When most people think about the cannabis industry, dispensaries and growers come to mind first. But there’s a critical part of the cannabis supply chain that often gets overlooked—and underserved—when it comes to financial services: ancillary cannabis businesses. From banking to payment processing for ancillary cannabis businesses can be tough and unreliable.
Whether you’re providing packaging solutions, grow lighting, point-of-sale (POS) software, seeds, security systems, legal services, or compliance tools, your business plays a vital role in supporting the cannabis ecosystem. But if you’ve tried applying for a merchant account or getting access to traditional payment processing, you’ve likely run into some serious roadblocks.
At Bankcard International Group (BIG), we’re here to change that.
What Is an Ancillary Cannabis Business?
Ancillary cannabis businesses are companies that don’t touch the plant directly but still serve the cannabis industry in meaningful ways. These businesses provide critical infrastructure, technology, and services that help dispensaries, cultivators, and manufacturers operate effectively, safely, and in compliance with state regulations.
Examples of ancillary cannabis businesses include:
- Packaging manufacturers
- Grow light and hydroponic equipment suppliers
- Cannabis-focused software providers (POS, ERP, compliance)
- Security and surveillance companies
- Marketing and branding agencies for cannabis clients
- Legal, accounting, or insurance firms specializing in cannabis
- Labeling, testing, and logistics providers
Despite not handling cannabis directly, these companies are often lumped into prohibited merchant categories by traditional banks and processors—just because of who they serve.
Why is Payment Processing for Ancillary Cannabis Businesses Treated as High-Risk?
It comes down to perception, compliance risk, and outdated policies.
Most payment processors and financial institutions still view any association with the cannabis industry as a compliance risk. Even though your business doesn’t deal with THC or CBD directly, the fact that you serve and receive funds from cannabis-related clients can raise red flags with underwriters and compliance officers.
Many banks and processors operate with outdated rules or blanket policies that treat any cannabis connection—even indirect—as too risky. As a result, many ancillary cannabis businesses:
- Get denied for merchant accounts
- Are suddenly dropped by their current payment processors
- Experience frozen funds or disrupted cash flow
- Are forced to operate in a cash-only or check-based environment
- Struggle to scale or expand due to lack of reliable payment solutions
This isn’t just frustrating—it’s bad for business.
The BIG Difference: We Understand the Cannabis Ecosystem and Payment Processing for Ancillary Cannabis Businesses
At Bankcard International Group (BIG), we believe ancillary cannabis businesses deserve access to reliable, secure, and transparent payment processing, just like any other business.
We’ve spent years building relationships with banks, underwriting teams, and payment networks who are not only comfortable working with cannabis-adjacent businesses—but who specialize in it.
Here’s how we do it:
✅ Industry-Specific Underwriting
We don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Our team takes the time to understand what your business actually does, who your clients are, and how you operate. Then, we match you with banking partners who won’t penalize you for supporting a legal, regulated industry.
✅ Compliance-Backed Solutions
We help ensure your business is transparent and compliant from the start. From properly coded MCCs to due diligence documentation, our team works with you to present a strong application and mitigate perceived risk for underwriters.
✅ Flexible Payment Options
Whether you’re selling equipment B2B, offering subscription software, or need an online checkout for supplies, we offer:
- Merchant accounts for credit/debit card acceptance
- ACH and eCheck processing
- Online, mobile, and virtual terminal solutions
- Recurring billing for SaaS providers
- Fraud protection and chargeback mitigation tools
✅ Fast Approvals, Transparent Pricing
We know time is money. That’s why we streamline the approval process, deliver upfront pricing (no hidden fees), and keep your account running smoothly so you can focus on growing your business.
Who We Help: Real Examples
We’ve worked with all types of ancillary cannabis businesses, including:
- A packaging supplier in California who was shut down by their previous processor for “cannabis involvement” despite never touching the plant.
- A security tech company offering camera and sensor systems for dispensaries who couldn’t find a merchant account that understood the industry.
- A cannabis POS software provider looking to monetize their platform through integrated payments.
In each case, BIG provided customized, stable merchant account solutions that helped them get back to business—without fear of being shut down.
Why Payment Processing for Ancilllary Cannabis Merchants Matters Now More Than Ever
The cannabis industry is maturing—and fast. As legalization continues to spread across states and new markets emerge, ancillary businesses are scaling with it.
But payment processing for ancillary cannabis business limitations can cripple growth, slow down expansion plans, and damage your reputation with customers who expect modern payment options.
If you’re still waiting on banks to “catch up,” you’re leaving money—and opportunity—on the table. By working with a processor who understands your business now, you can future-proof your operations and take full advantage of the industry’s growth.
FAQs About Payment Processing for Ancillary Cannabis Services
❓ Do I need to be licensed to get approved?
No. Since you’re not directly handling cannabis products, you don’t typically need a cannabis license. However, your clients may be licensed dispensaries, growers, etc.—and we take that into account when selecting the right banking partner.
❓ Can I process payments online?
Yes. BIG offers eCommerce and virtual terminal solutions so you can take payments from your cannabis clients online, over the phone, or via invoicing.
❓ What if I’ve already been shut down?
We specialize in helping businesses that have been denied or terminated by other providers. We’ll help you recover and get approved—without jumping through endless hoops.
Ready to Get Paid Like a Pro?
You shouldn’t have to worry about being dropped or denied just because of who you serve.
At BIG, we believe in empowering cannabis-supporting businesses with the same reliable, transparent, and secure payment processing options available to any other industry.
If your business provides services to cannabis operators—whether it’s packaging, lighting, tech, security, or compliance—you deserve better than being lumped into a high-risk bucket and forgotten.
Let us help you access the financial tools you need to grow confidently.
Let’s Talk
Ready to learn how BIG can support your ancillary cannabis business with the right payment processing solution?
