The basic process depends on which facility holds the inmate

Most correctional facilities use one of three systems: a commissary account (for canteen purchases), a general inmate account (for phone calls and other services), or both running in parallel. The facility itself controls which system you use and how you fund it. You cannot choose a different method—you must use what that prison or jail operates.

The fastest way to find out which system applies is to call the facility's business office directly. Have the inmate's full name, booking number or inmate number, and the facility name ready. The staff member will tell you the exact steps, the fees involved, and how long deposits take to post. This call takes five minutes and saves you from sending money to the wrong place.

If you cannot reach the facility by phone, most state departments of corrections and large county jails publish deposit instructions on their websites. Search "[facility name] inmate deposits" or "[state] DOC inmate account" to find the official page.

Key Takeaways

  • Each facility operates its own deposit system, so you must contact that specific prison or jail to learn how to send money—there is no single national method.
  • Most facilities accept deposits by phone, online portal, mail, or in-person at the facility, but not all accept all methods.
  • Deposits typically take 24 hours to several business days to appear in the inmate's account, depending on the method and the facility's processing speed.
  • Fees vary widely: some facilities charge $1 to $3 per transaction, while others charge 2 to 3 percent of the amount sent.
  • The inmate's account number or booking number is required for every deposit, so confirm you have the correct number before sending money.

Phone deposits and online portals are the fastest routes

Many facilities accept deposits over the phone using a debit or credit card. You call a dedicated number (usually listed on the facility's website or in the inmate handbook), provide the inmate's name and number, and authorize a charge. The deposit posts within 24 hours in most cases. Fees typically range from $1.50 to $3 per transaction, charged on top of the amount you send.

Online portals work the same way but let you deposit at any time without waiting for business hours. You create an account, enter the inmate's information, and pay by debit or credit card. Processing times are usually the same as phone deposits—24 hours or less. Some facilities use third-party vendors like JPay, Securus, or GTL to run these systems, so the website you visit may not be the facility's own domain.

Both methods charge fees that the facility or vendor sets. There is no way to avoid the fee if you want to use that method—it is not optional. Ask the facility or check the online portal before you deposit so you know the total cost.

Mail and in-person deposits take longer but may have lower fees

You can mail a check or money order to the facility's business office with the inmate's name and number written on it. Mail typically takes 5 to 10 business days to arrive, then another few days for the facility to process and post it. Total time is usually one to two weeks. Some facilities charge a small fee ($1 or less) for processing mail deposits, while others do not charge at all.

In-person deposits at the facility's cashier window work the same day or next business day. You bring cash, a check, or a money order, provide the inmate's information, and hand it to the cashier. This method is free or costs $1 at most facilities. However, not all facilities accept walk-in deposits, and visiting hours or cashier hours may be limited. Call ahead to confirm the facility accepts in-person deposits and what hours the cashier is open.

Mail and in-person methods are slower, but they avoid the 2 to 3 percent processing fees that some online vendors charge. If you are sending a large amount, the fee savings can be significant.

Fees, holds, and restrictions vary by facility and vendor

Processing fees are set by the facility or the vendor it contracts with, not by law. A state prison may charge $1.50 per transaction, while a county jail uses a vendor that charges 2.9 percent plus $0.95. There is no standard, and you cannot negotiate. The fee is deducted from the amount you send or added to your payment—ask which applies when you deposit.

Some facilities place a hold on deposits for 24 to 48 hours before the money becomes available to the inmate. This is a security measure to prevent fraud. During the hold period, the inmate cannot spend the money, but it will post once the hold lifts. A few facilities hold deposits longer if they are investigating a transaction, but this is rare.

Certain facilities restrict the amount you can deposit in a single transaction or per month. Limits vary widely—some allow $500 per transaction with no monthly cap, while others cap deposits at $100 per week. These limits are set by the facility's policy and are enforced by the deposit system. If you hit a limit, you will need to wait until the next period to send more money.

What happens if you send money to the wrong account or facility

If you deposit money under the wrong inmate number or at the wrong facility, the money does not automatically return to you. It sits in a suspense account or gets credited to the wrong person's commissary. Recovery takes time and requires the facility to investigate and process a refund.

Contact the facility's business office when ready and explain the error. Provide your receipt or transaction confirmation number, the inmate's correct information, and the date and amount of the deposit. Ask the facility to locate the money and either transfer it to the correct account or issue a refund. Some facilities process this within a few days; others take weeks. Get a case or reference number so you can follow up if the refund does not arrive.

If the facility cannot locate the money or refuses to refund it, contact your credit card company or bank and dispute the charge. Provide the facility's name, the transaction date, and your explanation of the error. Your bank may reverse the charge, though this process takes 30 to 60 days.

Finding the inmate's account number and facility information

You need the inmate's full name, booking number, and facility name to deposit money. If you do not have this information, search the facility's inmate locator database on its website. Most state departments of corrections and large county jails maintain searchable databases where you enter the inmate's name and get back their booking number, facility location, and housing unit.

If the inmate is in a state prison, search "[state] DOC inmate locator" or "[state] prison inmate search." If the inmate is in a county jail, search "[county name] jail inmate search" or "[county] sheriff inmate locator." These databases are free and public.

If you cannot find the inmate in the database, call the facility directly. Have the inmate's full legal name, date of birth, and the approximate date they were booked. The staff can confirm whether the inmate is there and provide the booking number you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit money if I do not know the inmate's booking number?

Most facilities require the booking number or inmate number to process a deposit. If you do not have it, search the facility's inmate locator database or call the business office with the inmate's full name and date of birth. They will provide the number you need before you attempt to deposit.

How long does it take for money to show up in an inmate's account?

Phone and online deposits usually post within 24 hours. Mail deposits take 5 to 10 business days to arrive, then a few more days to process. In-person deposits post the same day or next business day. Some facilities place a 24 to 48-hour hold on deposits before the inmate can use the money, even after it posts to the account.

What if the facility does not have an online portal or phone deposit system?

Call the business office and ask which methods they accept. If they only accept mail or in-person deposits, send a money order or check with the inmate's name and booking number clearly written on it. Mail it to the facility's business office address, which the staff can provide over the phone.

Can I get a refund if I send money by mistake?

Contact the facility's business office when ready with your receipt and transaction details. They will investigate and either transfer the money to the correct account or issue a refund. If the facility does not refund it within a reasonable time, dispute the charge with your bank or credit card company.

Are there limits on how much money I can send?

Limits vary by facility. Some have no cap, while others restrict deposits to $100 to $500 per transaction or per week. Call the facility or check the online portal to learn what limits explore. If you hit a limit, you will need to wait until the next period to send more money.