Most banks are closed on Columbus Day, but some branches and online services stay available

Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States, which means most traditional banks observe it as a day off. If you need to visit a physical branch, call customer service, or conduct business that requires a teller, you will likely find the bank closed. However, the specifics depend on which bank you use, where you are located, and what you need to do.

Some states do not observe Columbus Day at all — South Dakota, Hawaii, and parts of Alaska call it Native American Day or do not recognize it officially. Even in states that do observe it, some banks choose to stay open. Additionally, online banking, ATMs, and mobile apps continue to work regardless of whether branches are staffed.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal banks close on Columbus Day, but state-chartered banks and credit unions may stay open depending on where you live and which institution you use.
  • ATMs, online banking, and mobile payment apps work on Columbus Day even when branches are closed.
  • Transactions you initiate on Columbus Day (transfers, bill payments, deposits via mobile app) will process, but may not clear until the next business day.
  • The best way to know if your specific branch is open is to check your bank's website or call ahead, since policies vary by location and institution.

Which banks close and which stay open on Columbus Day

Banks regulated by the Federal Reserve — including most major national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank — close all branches on Columbus Day. These are considered federal holidays for banking purposes, and federal law requires them to observe the day.

State-chartered banks and credit unions follow different rules. Some honor Columbus Day as a holiday; others do not. A state-chartered bank in Colorado, for example, might stay open while the same bank's branch in New York closes. Your best move is to check your bank's website directly or call your local branch the day before to confirm hours.

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no physical branches, so the holiday does not affect their operations in the traditional sense. You can still log in, transfer money, and check balances. However, customer service phone lines may have reduced staffing or delayed response times.

What you can and cannot do on Columbus Day

You can: Use ATMs to withdraw cash or deposit checks (though deposits may not post until the next business day). Log into online banking or your mobile app to check balances, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, or send money to other people. Use debit cards to make purchases or withdraw cash at merchants. Deposit checks using your bank's mobile app, which will process when the bank reopens.

You cannot: Visit a branch to speak with a teller, open a new account in person, get a cashier's check, or resolve issues that require a staff member. Call customer service at most banks and reach a live person — though some banks maintain holiday support lines. Wire money through a teller (though some banks allow wire transfers through their online platform).

Transactions you initiate on Columbus Day will be recorded, but they will not clear or post until the next business day. A transfer you send on Monday (Columbus Day) will not appear in the recipient's account until Tuesday. This matters if you are trying to pay a bill by important date — the bank will record the transaction as sent on Monday, but the payee will not receive it until Tuesday.

How to learn about your specific bank is open

The fastest way is to search "[Your Bank Name] Columbus Day hours" or visit your bank's website and look for a holiday hours notice. Most banks post this information in early October. You can also call your local branch directly — the voicemail will usually state whether it is open or closed.

If you use a credit union, check your credit union's website or call. Credit unions are not required to follow federal holidays, so policies vary widely. Some close on Columbus Day; others stay open.

For banks that do close, the website will usually tell you which services remain available (ATMs, online banking, mobile app) and when the branch will reopen.

What happens to checks and deposits on Columbus Day

If you deposit a check using an ATM or mobile app on Columbus Day, the bank will record the deposit that day, but the check will not clear until the next business day. The funds will not be available in your account until Tuesday morning at the earliest, depending on the check amount and your bank's policy.

If you need the money urgently, deposit the check before Columbus Day. If you deposit it on the holiday itself, assume the funds will not be available until at least the next day.

Planning ahead for Columbus Day banking needs

If you know you will need to visit a branch on or around Columbus Day, plan for Monday, October 14, 2024 (or the observed date in your area). Visit the branch on Friday or the following Tuesday instead. If you need cash, withdraw it before the holiday. If you need to open an account or handle something that requires a teller, do it before Columbus Day.

For bill payments and transfers, initiate them on Friday so they clear by Tuesday. If a bill is due on Columbus Day itself, pay it the Friday before to avoid a late payment, since the bank will not process the transaction until the next business day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my direct deposit go through on Columbus Day?

Direct deposits scheduled for Columbus Day will process on that day — the ACH system (which handles direct deposits) operates on federal holidays. The money will appear in your account on Columbus Day itself, not delayed until Tuesday.

Can I use my debit card on Columbus Day?

Yes. Debit cards work at merchants and ATMs on Columbus Day regardless of whether your bank branch is open. The transaction will process normally, though it may take until the next business day to appear in your account.

What if I need to wire money on Columbus Day?

Most banks cannot process wire transfers through a teller on Columbus Day because branches are closed. Some banks allow wire transfers through their online platform or mobile app, but the wire will not actually send until the next business day. Check your bank's website to see if this option is available.

Do credit unions close on Columbus Day?

It depends on the credit union. Some close; others stay open. Check your credit union's website or call your local branch to confirm. Credit unions are not required to follow federal holidays.

Will my bill payment process if I submit it on Columbus Day?

The bill payment will be recorded on Columbus Day, but it will not actually send to the payee until the next business day. If a bill is due on Columbus Day, submit the payment on Friday to may support it arrives on time.