100% Legal, Bank-Approved

Accept PIN-based debit card transactions, to give customers the ability to withdraw money in your store, and buy products.

Yes, cannabis dispensaries can accept PIN-based debit card payments only if the merchant services provider is using a bank-owned ATM networks  instead of the credit card processing network. 

This strategy is 100% legal and fully compliant with card brand mandates and federal law. 

Cannabis dispensary debit card processing via Point of Banking (POB)
Point-Of-Banking technology using a bank-owned ATM network (instead of major credit card networks) offers unique benefits to cannabis dispensary owners. ATM networks are not bound to the same legal constraints as traditional credit card processor networks.
  • Comprehensive Tracking: Metrc assigns unique identifiers to each cannabis plant and product, monitoring every step of the supply chain, including cultivation, production, transportation, and retail sales.
  • Regulatory Compliance: The system is used by state agencies to oversee cannabis businesses, prevent diversion, and protect public health.
  • Real-time Updates: Metrc allows for real-time inventory management and updates, facilitating accurate record-keeping and regulatory audits.
  • Data Collection: The system collects extensive data on cannabis products, enabling regulators to perform audits, conduct investigations, and enforce compliance measures efficiently.
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METRC Compliance

Point of Banking (POB) Technology

POB machines, also known as cashless ATMs, allow customers to use their debit or credit cards with PIN access to make payments at retail cannabis dispensaries and smoke shops.

The legality of whether or not cannabis dispensaries can accept bank-issued debit cards at the point-of-sale depends on which of the four networks is used by the merchant services provider. 

How Point of Banking & ATM Network PIN Debit Works

Do not confuse private bank owned ATM networks (e.g. the only 100% legal card acceptance solution for dispensaries) with often illegal or deceptive workarounds such as “cashless ATMs.” They are not the same.

Reference Sources:

  1. Current Benefits of Banking Legal Cannabis Businesses. Bank Director Magazine: June 6, 2023. https://www.bankdirector.com/article/current-benefits-of-banking-legal-cannabis-businesses/
  2. Financial Support Services Tailored For Cannabis Enterprises. Herring Bank: https://www.herringbank.com/business-banking/cannabis-banking/los-angeles/
  3. The Importance Of Compliant Cannabis Banking. (Forbes Magazine: Aug 2020) – https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesfinancecouncil/2020/08/06/the-importance-of-compliant-cannabis-banking/?sh=58dfec986a40