How Coast Central Credit Union Brought Compliant Cannabis Banking to the Emerald Triangle

The Challenge

• Lack of banking options for licensed cannabis businesses in Humboldt, Trinity, and Del Norte counties—a region historically central to cannabis.
• High public safety concerns due to unbanked, cash-heavy operations.
• Operational burden from manual background checks, transaction vetting, and documentation.

The Green Check Solution

• CCCU launched a pilot program in 2019 to provide banking services to CRBs, using Green Check to manage compliance and scale operations.
• CCCU now serves licensed retailers, cultivators, processors, distributors, microbusinesses, and indirect service providers.
• Green Check enables transaction monitoring, due diligence, and automated compliance workflows.
• A flat monthly service fee with up-to‑50% reimbursement based on volume helps make banking more affordable.

“We appreciate Coast Central Credit Union and Green Check for all the hard work! Always great customer service and support navigating this complex industry.”

The Results

• Businesses received essential banking products: deposit accounts, savings certificates, ACH, debit cards.
• The program allowed CCCU to treat CRBs like conventional businesses with structured fees and compliance oversight.
• Member feedback is positive—especially around service quality, accessibility, and fairness of fees.

What’s Next?

• CCCU plans to continue deepening support for cannabis businesses in its service area.
• The organization emphasizes board engagement, community education, and ongoing regulatory readiness.