Is columbus day a bank holiday in the us?

Columbus Day, observed annually on the second Monday of October, is one of the most debated and historically significant federal holidays in the United States. In 2025, Columbus Day will fall on Monday, October 13, marking another year when Americans commemorate — or reconsider — the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas in 1492.

But one of the most common questions people ask each year is: “Is Columbus Day a bank holiday in the U.S.?” The short answer is yes, Columbus Day is a federal holiday, and most banks across the nation will be closed. However, there are some exceptions, variations by state, and changes in how the day is observed that make this question worth exploring in detail.

This article explains the history, legal status, and banking practices related to Columbus Day 2025, helping you understand what’s open, what’s closed, and how different institutions treat this holiday.

Understanding Columbus Day: A Brief Background

Columbus Day commemorates the landing of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus in the New World on October 12, 1492. First celebrated in the late 18th century, it became a federal holiday in 1937, thanks to lobbying by Italian-American groups and the efforts of the Knights of Columbus.

The day was originally set for October 12 but was changed to the second Monday of October in 1971 under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which aimed to give workers more three-day weekends.

In modern times, however, Columbus Day has become controversial. Many states and cities have shifted toward recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead, honoring Native American history and culture rather than celebrating Columbus’s arrival. Despite these shifts, Columbus Day remains a federal holiday, meaning all federal offices, including most banks, are affected.

Is Columbus Day a Bank Holiday in the U.S.?

Yes — Columbus Day is a bank holiday. Most banks in the U.S. follow the Federal Reserve System’s holiday schedule, which officially recognizes Columbus Day as one of its 11 federal bank holidays.

That means that on Monday, October 13, 2025, most banks will be closed in observance of the holiday. This includes the major national banking institutions such as:

• Bank of America

• Chase Bank (JPMorgan Chase)

• Wells Fargo

• Citibank

• U.S. Bank

• PNC Bank

• Truist Bank

• Regions Bank

However, online banking services will still be available, allowing customers to check balances, pay bills, and transfer money through mobile apps or websites. ATMs also remain functional 24/7, though transactions made on the holiday may not post until the following business day (Tuesday, October 14, 2025).

Federal Reserve Banks and Columbus Day

The Federal Reserve Banks and their branches will be closed on Columbus Day 2025. This closure affects how payments, wire transfers, and check processing are handled nationwide.

Here’s how this typically impacts transactions:

• ACH (Automated Clearing House) payments will not be processed on Columbus Day. Any scheduled transactions will process the next business day.

• Wire transfers will also be delayed until Tuesday.

• Check deposits made at ATMs or online on Monday may not be credited until the following day.

Essentially, while you can initiate transactions digitally, actual processing halts until banks reopen after the holiday.

Banks That May Stay Open on Columbus Day

While most traditional banks close, some banks and credit unions—especially those inside grocery stores or operating online-only models—may remain open.

Examples include:

• TD Bank has a history of keeping select branches open on federal holidays.

• Capital One Cafés, located in shopping districts or retail areas, sometimes maintain limited hours.

• Online-only banks, such as Ally Bank or Chime, which operate digitally without physical branches, remain accessible as usual.

Still, even for these exceptions, customer service response times may be slower due to the federal holiday.Credit Unions and Columbus Day

Credit unions often follow similar schedules to traditional banks, meaning most will close for Columbus Day. However, because many credit unions are local or state-chartered rather than federally chartered, some may decide independently whether to open or close.

Members should check their local branch’s website or contact customer service ahead of the holiday for precise hours.

Columbus Day and the U.S. Postal Service

Columbus Day is also a U.S. Postal Service holiday. All post offices will be closed, and there will be no regular mail delivery or pickup on October 13, 2025. However, Priority Mail Express will still operate, as it does 365 days a year.

Private shipping carriers like UPS and FedEx generally remain open, although some express services may operate on modified schedules.

Other Closures and Openings on Columbus Day 2025

While banks and federal offices are closed, not everything shuts down. Here’s what you can expect:

• Federal Government Offices: Closed.

• State and Local Government Offices: Vary by state. Some states, like California, do not observe Columbus Day as a public holiday.

• Courts: Federal courts are closed, but local or state courts may remain open depending on jurisdiction.

• Stock Market: The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ will be open on Columbus Day.

• Schools: Many public schools close, but others—especially in states recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day—may stay open.

• Retail Stores: Most retail stores, shopping malls, and restaurants will remain open and often offer Columbus Day sales and promotions.