Key Takeaways
- An inmate can maintain a bank account opened before incarceration, but the facility controls access to the funds through its own commissary or trust account system.
- Most prisons and jails require a family member or authorized person to manage the account from outside, since inmates cannot visit banks or access online banking.
- Money deposited into an inmate's account may be held in the facility's trust account rather than a traditional bank, depending on the institution's policy.
- Funds can be used for commissary purchases, legal representation, restitution payments, and release expenses, but the facility determines what is permitted.
- Each state prison system, county jail, and federal facility has different rules about account limits, deposit methods, and what inmates can purchase.
How Prison and Jail Trust Accounts Work
When an inmate receives money—whether from family, employment, or settlements—it typically goes into a trust account managed by the facility, not a traditional bank. This account is separate from the inmate's personal bank account on the outside. The facility holds the money and controls when and how it can be spent. The inmate receives a statement showing deposits, withdrawals, and the current balance, usually monthly or through a kiosk in the facility.
The trust account serves as the inmate's spending account for everything inside the facility. Money can be used to purchase items from the commissary—food, hygiene products, clothing, phone time, or electronics like tablets—depending on what the facility allows. Some facilities also permit inmates to send money out for legal fees, restitution payments, or family support, though this requires approval and documentation.
The facility does not charge interest on trust account balances, but some institutions do charge fees for deposits, withdrawals, or account maintenance. These fees vary widely. An inmate cannot withdraw cash or transfer money directly to a bank account while incarcerated; all transactions go through the facility's system.
Opening or Maintaining a Bank Account Before or After Incarceration
An inmate can keep a traditional bank account open if it was opened before incarceration. The account itself remains active, but the inmate cannot access it directly. A family member or authorized representative can manage the account from outside—making deposits, paying bills, or withdrawing money for the inmate's expenses after release.
If an inmate wants to open a new bank account while incarcerated, most banks will not allow it because the inmate cannot visit in person and cannot provide the required identification verification. Some banks may allow a family member to open a joint account or a power-of-attorney account on the inmate's behalf, but this depends on the bank's policy and the inmate's state.
When an inmate is released, any balance in the facility's trust account is typically returned as a check, a prepaid card, or a direct deposit to a bank account the inmate designates. Some facilities mail the funds; others require the inmate to collect them at release. The inmate can then deposit this money into a personal bank account or use it when ready.
What Money Can Be Used For Inside a Facility
The primary use of trust account money is commissary purchases. Most facilities operate a commissary where inmates can buy food, toiletries, writing supplies, and clothing. The range of items varies significantly. Some facilities allow snacks and beverages; others restrict purchases to essentials. A few facilities permit inmates to buy electronics like tablets or music players, while others ban them entirely.
Beyond commissary, trust account funds can be used for phone calls and video visits, though many facilities now charge per minute or per session. Legal representation is another permitted use—an inmate can pay a private attorney from the trust account, and the facility will process the payment. Restitution payments to crime victims can also be deducted from the account if ordered by a court.
Some facilities allow inmates to send money to family members or to outside accounts, but this is less common and usually requires a formal request and approval. The facility may also deduct fees for room and board, medical services, or court-ordered child support from the trust account, depending on state law and facility policy.
Deposit Methods and Who Can Add Money
Family members and friends can deposit money into an inmate's trust account through several methods, depending on the facility. The most common routes are online deposits through the facility's website or a third-party service, phone deposits using a credit or debit card, mail deposits by check or money order, and in-person deposits at the facility's visiting area.
Each facility publishes its accepted deposit methods and any fees involved. Online deposits are usually the fastest and cheapest option, often processing within one business day. Mail deposits take longer—typically five to ten business days—and some facilities charge a processing fee. In-person deposits at the facility may be available only during specific visiting hours.
Only authorized people can deposit money. Most facilities allow family members, friends, and attorneys to make deposits on an inmate's behalf. Some facilities restrict deposits to family members only. An inmate cannot deposit money themselves, and the facility will not accept cash deposits mailed directly to the inmate.
Account Limits and Restrictions
Most facilities set a maximum balance for trust accounts, ranging from $500 to $5,000 depending on the state and institution. When an inmate reaches the limit, no further deposits are accepted until the balance drops below the threshold. This rule is designed to prevent large sums from accumulating and to reduce theft or contraband-related disputes among inmates.
Some facilities also restrict how much money can be deposited in a single transaction or per month. These limits vary widely and are set by each facility's policy. An inmate can request a withdrawal to bring the balance below the maximum, though the facility may charge a fee and the withdrawal may take several days to process.
Certain items cannot be purchased with trust account funds, even if the inmate has the money. Alcohol, drugs, weapons, and contraband are always prohibited. Many facilities also ban gambling, tattoo supplies, and items that could be used to create weapons or escape tools. The facility's commissary list specifies what is available for purchase.
What Happens to the Account During Transfer or Release
If an inmate is transferred to another facility within the same system, the trust account balance usually transfers automatically. The inmate's balance and transaction history move with them. If the inmate is transferred to a different state or federal system, the process is more complicated. Some states have agreements to transfer balances; others require the inmate to withdraw the funds and redeposit them in the new facility's system.
When an inmate is released, the facility must return the remaining balance. The method depends on the facility's policy. Some facilities mail a check to the inmate's address; others issue a prepaid debit card; still others allow the inmate to designate a bank account for direct deposit. The inmate should confirm the facility's release procedures before their release date to avoid delays in receiving the funds.
If an inmate dies while incarcerated, the balance in the trust account becomes part of the inmate's estate. The facility will typically hold the funds and release them to the next of kin or the executor of the estate, though the process and timeline vary by state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an inmate access their regular bank account while in prison?
No. An inmate cannot visit a bank, use online banking, or withdraw cash while incarcerated. A family member or authorized representative can manage the account from outside, but the inmate has no direct access. The account remains open and active; the inmate straightforward cannot use it until release.
What happens if someone sends money to an inmate's personal bank account instead of the trust account?
The money will deposit into the personal bank account normally, but the inmate cannot access it while incarcerated. The family member managing the account can withdraw the money and redeposit it into the facility's trust account if needed, or hold it for the inmate's release.
Can an inmate's trust account be seized to pay debts or fines?
Yes. A court can order the facility to deduct money from the trust account for restitution, fines, child support, or other court-ordered payments. The facility will process these deductions and send the money to the appropriate recipient. The inmate receives notice of the deduction.
Is there interest earned on a trust account balance?
No. Facility trust accounts do not earn interest. The balance remains the same unless money is deposited or withdrawn. Some facilities charge fees for deposits or withdrawals, which reduce the balance.
Can an inmate open a savings account or investment account while incarcerated?
No. An inmate cannot open any new financial accounts while incarcerated. A family member can open accounts in their own name or as a joint account on the inmate's behalf, but the inmate cannot be the sole account holder of a new account opened during incarceration.