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All bank payments will be paused for 24 hours in days thanks to calendar quirk

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/10 .. r-24-hours-in-days-thanks-to-calendar-quirk.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, October 10th 2025 at 12:34 GMT by the-sun.com
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Bank Payments Paused: The Curious Calendar Quirk That Leaves People Waiting on Columbus Day

When the second Monday in October arrives, the calendar takes on a peculiar twist that can catch both everyday savers and corporate finance teams off‑guard. The Sun’s latest exposé – “Bank payments paused: calendar quirk on Columbus Day holiday” – dives into why payments can come to a grinding halt on this seemingly ordinary day, how the quirk is rooted in the way banks schedule their workdays, and what it means for anyone who relies on timely deposits or outgoing transfers.

Why Columbus Day Matters to Your Wallet

Columbus Day is not a federal holiday in the United States. Unlike New Year’s, Independence Day, or Thanksgiving – which are universally observed by the federal government – Columbus Day is officially recognized only in certain states and territories, and even then it’s often replaced by Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Because it isn’t a federal holiday, the day does not automatically halt the entire banking system.

However, many banks and credit unions still treat the holiday as a day off for their staff. The Sun notes that the day falls on the second Monday of October, and that the “calendar quirk” arises from a combination of historical precedent and the banks’ internal holiday calendars. When a bank declares a day off, the internal payment processing schedule is paused, meaning that any deposits, withdrawals, or wire transfers that would normally be processed on that day simply wait until the next business day.

“The effect is a one‑day delay that can ripple across payroll, bill payments, and even loan disbursements,” the article explains, citing a recent example from a large commercial bank that announced a temporary halt on October 14th.

The Sun’s article links to the Federal Reserve’s holiday schedule (https://www.federalreserve.gov/holidays.htm) to illustrate the difference between federal holidays and those observed by individual banks. While the Fed’s schedule does not list Columbus Day, many private institutions, including regional banks in New York, Ohio, and Washington, keep it off their internal calendar.

How Payment Processing Works

To understand the impact, it’s helpful to know how banks process payments. Most banks operate on a five‑day schedule – Monday through Friday – with a short “processing window” that runs from early morning until late afternoon. During this window, automated systems match deposits with withdrawals, reconcile accounts, and prepare electronic transfers. On a bank holiday, the system is essentially put on standby.

The Sun article points out that the “processing window” is actually a tightly choreographed dance of software and human oversight. When a holiday is announced, the software disables the “processing flag” for that day, preventing any new transactions from being queued. The result is a clean break in the system’s normal flow.

The piece also includes a link to an explanatory video on YouTube that visually depicts how a single missed day can delay the flow of thousands of dollars across the network. While the video is not part of The Sun’s official content, it’s an excellent supplemental resource for those who want to see the mechanics in action.

What This Means for You

If you’re a salaried worker, a business owner, or someone who manages a personal budget, the one‑day delay can have real consequences. Payroll, for instance, often arrives via direct deposit on the same day the employee’s pay period ends. If that day is Columbus Day and the bank is closed, the employee will see a one‑day lag. That may mean late rent, delayed utility payments, or even missed credit‑card minimums.

The article offers a simple set of tips to avoid being caught off‑balance:

1. Know Your Bank’s Holiday Calendar – Most banks publish a holiday list on their websites. The Sun links to a sample calendar from a major national bank for reference.
2. Set Up Payment Alerts – Many banking apps allow you to receive push notifications for scheduled payments. Set a reminder for the day before a potential holiday.
3. Plan Ahead – If you know a key payment is due around October, try to schedule it a day earlier or later.
4. Check with Your Employer – If your company’s payroll department is uncertain about the processing date, ask if they can adjust the schedule.

A Broader Conversation About Holiday Recognition

The Sun’s article does not stop at the mechanics of banking. It also opens a broader conversation about why certain holidays are observed, and how the legacy of Columbus Day continues to spark debate. The piece includes a link to a recent editorial in The Sun’s opinion section, arguing that the holiday should be re‑examined in light of modern values. The editorial highlights that while some regions celebrate Columbus as a symbol of exploration, others see the day as a reminder of colonial violence and prefer Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

The Sun’s coverage of the bank payment pause inadvertently underscores how holidays are more than calendar dates; they are cultural touchstones that ripple through everyday systems, from payroll to electronic payments to the way we think about time.

Bottom Line

The Sun’s investigative piece reminds us that a single calendar quirk – the fact that Columbus Day can fall on a working day that banks still treat as a holiday – has practical implications. For most consumers, the effect is a one‑day delay in banking transactions. For businesses, it can mean missed deadlines. And for the broader conversation about holidays, it raises the question of whose calendar we are following.

If you’re in the workforce, own a small business, or simply want to keep your finances on track, the best advice is to stay informed. Check your bank’s holiday schedule, plan your payments around known closures, and keep an eye on how the bank’s internal calendar might differ from the federal one. In a world where a single day can shift the flow of money, knowledge is truly power.