Can you use a credit card at an Illinois dispensary?
Short version: bring cash or a debit card. Here's what each Central Illinois chain says it takes, in its own words.
Checked on each store's own site · No store pays to rank · How we rank
Quick answer
Generally, no. Illinois dispensaries don't take credit cards, because the card networks don't allow cannabis purchases while marijuana is still illegal under federal law. Bring cash or a debit card; the big chains in Central Illinois (nuEra, Beyond Hello, Ascend) say on their own sites that they take debit and have an ATM on site, and some charge a small debit fee.
Updated Sep 25, 2026What each chain says it takes
Checked on each chain's site Sep 25, 2026. We don't have a payment policy in writing yet for: Cookies Dispensary Bloomington (Bloomington), Sunnyside (Champaign), The Dispensary Champaign (Champaign), Cloud 9 East Peoria (East Peoria), NOXX East Peoria (East Peoria), Bloom Wellness Normal (Bradford Ln) (Normal), Bloom Wellness Normal (Northbrook Dr) (Normal), High Haven Normal (The Puff Palace) (Normal), Aroma Hill Peoria (Peoria), Ivy Hall Dispensary (Peoria), Trinity on Glen (Peoria), Trinity on University (Peoria), Cookies Peoria Heights (Peoria Heights), High Profile Cannabis Springfield (Springfield), Maribis Springfield (Springfield), Shangri-La Springfield (Springfield), SHARE (Springfield). Expect cash and debit, and call ahead if it matters.
Stores our listings show with an ATM
From our store listings. Not every store has been checked, so a store missing here may still have one.
Why it works this way
Illinois law lets adults 21 and over buy cannabis, but federal law still treats adult-use marijuana as a Schedule I drug. In April 2026 the DEA moved FDA-approved marijuana products and state-licensed medical marijuana to Schedule III; adult-use marijuana stays in Schedule I while a broader hearing plays out. Card networks follow federal law, which is why Mastercard told banks in July 2023 to stop cannabis purchases on its debit cards, and why stores lean on cash, debit and their own bank-transfer apps.
Plan the total before you go
Taxes add a lot at the register, so bring enough. Our tax calculator gives the total for your city, and today's out-the-door prices have it worked out already.
Common questions
Can I use a credit card at a dispensary in Illinois?
Generally, no. Illinois dispensaries don't take credit cards, because the card networks don't allow cannabis purchases while marijuana is still illegal under federal law. Bring cash or a debit card; the big chains in Central Illinois (nuEra, Beyond Hello, Ascend) say on their own sites that they take debit and have an ATM on site, and some charge a small debit fee.
Do Illinois dispensaries take debit cards?
Most do. nuEra, Beyond Hello and Ascend all say they take debit cards. nuEra charges a $3.50 debit fee. Some dispensaries have run debit as a 'cashless ATM' withdrawal rounded up to an even amount, with the change back in cash, so check your receipt.
Why can't you use a credit card to buy weed?
Marijuana sold for adult use is still a Schedule I drug under federal law, and card networks follow federal law. In July 2023 Mastercard told banks to stop processing cannabis purchases on its debit cards; Visa moved against cashless ATM setups in 2021. That's why cash, debit and bank-transfer apps are the norm.
Do dispensaries have ATMs?
Usually. nuEra, Beyond Hello and Ascend say their stores have ATMs on site. ATM fees are set by the machine, so taking cash out at your own bank first is usually cheaper.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay at a dispensary?
Generally no. Beyond Hello says plainly that it does not accept Apple Pay or Google Pay. Some chains offer their own bank-transfer app instead (Ascend Pay, CanPay).
Sources
Checked Sep 25, 2026. Laws and store policies change; if something here looks out of date, tell us at hi@puffprice.com.
- nuEra — FAQ (payment, ATMs)
- Beyond Hello — What payment types are accepted? (updated May 15, 2026)
- Ascend — What payment methods are accepted?
- DEA — Marijuana rescheduling regulatory actions (April 2026)
- The Marijuana Herald — Where the federal rescheduling process stands (Sept 21, 2026)
- Cannabis Business Times — Mastercard no longer allowing cannabis purchases on debit cards (July 2023)