TWO major US banks will shut down for a full day in a few weeks and consumers are urged to plan ahead.
Bank of America and Wells Fargo are among large financial institutions which will close on Columbus Day on October 13.
Federal workers will get a paid day off, and it also means there will be no mail delivery on October 13[/caption]
Columbus Day is a federal holiday which falls on the second Monday in October each year.
It was created in 1968 to observe the day Christopher Columbus arrived in the US.
That date is also designated as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in some states and cities.
Many government services will close down including state and federal courts, public schools, libraries, post offices and banks.
Federal workers will get a paid day off, and it also means there will be no mail delivery on October 13.
However, some retail stores will stay open such as grocery and liquor shops, but shoppers are urged to check local opening hours.
SHUT DOWN
Wells Fargo and Bank of America will shut all 7,700 locations.
Chase Bank told The U.S. Sun that it will remain open.
Additionally, one of the only major banks to remain open is TD Bank, which is Canadian.
The day is one of 11 official federal holidays marked annually in the States.
According to the holidays 2025 schedule provided by the Federal Reserve Bank System, the next federal holiday is Veterans Day on November 11.
That’s followed by Thanksgiving Day on November 27, and Christmas Day on December 25.
Federal workers will get a paid day off, and it also means there will be no mail delivery on October 13.
How to contact your bank
WITH bank scams running rampant, it is important to know how to reach out to your bank without risking fraud.
There is of course the foolproof method of going to your bank in person, but you are likely going to be directed to a customer care phone line.
In order to ensure that you are contacting the bank, make sure to use a phone number given to you by the representative or off of the bank’s website.
Some banks also have online helplines that can securely connect you with a representative.
Conversely, if you think the bank is reaching out to you with an account issue – make sure to verify the concern by calling a bank contact that you know is legitimate.
Scammers commonly mascarade as bank representatives to steal information from frightened customers.
TOP TIPS
Consumers are urged to plan ahead before the banking blackout.
It is best to call ahead to double check your local branch’s opening hours.
You will be able to access your online banking as normal, however there may be delays to processing payments.
It is advised to do any urgent payments in the days leading up to the shut down.
ATMS and cash machines will still be open to withdraw cash, and you can also access cash from some retail stores like CVS and Whole Foods.
AARP advised that digital banking remains open “regardless of what America is celebrating that day.
“You can make routine transactions via your bank’s or credit union’s website or app.
“If you have an online account, you can: check account balances; pay bills; move money between accounts; deposit checks.”
