Compare Square, CanPay, Dutchie, and Cannabis Business Solutions: The Best Cannabis Payment Processor

January 9, 2025

Payment options for medical and recreational cannabis dispensaries, retailers and mobile trucks.

In the evolving cannabis industry, finding a reliable, compliant payment processor is crucial. While Square, CanPay, and Dutchie have gained attention, they often fall short for cannabis businesses. Cannabis Business Solutions (CBS) offers seamless, cost-effective solutions tailored to the industry's needs.

Let’s take a closer look at how different cannabis payment processors measure up.

SQUARE: Limited and Risky

Non-Cannabis Compliant: Square’s offerings are not tailored nor compliant for the cannabis market. Businesses often face daily disruptions in customer or patient service.  
High Transaction Fees: Cannabis-related businesses using Square often report higher-than-average transaction fees, cutting into already slim profit margins.  
Uncertain Reliability: Square’s policies on cannabis are inconsistent, leaving dispensaries vulnerable to sudden account freezes or service terminations without notice or a reason.

CANPAY: Inconvenient for Customers

Slow Customer Opt-In: Requires a separate app, leading to lower customer opt-in compared to debit cards.
High Fees: While lower than Square, CanPay’s fees are still higher than other processors.
Limited Reach: Available in only a few states, restricting its use for many dispensaries and retail stores.

Dutchie Payments: Limited Flexibility and Higher Costs 

Zero Flexibility: The problem with Dutchie is they have their own platform so you can't use other systems.   
Higher Costs: Fees for Dutchie Payments are often higher compared to industry standards.  
Lack of Transparency: Businesses frequently complain about lack of clear communication regarding fees and compliance.

Cannabis Business Solutions: The Gold Standard  
Cannabis Business Solutions goes above and beyond for their cannabis clients. CBS offers retail, ecommerce and mobile merchant accounts for medical and recreational cannabis, CBD, hemp, Delta and ancillary products and services.

Here’s why CBS is the superior choice:  

Save Money - Best Rates: CBS offers the lowest and competitive cannabis transaction rates to maximize profit margins! No application fee or hidden costs.
Fast Approvals: A dedicated team member will walk you through the steps. Many clients have been approved in 3 business days. CBS also offers equipment specials too.
Compliance Expertise: CBS services are custom made for cannabis and keep up on the complex regulatory landscape.
No Down-Time: Their solutions are fully compliant with national state and federal laws, ensuring uninterrupted service.  
Tailored Services: CBS offers customizable solutions, from retail point-of-sale systems to payment gateways and mobile trucks.
POS Systems: CBS can integrate with most POS systems. 
Best Support: The CBS team provides 24/7 customer support including weekends.
Great Communication: Unlike other processors, CBS answers the phone! They are committed to transparency, offering detailed breakdowns of fees and services upfront.  
5-Star Reviews: Almost 10 years in business, dispensaries and retailers working with CBS report significant improvements in payment processing efficiency, cost savings, and customer satisfaction. For example, businesses that switched from Dutchie Payments to CBS experienced a 20% reduction in transaction fees, translating into thousands of dollars in annual savings.  

While Square, CanPay, and Dutchie Payments may offer solutions for some cannabis businesses, they fall short in addressing the unique challenges of the industry. Cannabis Business Solutions emerges as the clear winner, combining compliance, cost-effectiveness, and specialized services to empower cannabis businesses to thrive.

If you’re ready to upgrade your payment processing, contact CBS—the trusted partner for cannabis payment solutions.  For more info or a complimentary consultation, visit CBScannabis.com or Contact