Bank-to-Bank (ACH) Transfers Solve the Cannabis Payments Crisis

Cannabis retailers are always scrambling to find a way to satisfy rising consumer demand for cashless payments. 

Just about every traditional retailer, coffee shop, gas station, and online store accepts a wide variety of payment methods. Dispensaries want to do the same. 

But even credit and debit cards are losing relevance as payments go digital. Dispensaries don’t actually need to onboard a sketchy payments processor.
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There’s a better option…

Bank-to-bank (or ACH) transfers allow cannabis shoppers to send money directly from their bank account to a dispensary in one click from their phone. Think Apple Pay, but even better and actually cannabis-compliant. 

This post explains the steps involved in onboarding, utilizing, and incentivizing ACH payments at your dispensary. 

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Why ACH for cannabis? 

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The evolving payments landscape is moving away from clunky experiences with cards. 

We’ve already seen successful companies like Uber and Lyft onboard bank payment systems – and they’re seeing significant success. 

Closed-loop digital payments are the future for every industry, particularly cannabis.  

That’s because dispensaries are in desperate need of a compliant cashless payment option. The industry is clouded with plenty of solutions that claim to be compliant, but still end up being shut down. 

Retailers can adapt and thrive by simply using digital bank payments. They are 100% legal and compliant for cannabis. Plus, they’re easier to use than cards, meaning your customers will want to keep using them. 

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How to offer compliant digital dispensary payments

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Early adoption of any concept can feel overwhelming. While ACH payments aren’t widespread in cannabis (yet), they’re the inevitable solution every retailer is looking for. 

It’s actually very easy to introduce digital payments at your dispensary. And you’ll notice that driving customers to use your solution can be simple and rewarding for both parties!
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Here’s how to do ACH at your dispensary, the right way:

Step 1. Partner with a reliable cannabis ACH solution

Brand recognition is valuable for customer adoption of new payment methods. Partner with a trusted and well-known digital payment provider in the cannabis industry. They have the depth of compliance knowledge and consumer understanding that’s required for success with ACH. 
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Step 2. Set up in-store/online

Introducing customers to ACH payments online is the easiest way to build adoption. They’re already used to digital ecommerce payments, so they’ll be faster to adopt ACH for online cannabis orders. 

At the same time, impress your shoppers with an ACH payment option at checkout in your physical store. This is an effective alternative to restrictive cash or risky PIN debit/cashless ATMs. 
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Step 3. Spread the word

Now that you’re set up with digital cannabis payments, it’s time to shout it from the rooftops. People can’t enjoy a new payment concept if they haven’t heard about it! 
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Some of the most effective ways to encourage customer adoption of ACH payments include: 

• • Use QR codes. Allowing customers to scan and pay is a workflow they’re already used to. And it’s fast. 
• • Showcase ACH payments on your website. 
• • Display signage at your store. Aeropay provides an entire marketing kit to help you promote cashless payments online, in-store, and through all of your marketing channels.
• • Train your staff to advocate for ACH payments. 
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Step 4. Incentivize adoption

The best way to get your customers to start using ACH payments is to incentivize them. The Bond Loyalty Report found that 81 percent of consumers are more likely to engage with a brand if they’re offered an incentive. 

Dispensaries have a clear path to mass adoption of ACH payments by simply incentivizing the payment method. Here are some examples:

• • If you pay with ACH, get a joint for a dollar

• • If you pay with ACH, get 100 loyalty points

• • If you pay with ACH, get a free hat

You get the point. 

The result is more customers will pay for cannabis with ACH, meaning your dispensary business will reap the full benefits that digital payments offer. This includes higher customer spend, faster checkouts, and stronger customer loyalty. 

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Get the #1 cannabis ACH solution 

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Aeropay is the most trusted and largest ACH provider in the cannabis industry for a reason; we’re compliant, effective, and integrated with all your dispensary technology. 

Book a 15 minute demo to see our full payments solution and put bank-to-bank transfers to 

Or skip the demo: Get started with Aeropay right now