At PufCreativ, we’re always looking for partners who solve real problems for cannabis operators. Payments are one of the biggest headaches in this industry. Finding a processor that actually understands cannabis is harder than it should be.
For this reason, we’re excited to announce our partnership with FLEX Payment Solutions.
FLEX is a family-owned payment processing company built specifically for “hard-to-bank” businesses like cannabis, CBD, tribal and native-owned operators, consumer lenders, and B2B merchants.
Key Takeaways:
- PufCreativ is partnering with FLEX Payment Solutions to give cannabis operators access to compliant, reliable payment processing.
- FLEX has processed over $2.6 billion in transactions in 2025 and is a six-time Inc. 5000 honoree.
- Their full fintech suite includes card, ACH, RCC, InstaPay, IRTP, and Pay By Bank.
- FLEX partners directly with banks and adapts as cannabis regulations shift.
- Cannabis dispensaries, cultivators, MSOs, and ancillary brands will benefit from a payments partner who understands their specific needs.
Why Cannabis Payments Are Still So Difficult
Despite advances over the last decade and a half, cannabis remains federally illegal in the U.S. As a result, most traditional banks and processors won’t touch cannabis-related businesses. Furthermore, even businesses operating fully within state law can still get their bank accounts shut down without notice.
Meanwhile, cultivators struggle to find a processor who comprehends the difference between a plant-touching business and an ancillary one. And multi-state operators are often left juggling a patchwork of banking relationships to keep the lights on.
FLEX Payment Solutions was founded in 2015 to solve these problems when a “high-risk” label under new regulations jeopardized their business. Existing payment processors offered no meaningful solutions tailored to their needs. They took matters into their own hands. Unable to find a suitable option, they built one themselves.
That experience shaped how FLEX builds relationships today. FLEX is a partner who works directly with banks on behalf of merchants and adjusts as regulations evolve.
What FLEX Brings to the Table
FLEX isn’t just a card processor; instead, it’s a full payment stack built to keep operators moving through regulatory shifts.
- A Full Fintech Suite with Cannabis Solutions
For cannabis merchants, FLEX offers Merchant Processing, ACH and Pay By Bank, backed by a broader fintech suite to support additional business needs and opportunities. - Pay By Bank
The latest edition to the FLEX suite, Pay By Bank moves money directly from a customer’s bank account to the merchant’s, cutting out card networks and ATM fees entirely. It reflects FLEX’s commitment to advancing cannabis payments. - Built for Regulated Industries
FLEX understands the complexities of cannabis payments and works with banking and technology partners to provide solutions designed for regulated and specialized businesses. - Real Relationships with Real People
As a family-owned business, FLEX makes itself easy to reach. Merchants receive a dedicated point of contact to someone that knows the industry—not a toll free number, ticket queue or AI chatbox. - Proven Longevity
FLEX entered this space in 2015 and has earned Inc. 5000 recognition for six consecutive years. The company processed $2.6 billion in 2025 alone.
FLEX Serves Both the Business and the Customer
Importantly, FLEX builds every solution to work for two audiences at once: the cannabis business processing the payment and the consumer making it.
On the business side, FLEX issues reliable cannabis merchant accounts that meet compliance requirements and scale as operators grow. Since 2019, the company has processed ACH transactions and now handles over $200 million in monthly ACH volume. This brings proven infrastructure to every account it opens. The team continually tracks cannabis-specific regulations and directly applies that knowledge to how it structures each merchant’s account. This approach helps businesses avoid sudden compliance changes.
On the customer side, FLEX replaces clunky, cash-only checkout experiences with secure digital payment options. Shoppers can pay for products via multi solutions. Customers spend more when they have FLEXible payment choices. FLEX gives dispensaries the tools to offer that FLEXibility without sacrificing compliance or security.
FLEX pairs consumer-facing convenience with strong fraud prevention and direct banking partnerships behind the scenes. Consequently, faster funding and cashless checkout come without added risk.
That combination lets cannabis businesses run smoothly while giving customers the seamless experience they expect from other retail businesses.
Who This Partnership Is For
This partnership is especially relevant for dispensaries and retailers, cultivators and growers, multi-state operators, and ancillary brands in packaging, tech, and other supporting industries. Whether you’re processing thousands of retail transactions a month or building out a B2B payment flow between suppliers and dispensaries, FLEX has a payment structure built for how your business operates.
Why This Partnership Works
PufCreativ helps cannabis brands build the marketing, branding, and digital presence that gets customers in the door. FLEX Payment Solutions makes sure the transaction at checkout goes through and keeps going, month after month. Marketing that drives customers to a dispensary or online store only pays off if the payment experience is compliant and dependable.
In summary, together we help operators build a foundation that supports growth from the storefront through the back office.
FAQs About FLEX Payment Solutions
- What is FLEX Payment Solutions?
FLEX is a family-owned payment processing company founded in 2015 that specializes in serving hard-to-bank industries, including cannabis, CBD, tribal-owned businesses, consumer lending, and B2B merchants. - What payment methods does FLEX support?
FLEX offers a full suite including credit/debit card processing, ACH, remotely created checks, InstaPay, instant real-time payments, and Pay By Bank. - Does FLEX work with dispensaries and MSOs?
Yes. FLEX works with dispensaries, retailers, cultivators, growers, multi-state operators, and ancillary cannabis brands. - How is FLEX different from a typical payment processor?
FLEX builds compliance directly into its cannabis payment options, works hands-on with bank partners, and provides merchants with a direct point of contact.
Ready to Fix Your Payment Processing?
If your cannabis business has struggled to find a payment partner who actually understands the industry, this partnership is worth a conversation.
Reach out to learn more about how FLEX Payment Solutions could fit into your cannabis business.
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your specific payment processing, compliance, or business needs.
