Cannabis Business Banking in Washington

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Key Points

  • Oversight and Regulation: Provides guidance to financial institutions through the publication "Providing Banking Services to Cannabis Related Businesses."
  • Importance of Cannabis Banking: Enhancing public safety, ensuring compliance, driving economic growth, supporting Washington policies.

Cannabis Banking Oversight and Regulation in Washington

In Washington State, the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) oversees cannabis banking, providing guidance to help financial institutions navigate this federally challenging industry. Collaborating with the Attorney General, the DFI ensures compliance with state and federal laws despite cannabis’s Schedule I classification. To address banking hurdles, the DFI issued the "Providing Banking Services to Cannabis Related Businesses", outlining expectations for banks.

  • Washington State has granted licenses to over 1,000 producers and processors, as well as more than 500 retailers, highlighting the extensive scope of its regulated cannabis market.
Banks, Credit Unions, and Fintechs that offer banking services to Cannabis, CBD, and Hemp Businesses in WA Type of Financial Institution
Amalgamated Bank Bank
Chase (CBD Only) Bank
First Citizens Bank Bank
First Fidelity Bank Bank
Green Check FINTECH
Herring Bank Bank
Native American Bank Bank
Numerica Credit Union Credit Union
O Bee Credit Union Credit Union
Safe Harbor Financial FINTECH
Salal Credit Union Credit Union
Sound Credit Union Credit Union
Timberland Bank Bank
Twin City Bank Bank
  • Are you a Washington-licensed financial institution providing banking services to cannabis-related businesses? Request to be listed .

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Cannabis dispensaries and hemp/CBD shops in Washington face payment challenges due to federal restrictions.

Cannabis Dispensaries

  • Cash Transactions: Widely used due to credit card limitations.
  • Debit Card Payments: Some systems enable PIN-based debit transactions.
  • Digital Payments: Platforms linking bank accounts allow for cashless options.

CBD/Hemp Shops

  • Specialized Merchant Accounts: Programs designed for compliant CBD transactions.
  • High-Risk Processors: Tailored solutions address regulatory needs and security.

The Importance of Cannabis Banking in Washington

Cannabis banking is vital in Washington, addressing key challenges in public safety, compliance, economic growth, and policy alignment.

Enhancing Public Safety: Reliance on cash transactions makes cannabis businesses vulnerable to theft and crime. Banking access reduces these risks, creating safer operations and communities.

Ensuring Compliance: Banking enables accurate financial records, crucial for meeting state regulations and simplifying tax reporting. It strengthens industry transparency and accountability.

Driving Economic Growth: Banking services provide cannabis businesses with access to loans and financial tools, promoting expansion, innovation, and job creation.

Supporting State Policies: Addressing federal banking restrictions aligns with Washington's cannabis legalization efforts, ensuring a regulated and sustainable market.

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