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Montana Cannabis Banking

Running a cannabis business in Montana is profitable, but stressful if you’re stuck operating only in cash. Traditional banks are rarely willing to provide services to cannabis-related businesses (CRBs), though, leaving you scrambling for workarounds.

That’s where the Solvent dispensary payment processing and compliance software comes in. 

We help you connect with cannabis-friendly providers like Bank of the Rockies, Blue Sky Bank, Farmers State Bank, Safe Harbor, and Herring Bank. You get the tools you need to keep your money safe and your books clean. Our solution streamlines the financial side of your business so you can focus more on growing and less on staying compliant/operational.

Ready to stop juggling cash and start banking like a real business? Partner with Solvent today.

The Current State of Cannabis and Banking in Montana

Montana legalized medical cannabis in 2004 and very recently expanded into adult-use sales in 2022. But despite the fast-growing market, the federal government’s stance on marijuana still keeps legal, licensed CRBs from getting vital financial services. 

From a banker’s perspective, serving CRBs means dealing with the hassle of Bank Secrecy Act filings, AML oversight, and constant FinCEN reporting. It’s expensive, high-risk, and most national institutions won’t touch it.

For operators, that means constantly searching for a better workaround - or, worse, becoming a “cash-only” business. That comes with its own list of problems: higher risk of theft, clunky payroll, difficulty paying vendors or taxes, and constant stress during audits.

The good news is there are a handful of viable options for Montana cannabis banking. Montana-chartered banks and credit unions have stepped up to provide cannabis banking, alongside national specialty providers. Solvent makes it easy to connect with these partners, because you will still have to jump through extra hoops.

Montana Cannabis Banking Providers You Can Explore

These are the top choices for cannabis banking Montana operators have access to right now:

Bank of the Rockies

This is one of the strongest options if you want a local, Montana-based relationship. You gain access to business checking, cash deposit services, and armored cash pickup for CRBs. Their compliance program is built specifically for cannabis, which translates to smoother onboarding compared to traditional banks. 

Blue Sky Bank

Blue Sky Bank provides cannabis banking with strong digital access features and treasury services. It’s a particularly good choice for operators managing multiple dispensary locations or cultivation facilities.

You get online banking, ACH, wire transfers, and tax payment portals. The model is designed for CRBs that want both flexibility and security, and their team understands the demands of high-volume operators.

Farmers State Bank

This Montana cannabis banking provider supports CRBs with comprehensive business checking, savings, and merchant services. They’ve built an infrastructure for cash-intensive businesses, including partnerships for cash pickup and secure transport. They also offer employee direct deposit, eliminating the need for cash payroll.

Safe Harbor Financial

Safe Harbor is a national cannabis banking leader that serves Montana CRBs with checking, savings, compliance monitoring, and electronic tax payment options. Their experience across multiple states gives them an edge for multi-state operators (MSOs) expanding in Montana.

Herring Bank

Herring Bank runs a specialized cannabis banking program with flat-rate fees, online banking, ACH/wire transfers, and FDIC-insured accounts. They also provide cash pickup/delivery services, a great partner for high-volume dispensaries that need predictable logistics.

What to Look For in Cannabis Banking in Montana

Don’t make the mistake of partnering with the first bank that accepts you as a client. Do your due diligence and ensure you’re getting a Montana cannabis banking partner that sets you up for success. These are the core banking services and features to double-check:

  • Business checking and savings built for high cash volume

  • Online and mobile banking with 24/7 account access

  • ACH payments and wire transfers for vendors and taxes

  • Armored cash pickup and secure delivery

  • Deposit monitoring and alerts for unusual activity

  • Vaulting and clear deposit schedules

  • Direct deposit for staff (no more cash payroll headaches!)

  • Employee account support for smoother operations

  • Transaction monitoring that matches your seed-to-sale reports

  • Audit-ready documentation and reporting exports

  • Support for BSA/AML and FinCEN filing needs

  • Flat-rate monthly compliance fees

  • Clear structure for deposit handling and cash pickup

Perhaps most importantly, make sure anyone you’re vetting for cannabis banking in Montana has experience in this industry and market, and can provide tailored support anytime you need it. Because trust us, you’re going to need it at some point or another - and you don’t want to be stuck waiting on the phone or working with an out-of-state (or out-of-country) account rep.

Make Montana Cannabis Banking and Compliance Easier With Solvent

Solvent bridges the gap between cannabis operators and the few viable cannabis banking partners willing to serve them. We don’t just connect you with a financial partner, you gain access to all the tools you need to stay compliant and efficient long after opening an account:

  • Custom Compliance Platform: Built for Montana’s rules with logging, issue tracking, seed-to-sale integration, and audit-ready documentation.

  • Payment Processing: Legal PIN-debit solutions that settle in 2 business days or less. Stop settling for shady “cashless ATM” workarounds.

  • Security: SOC 2 Type II-certified platform, role-based permissions, two-factor authentication, and document management.

  • Employee Oversight: Background checks (annual or monthly), tip reporting, and payroll monitoring.

  • Real-Time Reporting: Dashboards and downloadable Excel/PDF reports for fees, deposits, and transaction history.

  • Support You Can Count On: Live, US-based service, available 24/7. Expect a real human who understands your operation and has the solutions.

Montana cannabis operators can finally bank with confidence, process payments securely, and prove compliance without spending hours buried in paperwork. Start operating like the legitimate business you are by partnering with Solvent today!

Frequently asked questions

Is Montana a cannabis friendly state?

Yes. Both medical and recreational cannabis are legal, and the state has a growing retail market.

Why is Montana cannabis banking so important?

Because cash-only operations are risky, inefficient, and stressful. Reliable cannabis banking in Montana gives you security, payroll options, and real financial oversight.

Why can’t banks work with dispensaries in Montana?

Most national banks avoid cannabis due to federal law and compliance costs. Only a few state-chartered or cannabis-focused banks will take CRBs. 

How do cannabis dispensaries bank in Montana, then?

They partner with cannabis-friendly banks like Bank of the Rockies, Farmers State Bank, or national providers like Safe Harbor. See above for the full list of viable Montana cannabis banking providers.

Does Solvent offer loans to CRBs?

We don’t issue loans directly, but we may be able to connect you to banking partners that provide financing after you open your account here at Solvent. 

How do I get started right now?

Get in touch now and we’ll walk you through setup, connect you to a Montana cannabis bank, and activate your payment and compliance tools so you can stop stressing and start growing.

The same issues in Montana persist in terms of California cannabis banking, Oregon cannabis banking, Michigan cannabis banking, and cannabis banking Oklahoma, which is why we offer the Solvent solution nationwide.

So no matter where you do business, do it the right way. Connect with Solvent today!

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