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

Columbus Day is a federal holiday, which means most traditional banks close their physical branches. However, the picture is more complicated than a straightforward yes or no. Some banks keep certain locations open, ATMs run 24/7 regardless of the holiday, and online banking never closes. If you need to do banking on Columbus Day, your options depend on what you need to do and which bank you use.

The federal holiday falls on the second Monday in October each year. Banks that are members of the Federal Reserve system follow federal holiday schedules, so they shut down their branch operations on this day. This means you cannot walk in, speak to a teller, or access services that require a staff member to be present.

Key Takeaways

  • Most bank branches close on Columbus Day because it is a federal holiday, but ATMs and online banking remain available around the clock.
  • Some larger banks and credit unions keep select branches open in major cities, so calling your specific branch is the only way to know for certain.
  • You can deposit checks, transfer money, pay bills, and check your balance through ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking on Columbus Day without any delay.
  • If you need to speak to someone, most banks offer phone support on the holiday, though wait times are often longer than on regular business days.

What you can and cannot do on Columbus Day

You cannot visit a branch in person or speak face-to-face with a teller on Columbus Day at most banks. If you need a cashier's check, a notary, a safe deposit box, or help opening a new account, you will have to wait until the next business day. These services require staff to be physically present.

You can use ATMs to withdraw cash, deposit checks, and transfer money between your own accounts. You can log into your online banking portal or mobile app to pay bills, move money, check your balance, and set up transfers. These transactions process normally and post to your account on the next business day, just as they would on any other day.

Some banks offer phone support on Columbus Day, though the hours may be shorter and wait times longer. Call the customer service number on the back of your card to find out whether your bank is staffed on the holiday.

How to learn about your specific bank is open

The only reliable way to know whether your bank is open on Columbus Day is to contact them directly or check their website. Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo typically close all branches, but they may have different policies for different regions. Credit unions vary widely — some close entirely, while others keep a few branches open in major cities.

Call your branch directly using the number on your bank statement or card. Ask whether they are open on Columbus Day and what services are available if they are. You can also visit your bank's website and look for holiday hours, which are usually posted a week or two before the holiday.

If you use a smaller regional bank or a credit union, do not assume they follow the same schedule as national banks. Some community banks stay open on federal holidays to serve their customers. A quick phone call takes less than five minutes and removes all doubt.

Planning ahead for banking needs

If you know you will need to do something that requires a teller or a staff member on or around Columbus Day, plan ahead. Deposit checks, withdraw cash, or handle account changes a day or two before the holiday. This way you are not caught without the cash or services you need.

If you are expecting a check to arrive or a bill payment to post around Columbus Day, remember that transactions initiated on the holiday may not process until the next business day. Transfers between banks, bill payments, and check deposits all follow the same timeline whether you initiate them on a holiday or a regular day — they post when the banking system processes them, which is usually the next business day.

ATMs and online banking work on Columbus Day

ATMs do not close on federal holidays. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, and transfer money between your accounts using an ATM on Columbus Day, just as you would on any other day. The transaction may not post to your account until the next business day, but the ATM will accept your deposit or process your withdrawal when ready.

Online banking and mobile apps never close. You can log in at any time on Columbus Day to check your balance, pay bills, transfer money, or set up recurring payments. These transactions are recorded in your account right away, though they may not clear or post to another bank until the next business day.

What happens to checks and transfers on Columbus Day

Checks you deposit on Columbus Day will not clear until the next business day or later, depending on when you deposit them and which bank the check is drawn from. If you deposit a check at an ATM on Columbus Day evening, it may not be processed until Wednesday morning. If you deposit it on Tuesday before the holiday, it may clear by Wednesday or Thursday.

Transfers between accounts at the same bank usually post the next business day. Transfers to another bank (called ACH transfers) typically take one to three business days, and the holiday does not speed them up or slow them down — the clock starts when you initiate the transfer, and the next business day is counted from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I withdraw money from an ATM on Columbus Day?

Yes. ATMs operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including on Columbus Day. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks, and transfer money between your own accounts using an ATM on the holiday without any restrictions.

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

Yes, but it may not reach the recipient until the next business day. If you pay a bill online on Columbus Day, the transaction is recorded in your account when ready, but the actual payment may not process until Tuesday. Plan ahead if you have a bill due on or shortly after the holiday.

Can I open a new bank account on Columbus Day?

Not at a physical branch. Most banks require you to speak with someone in person or over the phone to open an account. Some banks allow online account opening, which you can do on Columbus Day through their website or app. Call your bank to find out whether they offer this option.

What if I need cash and the ATM is broken on Columbus Day?

If your bank's ATM is out of service on the holiday, you will need to wait until the next business day to visit a branch. Some banks allow you to withdraw cash at other banks' ATMs or at retail stores like grocery stores or pharmacies, though you may be charged a fee. Check your bank's website or app to see which ATMs you can use for free.

Do credit unions close on Columbus Day?

Most credit unions close on Columbus Day, but some keep branches open in larger cities. Call your credit union directly to find out their holiday schedule. Do not assume they follow the same schedule as banks — each credit union sets its own hours.