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Columbus Day, observed as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in many states and cities, falls on Monday, October 12, 2026. It’s a federal holiday, so banks and the Federal Reserve are closed, but the stock market is not: the NYSE and Nasdaq trade a full, normal session. Here’s exactly what closes, what stays open, and what to handle before the long weekend.
Key Takeaways
- Columbus Day 2026 is Monday, October 12, creating a three-day banking weekend.
- Banks and the Federal Reserve are closed, but the stock market is open. Only the bond market closes.
- ACH transfers and wires initiated October 12 settle Tuesday, October 13, so move time-sensitive money by Friday, October 9.
- ATMs, debit and credit cards, online banking, and Zelle keep working as normal.
Is the Stock Market Open on Columbus Day?
Yes, this is the one that catches people off guard. Unlike most other federal holidays, the NYSE and Nasdaq trade a full normal session (9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET) on Columbus Day. The bond market is the exception, it’s closed for the day under SIFMA’s recommended schedule. So if you have equity trades planned for October 12, nothing changes; bond trades will need to wait until October 13.
What Closes on Columbus Day
- Federal Reserve: Closed. ACH transfers (direct deposits, bill payments, bank-to-bank transfers) process through the Fed, so anything initiated October 12 won’t settle until the next business day.
- Major banks: Most close physical branches, including Bank of America, Citibank, Capital One, Truist, and Wells Fargo. Some banks, like TD Bank, keep certain branches open, and Chase still treats the day as a holiday for online transaction processing even where branches are open, so check your specific bank if you’re unsure.
- Post offices: USPS is closed; no mail delivery.
- IRS and Social Security Administration: Federal offices are closed, so expect a one-day delay on anything you were expecting by October 12.
What Still Works on Columbus Day
- Stock market: Fully open, regular trading hours on both the NYSE and Nasdaq.
- ATMs: Available as normal for cash withdrawals.
- Debit and credit card purchases: Work normally, since point-of-sale transactions aren’t affected by banking holidays.
- Online and mobile banking: Account access, balances, and internal transfers within the same bank typically work. What doesn’t work is moving money between different banks via ACH.
- Zelle: Transfers between enrolled users usually process within minutes and are generally not affected, though some banks have internal processing variations.
What Gets Delayed
- ACH transfers: Bank-to-bank transfers initiated October 12 settle Tuesday, October 13, instead of the same day. To pay a bill due around October 12, start the transfer by October 9.
- Direct deposits: If your pay date falls on October 12, most employers process payroll in advance so it arrives October 9. Confirm with your employer if you’re unsure.
- Wire transfers: Domestic wires run through Fedwire, which is closed on federal holidays, so a wire initiated October 12 settles October 13.
- Bond trades: The bond market is closed under SIFMA’s recommended schedule, so fixed-income orders wait until October 13.
What to Do Before October 12
If any of these are coming up, handle them on Friday, October 9, or earlier:
- Bill payments due on or around October 12 that go through ACH.
- Bank-to-bank transfers you need settled before the weekend.
- Wire transfers for real estate closings or other time-sensitive deals.
- In-branch needs like notarization, cashier’s checks, or safe deposit box access.
- Mortgage or loan closings scheduled for October 12, which usually need to be rescheduled.
While you’re planning around the holiday, it’s also the start of fall shopping season. See our guide to Prime Big Deal Days, and if you’re organizing your cash for the holidays ahead, our current HYSA rates guide and best budgeting apps roundup can help.
The Long Weekend: October 10 to 12
Because Columbus Day falls on a Monday, banking effectively pauses from Friday’s close of business until Tuesday morning, even though the stock market keeps trading right through it. Any ACH transfer started Friday evening, Saturday, or Sunday will settle Tuesday, October 13. Plan time-sensitive transfers with that in mind.
FAQ
Is the stock market open on Columbus Day 2026?
Yes. The NYSE and Nasdaq trade a full normal session on Monday, October 12, 2026. Only the bond market is closed for the day.
Are banks open on Columbus Day?
Most bank branches are closed, along with the Federal Reserve, though a few banks keep some branches open. ATMs, cards, and online banking still work everywhere, but ACH transfers between banks are delayed.
Will my direct deposit be late?
Usually not. Most employers process payroll in advance, so a deposit scheduled for October 12 typically arrives October 9. Confirm with your employer if you depend on the timing.
When will a transfer sent on October 12 arrive?
An ACH transfer or domestic wire initiated October 12 settles on Tuesday, October 13, the next business day.
Bottom Line
Banks, the Fed, and federal offices are closed for Columbus Day on Monday, October 12, 2026, but the stock market trades normally, only the bond market takes the day off. Cards, ATMs, online banking, and Zelle keep working, but ACH transfers and wires are delayed until Tuesday, October 13, so take care of anything time-sensitive by October 9.
This guide is for informational purposes only. Holiday observance can vary by institution and state, so it’s worth confirming closures and processing times with your specific bank.
