The basic process: who you pay and how
You send money to an inmate through the facility where they are held, not directly to the person. The jail or prison runs a commissary or inmate account system — a prepaid account the person can use to buy items from the prison store, make phone calls, or pay for services like medical visits.
Most facilities offer three ways to send money: online through their vendor website, by phone, or by mail. The online method is fastest and most common. You will need the inmate's full name, booking number or inmate number, and the facility name. The vendor — usually a company like JPay, Securus, or GTL — charges a fee for each transaction, typically between $1 and $3.
Money sent this way does not go into a regular bank account. It sits in the facility's system until the inmate spends it or requests a withdrawal. The inmate cannot transfer it out or use it like a debit card outside the facility.
Key Takeaways
- Money goes to the facility's commissary or inmate account system through an approved vendor, not to a personal bank account.
- You need the inmate's full name, booking or inmate number, and the facility name to send money online.
- Each transaction usually costs $1 to $3 in vendor fees, and the money appears in the account within one to three business days.
- Different facilities use different vendors, so you must find out which one your facility uses before you can send money.
- Money sent this way can only be spent inside the facility on commissary items, phone calls, or approved services.
Finding the right vendor for the facility
Each jail or prison contracts with one vendor to handle inmate accounts. The vendor is not your choice — it depends on where the person is held. The three largest vendors are JPay, Securus, and GTL, but smaller regional companies also operate facilities.
To find the correct vendor, search the facility's name plus "inmate account" or "commissary" online. Most facilities list this information on their website under visiting or inmate services. You can also call the facility's main number and ask which vendor they use and for the website or phone number to send money.
Once you know the vendor, go to their website, create an account with your name and email, and search for the inmate by name and facility. The system will show you the current balance and let you add money. Some vendors also have apps you can read instead of using the website.
How long money takes to appear
Online transfers usually appear in the inmate's account within one to three business days. Some vendors offer rush processing for an extra fee — typically $5 to $10 — that can get money there the same day or next day. Phone transfers sometimes post faster than online ones, though this varies by vendor.
Mail is the slowest method. If you send a check or money order by mail to the facility, it can take two to four weeks to process and post to the account. The facility has to receive it, verify it, and enter it into the system. For this reason, mail is rarely used unless you have no other option.
The inmate will usually be notified when money arrives, either by mail, email, or a notice posted in their housing unit. They can then use it when ready at the commissary or for phone calls, depending on facility rules.
Understanding vendor fees and limits
Every vendor charges a transaction fee. This fee goes to the vendor, not to the facility or the inmate. Fees range from about $1 for small transfers to $3 for larger ones, and some vendors charge a flat fee while others charge a percentage. A few vendors offer one free transfer per month, but this is rare.
Most facilities also set a daily or monthly limit on how much money an inmate can have in their account at one time. This limit varies widely — some facilities cap it at $50, others at $500 or more. If you try to send money and the account is already at the limit, the transaction will be rejected. You can ask the inmate or call the facility to find out what the limit is.
Some vendors also charge a monthly maintenance fee if the account sits unused, though this is less common now. Check the vendor's fee schedule before you send money so you know what to expect.
What the inmate can and cannot do with the money
Money in an inmate account can be used to buy items from the prison commissary — snacks, hygiene products, clothing, stationery, and other approved items. It can also pay for phone calls, video visits, or medical copays, depending on what the facility charges for. Some facilities let inmates use account money to pay court fines or restitution.
The inmate cannot withdraw the money as cash, transfer it to someone else's account, or use it outside the facility. If they are released, any remaining balance is usually returned to them by check or transferred to a bank account they provide, though policies vary by state and facility.
If the inmate is transferred to a different facility, the money may or may not transfer with them. Some state systems move money automatically; others require you to withdraw it and send it again to the new facility. Ask the original facility what happens to the account if the person is moved.
Sending money when you do not know the inmate number
If you know the person's name and the facility but not their booking or inmate number, you can still send money. Most vendor websites have a search function where you enter the full name and facility, and the system returns matching results. You may need to verify the person's date of birth or other details to make sure you have the right person.
If the search does not find them, call the facility's booking or records line and ask for the inmate number. Have the person's full name and date of birth ready. The facility staff can give you the number over the phone, and you can then use it to send money online.
If the person was recently arrested and has not yet been booked into the system, they may not appear in the vendor's database yet. Wait a few hours or a day and try again, or call the facility to confirm they have been booked.
Alternatives if the vendor website is not working
If you cannot send money online, most vendors offer phone lines where you can send money by credit card or debit card. The phone number is usually on the vendor's website or on the facility's inmate services page. Phone transfers work the same way as online ones — you provide the inmate's name and number, the amount, and your payment information.
Mail is also always an option, though it is slower. You can send a check or money order to the facility's business office, with the inmate's name and number written on it. Include a note with your name and contact information. Mail the envelope to the facility's address, which you can find on their website or by calling.
Some facilities also accept Western Union or MoneyGram transfers, though this is less common. Ask the facility or vendor whether this option is available before you try it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to someone who is in county jail waiting for trial?
Yes. County jails use the same vendor system as prisons. Find out which vendor the jail uses, create an account, and send money the same way. The person can use it for commissary and phone calls while they are waiting.
What happens if I send money to the wrong person by mistake?
Contact the vendor when ready and explain the error. Some vendors can reverse the transaction if you catch it quickly, usually within 24 hours. If the money has already been spent, you may not be able to recover it. Always double-check the inmate's name and number before you send.
Can I send money to someone in federal prison?
Yes, but the process is different. Federal prisons use the Federal Bureau of Prisons system, and you send money through their vendor, which is currently JPay. Go to the BOP website, search for the inmate, and follow their instructions for sending money. Fees and limits are set by the federal system, not individual prisons.
Is there a limit to how much I can send at one time?
The vendor usually has a per-transaction limit, typically $500 to $1,000. The facility also sets a maximum balance the inmate can hold in their account at once. Call the facility to find out both limits before you send a large amount.
Can I get a refund if the inmate is released before they spend the money?
The remaining balance is usually returned to the inmate by check or deposited into a bank account they provide. Some facilities mail it automatically; others require the inmate to request it. Policies vary by state and facility, so ask when you send the money what will happen to any leftover balance.