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. The major national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others — shut down on Columbus Day. If you need to deposit a check, withdraw cash, or speak to someone in person, you will not be able to do it at a branch on that day.

However, not every bank closes. Some credit unions and smaller regional banks stay open, and a few large banks keep select branches running in certain cities. Your best move is to call your specific branch the day before to confirm, rather than showing up and finding the doors locked.

The federal government recognizes Columbus Day as a holiday, so banks that are federally chartered or insured (which is most of them) treat it the same way they treat Thanksgiving or Christmas. ATMs and online banking stay available even when branches close — you can still check your balance, transfer money between accounts, and set up payments from home.

Key Takeaways

  • Major banks including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank close all branches on Columbus Day.
  • ATMs and online banking work normally on Columbus Day even when physical branches are closed.
  • Some credit unions and regional banks stay open, so calling your branch ahead of time is the fastest way to know for sure.
  • If you need cash or to deposit a check, plan to do it the day before or the day after the holiday.
  • Wire transfers and bill payments can be set up online or through your bank's app on Columbus Day itself.

How to check if your specific bank is open

The easiest way is to call your branch directly. Look up the number on your bank statement, your debit card, or the bank's website. Call the day before Columbus Day and ask whether that location will be open. A staff member can tell you in 30 seconds.

You can also check your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks post holiday hours in their locations section — search for your branch by address or ZIP code, and the hours for that day will show up. Some apps display a banner at the top saying "We're closed on Columbus Day" or list the holiday in a calendar view.

If you use a smaller bank or credit union, the website may be less detailed. In that case, a phone call is faster than guessing. Many credit unions do stay open on Columbus Day, but not all, so do not assume.

What you can still do on Columbus Day without visiting a branch

Your ATM works on Columbus Day just like any other day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks using mobile deposit (if your bank offers it), and check your balance. ATMs do not close for federal holidays.

Online banking and your mobile app are also available. You can transfer money between your own accounts, set up bill payments, send money to another person through your bank's app, and check recent transactions. You can even start a wire transfer or request a cashier's check through some banks' online systems, though it may not process until the next business day.

If you need to pay a bill or send money to someone, doing it online on Columbus Day means it will go through as soon as the bank reopens. You do not have to wait until you can visit a branch.

Banks that sometimes stay open on Columbus Day

A small number of banks keep branches open on Columbus Day, usually in major cities where customer demand is high. Some branches of Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo open for limited hours in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and a few other large metros. This varies year to year and branch to branch, so it is not something you can count on.

Credit unions are more likely to stay open than national banks. Many credit unions do not observe Columbus Day at all, or they observe it but keep a few branches staffed. If you bank with a credit union, call ahead — you may find you can visit in person after all.

Some online-only banks (like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Discover) have no physical branches, so the holiday does not affect them. If you use one of these banks, you can do everything you normally do on Columbus Day.

Planning ahead for Columbus Day banking needs

If you know you will need to visit a branch on or around Columbus Day, do it the day before. Deposit checks, withdraw cash, and handle any in-person business on Friday if Columbus Day falls on Monday. This way you avoid the closed-branch problem entirely.

If you have a time-sensitive need — like depositing a check before a important date — mobile deposit through your bank's app is usually faster than waiting for a branch to reopen. Most banks process mobile deposits within one business day, and some within hours.

For payments that have to go out on a specific date, set them up online the day before Columbus Day. Your bank will process them on the next business day, and they will arrive on time in most cases. If the important date is Columbus Day itself, you have already missed it, but setting it up online still gets it sent as soon as possible.

What happens to checks and deposits on Columbus Day

If you deposit a check at an ATM on Columbus Day, it goes into a queue and processes the next business day (Tuesday if Columbus Day is Monday). The bank does not process deposits while the holiday is happening — the check sits in the ATM until staff retrieve it and scan it the next morning.

If you use mobile deposit through your app on Columbus Day, the same thing happens: the bank receives the image but does not process it until the next business day. There is no advantage to depositing on the holiday itself versus the day before, except that you do not have to remember to do it later.

Checks you receive on Columbus Day will not clear any faster if you deposit them that day. The processing timeline starts the next business day regardless. So if someone hands you a check on Columbus Day, you can deposit it then or wait until Tuesday — the result is the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my ATM on Columbus Day?

Yes. ATMs work 24/7 on Columbus Day just like any other day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has that feature), and check your balance. The ATM does not close for federal holidays.

Will my online bill payment go through on Columbus Day?

You can set up a bill payment on Columbus Day through your bank's website or app, but the bank will not send it until the next business day. If you schedule it for Columbus Day itself, it will process on Tuesday. For bills with important date, set the payment up the day before and choose the date you want it to go out.

What if I need to deposit a check before a important date that falls on Columbus Day?

Deposit it the day before Columbus Day. Checks deposited on Columbus Day itself will not process until Tuesday, which will be too late. If the important date has already passed, contact the person or company you owe money to and explain the delay — many understand that banks are closed on federal holidays.

Do credit unions close on Columbus Day?

Most credit unions do close on Columbus Day, but some stay open. Call your credit union the day before to ask. Credit unions are not required to follow the same holiday schedule as banks, so the answer depends on your specific institution.

Can I transfer money between my accounts on Columbus Day?

Yes, through your online banking or mobile app. Transfers between your own accounts at the same bank usually happen when ready or within a few hours, even on holidays. Transfers to accounts at other banks may take until the next business day to show up.