How KCCU’s “Thrive” Cannabis Banking Program Scaled Statewide With Compliance Confidence

The Challenge

Michigan’s cannabis market has grown rapidly and is entering a more mature, margin-pressured phase marked by record sales volumes, falling prices, and intensifying competition—conditions that make reliable, cost-transparent banking and strong compliance infrastructure critical for CRBs and the financial institutions that serve them. 

At the local level, cannabis operators in Southwest Michigan faced practical hurdles: time lost traveling to distant banking locations, inconsistent access to services, and limited options from institutions willing to engage the industry. KCCU saw an opportunity to improve community safety, reduce friction for business owners, and bring inclusive financial services to an under-serviced segment. 

The Green Check Solution

KCCU built its Thrive program on the Green Check platform to streamline onboarding, monitoring, and day‑to‑day communication with cannabis members. 

• Streamlined CRB application & onboarding: KCCU’s Compliance team uses the Green Check platform to intake and evaluate documentation, speeding reviews while focusing on member experience. 
• Integrated compliance monitoring & document collection: Centralized data access lets KCCU monitor for ongoing compliance and maintain transparent information exchange with members. 
• In-platform communication & support: Green Check’s team provides training, troubleshooting, and best‑practices guidance that KCCU can extend to its cannabis members. 
• Program differentiation backed by pricing clarity: KCCU combines a competitive flat‑fee structure (no hidden costs) and dividend eligibility with Green Check’s monitoring tools—helping CRBs bank confidently despite market price compression. 
• Statewide reach through a community footprint: With 12 conveniently located branches across Southwest Michigan and membership available statewide, KCCU can support operators across the state from a single, tech‑enabled compliance foundation. 

Client Voice: “Green Check Verified has been an excellent partner to KCCU… our Green Check team is always there to support us and our members.” — Andrea Goodin, Compliance Officer, KCCU. 

The Results

More accessible cannabis banking across Michigan. KCCU now provides business checking, savings, money market accounts, debit cards, domestic wires, and online banking to a broad range of cannabis-related businesses—including growers, cultivators, labs, consultants, and provisioning centers. 

Operational efficiency + member transparency. By managing cannabis accounts in‑house and leveraging Green Check for document intake, monitoring, and communication, KCCU reduces friction for members and improves internal visibility. 

Positive market reception. Cannabis members report appreciation for KCCU’s flat fee structure, ease of access to internal banking partners, and dedicated community presence at local industry events.

Positioned for growth. With its foundational program in place, KCCU is exploring opportunities to expand membership reach and pursue future lending to cannabis operators—timely as Michigan’s maturing market puts a premium on efficient capital access.

What’s Next?

Expand membership & geographic reach across Michigan. KCCU intends to grow beyond its current base and serve additional operators statewide.

Evaluate lending opportunities for cannabis businesses. With compliance processes established, KCCU has an eye toward future lending as the program scales. 

Deepen community engagement & industry presence. Business development teams continue to attend and organize regional events to support cannabis entrepreneurs. 

Sustain compliance excellence in a changing market. As pricing pressure and regulatory complexity grow in Michigan’s maturing cannabis industry, KCCU will continue to rely on Green Check’s monitoring, training, and best‑practice support.

Call to Action

Ready to bank confidently in Michigan’s cannabis market? Connect with KCCU’s Thrive program through the Green Check Marketplace or reach the team at thrive@kccu4u.org.

Kellogg Community Credit Union