normally if they are between accounts at the same bank. However, transfers to other banks (ACH transfers) and wire transfers initiated on October 13 may not leave your account until October 14, since the receiving bank will not process them until the next business day.

Bill payments scheduled for Columbus Day will usually process on time if you set them up before the holiday. The payment system continues to run. However, if you are paying a company that processes payments only on business days, your payment may not reach them until October 14.

Planning ahead for Columbus Day transactions

If you know you will need cash on October 13, withdraw it on October 10 or 11. If you need a cashier's check or other in-person service, request it on October 10. If you are expecting a deposit or transfer, understand that it may arrive on October 14 instead if it is coming from another bank.

If October 13 falls on a day when you normally handle banking, shift those tasks to October 10 or 14. Most routine transactions—bill payments, transfers, deposits through mobile deposit—can be done from your phone or computer, so you do not lose functionality on the holiday itself.

What happens to direct deposits and automatic payments

Direct deposits scheduled for Columbus Day may arrive late. If your paycheck or benefits deposit is set for October 13, it may not hit your account until October 14 or later, depending on your employer's or benefits program's processing schedule. Some employers deposit on the business day before a federal holiday; others deposit on the holiday itself and the bank processes it the next day.

Automatic bill payments and recurring transfers scheduled for October 13 will usually process on time, since the banking system continues to run. However, if the payment is going to a company that only processes payments on business days, the recipient may not see it until October 14.

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, ATM, or online retailer on Columbus Day, regardless of whether your bank's branch is open. The card itself is not affected by the holiday.

Will my paycheck deposit be late if it is scheduled for October 13?

It may be. Some employers deposit on the business day before a federal holiday, while others deposit on the holiday and the bank processes it the next day. Check with your employer or payroll department about their specific schedule for Columbus Day.

Can I deposit a check on Columbus Day using my phone?

Yes, if your bank offers mobile check deposit. You can photograph the check and submit it through the app on October 13. The bank will process it on October 14 or later, depending on when they process mobile deposits.

What if I need to wire money on Columbus Day?

You can initiate a wire transfer through your online banking or mobile app on October 13, but it will not leave your account until October 14, since the receiving bank does not process wires on federal holidays.

Are credit unions open on Columbus Day?

Most credit unions close on Columbus Day, but some stay open. Check your credit union's website or call your local branch to confirm their hours for October 13.