Most major banks close on Columbus Day, but ATMs and online banking stay open
Yes, most large U.S. banks close their branches on Columbus Day (the second Monday in October). Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and U.S. Bank all shut their physical locations on this federal holiday. You cannot visit a branch, speak to a teller, or conduct business that requires a person on the other end of the phone.
However, you do not lose access to your money. ATMs work 24/7, online banking functions normally, and mobile apps let you transfer funds, pay bills, and deposit checks by photo. Some smaller regional banks and credit unions also close, but not all—a few stay open because they do not observe all federal holidays. The only way to know for certain is to call your specific branch or check your bank's website.
Key Takeaways
- Major national banks including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank close their branches on Columbus Day, though ATMs remain available around the clock.
- You can withdraw cash from ATMs, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and deposit checks by photo through your mobile app on Columbus Day.
- Some regional banks and credit unions stay open on Columbus Day, so contact your bank directly to confirm their holiday schedule.
- If you need cash or need to deposit checks, visit your branch on the Friday before Columbus Day to avoid delays.
- Fraud and dispute lines at major banks operate 24/7 on holidays, so you can report problems even when branches are closed.
What you can and cannot do when branches are closed
When your bank closes for Columbus Day, you lose access to in-person services. You cannot deposit checks at a teller window, withdraw cash from a teller, speak to a loan officer, or resolve disputes that require someone to investigate your account. If you need a cashier's check, a notarized document, or a signature on a loan process, you will have to wait until the next business day.
What remains available: ATMs work around the clock, so you can withdraw cash and check your balance. Online banking and mobile apps let you transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and send money to other people. Mobile deposit (taking a photo of a check through your bank's app) usually works on holidays and posts the same way as an in-person deposit. You can also start a wire transfer through your bank's website, though some banks do not process wires on holidays and will execute them the next business day instead.
How to plan ahead if you need cash or to make deposits
If Columbus Day falls on a Monday and you know you will need cash or need to deposit checks, visit your branch on the Friday before. Most banks process deposits made on Friday by the following Tuesday or Wednesday, even though Monday is closed. If you wait until Monday morning, your deposit will not post until Tuesday at the earliest, and you will have no way to deposit it in person.
For checks you need to deposit, mobile deposit is your fastest option on a holiday. Take a photo of the front and back of the check through your bank's app, and it will post to your account the same way as an in-person deposit. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, plan to visit a branch on Friday or use an ATM that accepts check deposits if your bank has them.
Which banks definitely close and which might stay open
| Bank | Columbus Day Status |
|---|---|
| Chase | Closed |
| Bank of America | Closed |
| Wells Fargo | Closed |
| Citibank | Closed |
| U.S. Bank | Closed |
| TD Bank | Closed |
| PNC Bank | Closed |
| Regional and local banks | Varies — call your branch |
| Credit unions | Varies — call your credit union |
If your bank is not on this list, contact your branch directly. Some smaller banks and credit unions do not observe Columbus Day because it is not a holiday in all states. South Carolina, for example, calls the day "South Carolina Day" instead, and some banks in that state stay open. A few banks in other states also remain open on Columbus Day even though it is a federal holiday.
The safest approach is to call your branch the day before Columbus Day and ask directly about their hours. Most banks have this information on their website as well, usually under a holiday schedule or hours section.
What to do if you have an urgent banking need on Columbus Day
If you need cash and your ATM is out of service or you have hit your daily withdrawal limit, you have options. Some grocery stores and pharmacies offer cash back when you use a debit card to make a purchase, even if the purchase is small. This works on holidays when banks are closed. Gas stations and convenience stores also offer this service.
If you need to dispute a transaction or report fraud, call your bank's customer service line. Most major banks staff their fraud and dispute lines 24/7, even on holidays. The person who answers may not be able to resolve everything when ready, but they can start an investigation, place a temporary hold on disputed charges, and document your claim so the right department can follow up when the branch reopens.
When your bank reopens and when deposits will post
Banks reopen the day after Columbus Day, which is a Tuesday. Deposits made on Columbus Day through mobile deposit or ATM will post on Tuesday morning. Checks deposited in person on Friday before the holiday will post by Tuesday or Wednesday. Wire transfers initiated on Columbus Day may not process until Tuesday, depending on your bank's policy.
If you have a time-sensitive transaction, do not wait until the last minute before a holiday. Call your bank on Friday to confirm what will and will not process over the weekend and holiday. This is especially important if you are expecting a large deposit or need to move money by a specific date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card to buy things on Columbus Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works at stores, gas stations, and online retailers on Columbus Day because the transaction goes through the payment network, not through your bank branch. The purchase will post to your account, though the timing may be delayed by a day.
Will my paycheck deposit on time if my bank is closed on Columbus Day?
If your employer deposits your paycheck on Columbus Day, it will post to your account on Tuesday when the bank reopens. If your employer deposits on Friday before the holiday, it will post on Friday or Saturday. Contact your payroll department if you are unsure when they process deposits.
Can I transfer money between banks on Columbus Day?
You can start a transfer through your bank's website or app on Columbus Day, but it may not complete until Tuesday. ACH transfers (the standard method) typically take one to two business days anyway, so a Columbus Day transfer will arrive on Wednesday or Thursday depending on when you initiate it.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank about a problem?
Call your bank's customer service line. Most major banks operate their phone lines 24/7, including holidays. You may not reach someone who can fully resolve your issue, but they can document the problem and escalate it to the right department for follow-up.
Do online banks close on Columbus Day?
Online banks (like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Marcus) do not have physical branches, so there is nothing to close. You can transfer money, deposit checks by photo, and manage your account normally on Columbus Day. Customer service may have reduced hours, but your account access does not change.