Why Dutchie Payments Fall Short for Cannabis Dispensaries

October 30, 2024

Insights from the CEO of Cannabis Business Solutions on Why Dutchie Is Just a Workaround, Not a Reliable Choice for Cannabis Payment Processing.

Cannabis dispensaries face unique challenges in payment processing, and while Dutchie’s Plaid-based system has gained some traction, it’s not designed specifically for the cannabis industry. This often results in frustration for both customers and staff, as the system lacks the reliability, compliance, and specialized support that cannabis businesses require.


At Cannabis Business Solutions (CBS), we offer a purpose-built payment processor that’s designed to handle the demands of cannabis businesses seamlessly.


  • “Cannabis merchants need a reliable system that keeps their business moving smoothly and customers satisfied,” says Catherine Zito, CEO of Cannabis Business Solutions, Inc. “We provide just that—reliable, compliant processing without any hassle.”


1. Purpose-Built Reliability

Dutchie relies on Plaid, which can lead to delays and failed transactions, risking revenue and customer satisfaction. Our processor is specifically engineered for the cannabis industry, ensuring smoother, more dependable transactions every time. 


  • “Our industry requires systems built with cannabis in mind, not generic payment solutions,” explains Zito.


2. Cannabis-Specific Compliance 

Plaid isn’t designed to meet the complex compliance needs of cannabis, often requiring extra verification steps that slow down transactions. CBS offers proactive, up-to-date compliance support tailored to dispensaries.


  • “Cannabis compliance is crucial—one misstep can lead to serious setbacks,” Zito emphasizes. “We make sure our clients stay compliant and secure.”


3. Convenience that Customers Prefer

Dutchie’s ACH process requires customers to link bank accounts, which many find inconvenient. With CBS, customers can pay directly with debit cards, skipping the account-linking step. 


  • “Our research shows that 70-75% of cannabis consumers prefer debit cards over ACH for speed and simplicity,” says Zito.


4. Fewer Transaction Failures and Faster Checkouts

ACH transactions with Dutchie’s Plaid system often face account-linking issues, leading to a failure rate up to 15% higher than that of debit transactions. In contrast, our debit option significantly reduces transaction failures, enabling staff to assist customers more effectively. This streamlined process ensures a smooth checkout experience, encouraging customer loyalty. Moreover, debit transactions are 30-40% faster than ACH payments, resulting in shorter wait times and a more efficient checkout process overall.


6. Higher Conversion Rates and Increased Sales

Debit cards deliver a 10-20% boost in completed transactions and a 5-15% higher average order value in some dispensaries. 


  • “When customers can pay easily, it shows in the sales numbers,” Zito notes.


7. Transparent, Industry-Specific Fees

Unlike Dutchie’s workaround model, CBS offers transparent fees that cover specialized compliance and dedicated support, giving dispensaries straightforward, cannabis-specific processing without hidden costs.


Try CBS Risk-Free for 60 Days

At CBS, we offer cannabis-specific payment processing with no application fees or long-term contracts. Give CBS a try for 60 days to see the difference—and which checkout experience your customers prefer. You can cancel anytime with just 30 days' notice.


  • “We believe in earning your business by showing you the difference a truly reliable and compliant solution can make,” says Zito. “Our goal is to deliver solutions that drive dispensary growth and customer satisfaction. We look forward to being your trusted partner.”


For more info or a complimentary consultation, visit CBScannabis.com


Cannabis Business Solutions provides Illinois dispensaries with a Cashless ATM debit card solution.
September 1, 2025
Accept debit cards at your Illinois dispensary. Boost sales, speed up checkout, and reduce cash handling with CBS Cashless ATM Debit Card Solution.
June 30, 2025
Currently 24 states have legalized adult-use cannabis and 39 have approved it for medical use, with more expected to follow. As the industry grows, dispensaries are seeing more transactions, and a rising need for faster, more cannabis compliant checkout options that also help boost revenue . If you're still relying on cash-only setups or slow ACH apps, it's time to upgrade. Dispensaries today need payment systems that are scalable, compliant, and built to meet the expectations of both customers and regulators. Catherine Zito, CEO of Cannabis Business Solutions, Inc. (CBS), breaks down what’s working right now and how to prepare for what’s next.

 A Smarter Way to Get Paid Today’s cannabis shoppers are used to paying with a debit card and want the same convenience in your store. With a Cashless ATM and debit card solution , customers can pay using their card and PIN. Transactions are rounded to the nearest $5 or $10, and any change is handed back at the register. It’s easy to use, cannabis compliant, and secure. Unlike services such as AeroPay or CanPay, which require app downloads and bank account connections, the Cashless ATM solution provides a debit card experience . Forget the apps, the delays, and the typical 3-4% transaction fees, just simple, straightforward payments. “Our mission is to build compliant, high-performing financial ecosystems that actually help dispensaries scale ,” says Zito. “This isn’t just about replacing cash. It’s about improving operations and profitability .”

 Instead of paying a traditional processing fee on every transaction, dispensaries using this system buy a low-cost rate and set their own customer service fee, similar to how ATMs work, but without the maintenance issues, cash handling risks, or downtime that come with physical machines.

 Boost Your Bottom Line: How the Revenue Model Works 

Many dispensaries using a Cashless ATM system are earning over $10,000 a month in extra revenue, all without changing their menu or raising prices. To estimate your potential earnings, take your average number of daily transactions and multiply by the profit per transaction (usually between $0.75 and $1.00), then multiply by 30 days. For example, 200 transactions a day at $1.00 profit equals $6,000 in added monthly revenue straight to your bottom line. You can also accept tips through the terminal, either as a flat amount or a percentage, giving your staff more flexibility and boosting morale. All-in-One Terminals Built for Dispensaries The cashless ATM runs on a portable, all-in-one terminal designed for cannabis retail and delivery . It accepts chip, tap, swipe, and PIN payments, and includes built-in tools like a touchscreen, barcode scanner, and receipt printer. Staff can log in easily, and owners get access to the Terminal Access Portal to manage multiple locations from one place . It also integrates seamlessly with systems like Treez, FlowHub, and MyBudPOS (giving you one login for all your stores). Getting Started: Documents and Banking
 The application process is simple. Here’s what you’ll need: Free online application (approval in 1 to 4 weeks) Cannabis business license Driver’s license and W9 Voided check or bank letter with routing/account numbers 3 months of bank statements 3 months of processing statements (if available) A cannabis-friendly bank is required to submit a merchant application. CBS can provide a complimentary introduction to one of their national banking partners to help you get started. If you're ready to bring modern, compliant payments to your dispensary and boost your bottom line, visit CBScannabis.com for a free consultation.
Compare Square, CanPay, Dutchie, and Cannabis Business Solutions Payment Processing Services
January 9, 2025
Finding a reliable, cannabis compliant payment processor is crucial. While Square, CanPay, and Dutchie are an option, they fall short for cannabis businesses. Cannabis Business Solutions (CBS) offers compliant, profitable and seamless solutions. No application fee. Free consultation. and introductory equipment specials. CBScannabis.com
Cannabis and Hemp Payment Processing. CBScannabis.com
December 5, 2024
Explore a safer alternative for payment processing in the cannabis and hemp industry. Say goodbye to the risks and unreliability of non-compliant providers like Dutchie, Square, or PayPal, which can freeze your funds without notice. At Cannabis Business Solutions, we offer reliable, fully compliant payment solutions tailored for cannabis and hemp businesses, backed by live customer support—even on weekends. Plus, benefit from free referrals to trusted cannabis-friendly banks nationwide!
Show More
Cannabis Business Solutions provides Illinois dispensaries with a Cashless ATM debit card solution.
September 1, 2025
Accept debit cards at your Illinois dispensary. Boost sales, speed up checkout, and reduce cash handling with CBS Cashless ATM Debit Card Solution.
June 30, 2025
Currently 24 states have legalized adult-use cannabis and 39 have approved it for medical use, with more expected to follow. As the industry grows, dispensaries are seeing more transactions, and a rising need for faster, more cannabis compliant checkout options that also help boost revenue . If you're still relying on cash-only setups or slow ACH apps, it's time to upgrade. Dispensaries today need payment systems that are scalable, compliant, and built to meet the expectations of both customers and regulators. Catherine Zito, CEO of Cannabis Business Solutions, Inc. (CBS), breaks down what’s working right now and how to prepare for what’s next.

 A Smarter Way to Get Paid Today’s cannabis shoppers are used to paying with a debit card and want the same convenience in your store. With a Cashless ATM and debit card solution , customers can pay using their card and PIN. Transactions are rounded to the nearest $5 or $10, and any change is handed back at the register. It’s easy to use, cannabis compliant, and secure. Unlike services such as AeroPay or CanPay, which require app downloads and bank account connections, the Cashless ATM solution provides a debit card experience . Forget the apps, the delays, and the typical 3-4% transaction fees, just simple, straightforward payments. “Our mission is to build compliant, high-performing financial ecosystems that actually help dispensaries scale ,” says Zito. “This isn’t just about replacing cash. It’s about improving operations and profitability .”

 Instead of paying a traditional processing fee on every transaction, dispensaries using this system buy a low-cost rate and set their own customer service fee, similar to how ATMs work, but without the maintenance issues, cash handling risks, or downtime that come with physical machines.

 Boost Your Bottom Line: How the Revenue Model Works 

Many dispensaries using a Cashless ATM system are earning over $10,000 a month in extra revenue, all without changing their menu or raising prices. To estimate your potential earnings, take your average number of daily transactions and multiply by the profit per transaction (usually between $0.75 and $1.00), then multiply by 30 days. For example, 200 transactions a day at $1.00 profit equals $6,000 in added monthly revenue straight to your bottom line. You can also accept tips through the terminal, either as a flat amount or a percentage, giving your staff more flexibility and boosting morale. All-in-One Terminals Built for Dispensaries The cashless ATM runs on a portable, all-in-one terminal designed for cannabis retail and delivery . It accepts chip, tap, swipe, and PIN payments, and includes built-in tools like a touchscreen, barcode scanner, and receipt printer. Staff can log in easily, and owners get access to the Terminal Access Portal to manage multiple locations from one place . It also integrates seamlessly with systems like Treez, FlowHub, and MyBudPOS (giving you one login for all your stores). Getting Started: Documents and Banking
 The application process is simple. Here’s what you’ll need: Free online application (approval in 1 to 4 weeks) Cannabis business license Driver’s license and W9 Voided check or bank letter with routing/account numbers 3 months of bank statements 3 months of processing statements (if available) A cannabis-friendly bank is required to submit a merchant application. CBS can provide a complimentary introduction to one of their national banking partners to help you get started. If you're ready to bring modern, compliant payments to your dispensary and boost your bottom line, visit CBScannabis.com for a free consultation.
Compare Square, CanPay, Dutchie, and Cannabis Business Solutions Payment Processing Services
January 9, 2025
Finding a reliable, cannabis compliant payment processor is crucial. While Square, CanPay, and Dutchie are an option, they fall short for cannabis businesses. Cannabis Business Solutions (CBS) offers compliant, profitable and seamless solutions. No application fee. Free consultation. and introductory equipment specials. CBScannabis.com
Cannabis and Hemp Payment Processing. CBScannabis.com
December 5, 2024
Explore a safer alternative for payment processing in the cannabis and hemp industry. Say goodbye to the risks and unreliability of non-compliant providers like Dutchie, Square, or PayPal, which can freeze your funds without notice. At Cannabis Business Solutions, we offer reliable, fully compliant payment solutions tailored for cannabis and hemp businesses, backed by live customer support—even on weekends. Plus, benefit from free referrals to trusted cannabis-friendly banks nationwide!
cannabis friendly banking
By Catherine Zito October 23, 2024
Looking for safe, compliant banking for your cannabis business? At Cannabis Business Solutions, Inc., we offer free introductions to over 60 privately held cannabis-friendly banks. Whether you're running a medical dispensary or adult-use cannabis retail business, we can connect you with secure financial services to ensure long-term success. Learn more at cbscannabis.com.
Cannabis Business Solutions, Inc. CBScannabis.com. CBD-Infused Beverages
June 28, 2024
CBD-Infused Beverages for in-store retailers and ecommerce businesses. Catherine Zito, CEO of Cannabis Business Solutions shares about the trends, consumers, payment processing and sales projections.
By Catherine Zito January 29, 2024
The growing hemp and cannabis business faces some tricky issues when it comes to getting paid. But don't worry! Cannabis Business Solutions offers a straight forward approach to make the application process simple and smooth. CBS helps hemp, Delta, medical and recreational cannabis and related businesses with easy and efficient payment processing, whether you're selling in stores, online or mobile. Nobody likes the stress of their credit card account or bank suddenly closing for no reason. Catherine Zito, CEO of Cannabis Business Solutions, Inc. and the organizer of the three largest U.S. hemp and cannabis networking groups with over 6,000 members says this issue happens too often. Starting a business can be overwhelming, especially with payments. But a good payment processor should handle all the complicated items, like compliancy, keeping customers data safe, and offering an alternative to cash transactions. This is crucial, as relying solely on cash can expose staff and the business to the risk of theft. A hemp or cannabis friendly bank is required before making an application for merchant credit card processing. CBS works with over 60 banks and credit unions across the country. “Our job is to find the perfect fit for each merchant and give competitive rates to make sure they make the most money,” says Catherine Zito. Banks aren't all the same, so our good relationships make it easy for businesses to find a bank and apply for merchant processing without any fees or long contracts. We're here to give special help that fits each business's needs. We strongly advise seeking out a reliable individual or company to assist you with payment processing in the ever-evolving cannabis and hemp industry. For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation, visit CBScannabis.com .
Medical Cannabis Payment Processing
By websitebuilder March 31, 2020
Touchless cashless payment processing for medical cannabis dispensaries and ancillary companies. Safe, easy, fast checkout!