The basic process: who you pay and how long it takes
You send money to an inmate's account through the facility where they are held, not through a bank. The inmate's commissary account (sometimes called a trust account) is separate from any outside bank account they may have. You cannot transfer money directly to their personal account.
Most facilities use one of three methods: a third-party payment processor that handles deposits online or by phone, a direct deposit system through the facility itself, or in-person cash deposits at the jail or prison. Which method is available depends entirely on the facility. A deposit typically takes 24 hours to several business days to show up in the inmate's account, though some online processors charge a fee for faster posting.
The inmate can then use the balance to buy commissary items (snacks, hygiene products, phone time) or, in some facilities, to pay court fines or restitution. They cannot withdraw the money as cash.
Key Takeaways
- Money goes to the inmate's commissary account at the specific facility where they are held, not to a bank or the inmate's personal account.
- Most facilities use a third-party payment processor; you will need the inmate's full name, booking number, and the facility name to send money online.
- Deposits usually take one to three business days to post, though some processors offer expedited posting for an additional fee.
- The inmate can use the balance only for commissary purchases and facility fees, not for cash withdrawal.
- Each facility sets its own deposit limits and accepted payment methods, so you must contact the specific jail or prison to confirm what they accept.
Finding the right facility and the inmate's booking number
Before you can deposit money, you need to know which facility holds the inmate and their booking number. If you do not have this information, call the county jail or state prison system's main line and provide the inmate's full name and date of birth. They will tell you which facility they are in and give you the booking number.
Booking numbers are critical. The payment processor uses it to match your deposit to the correct person, especially in large facilities where multiple people may share a name. Without it, your money may go to the wrong account or be rejected.
Once you have the facility name and booking number, search online for "[facility name] inmate deposits" or "[facility name] commissary." Most jails and prisons list their accepted payment methods and any third-party processors they use on their official website or inmate information page.
Using a third-party payment processor
The majority of U.S. jails and prisons contract with companies like JPay, Securus, GTL (Global Tel Link), or Paytech to handle inmate deposits. These processors let you send money online, by phone, or through their mobile app. You will need the inmate's full name, booking number, facility name, and the amount you want to send.
When you use an online processor, you typically pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank transfer. The processor charges a fee—usually between $1.50 and $3.95 per transaction, though some facilities cap fees or offer fee-free deposits on certain days. The fee is separate from the amount you are sending; if you send $50 and the fee is $2.95, the inmate receives $50 and you pay $52.95 total.
After you submit the payment, the processor sends a confirmation number. Keep this for your records. The money typically posts within one to three business days. Some processors offer expedited posting (same-day or next-day) for an additional fee, usually $5 to $10.
Depositing money in person at the facility
Many jails allow cash deposits at a window during visiting hours or at a kiosk in the lobby. You bring cash and the inmate's booking number, and staff process the deposit on the spot. The money usually posts to the account within 24 hours.
In-person deposits avoid online fees, but they require you to travel to the facility during their deposit hours, which may be limited. Call the facility directly to ask when deposits are accepted, whether they accept cash only or also checks, and whether you need to be on a visitor list.
Some facilities no longer accept in-person cash deposits and require all deposits through their contracted processor. This is becoming more common, so confirm the facility's current policy before making the trip.
Deposit limits and what the inmate can buy
Each facility sets its own rules on how much money an inmate can have in their account at one time. Some allow balances up to $500; others permit $2,000 or more. If you try to deposit more than the limit, the processor will reject the transaction or the facility will hold the excess pending approval.
The inmate uses the balance to purchase items from the commissary: snacks, toiletries, writing supplies, clothing, and sometimes phone time or email access. Prices in prison commissaries are typically higher than retail prices for the same items. Some facilities also allow inmates to use commissary funds to pay booking fees, court costs, or restitution, though this varies.
The inmate cannot withdraw money as cash or transfer it to anyone else. When they are released, any remaining balance is either mailed to them as a check or transferred to their release account, depending on the facility's policy.
What happens if the deposit is rejected or delayed
A deposit can be rejected if the booking number is wrong, the inmate's name does not match the processor's records exactly, the facility has closed the account, or the deposit exceeds the facility's limit. If this happens, the processor will notify you and the money will be returned to your payment method within five to ten business days.
If a deposit is delayed beyond the stated timeframe, contact the processor's customer service with your confirmation number. Delays sometimes occur during facility lockdowns, system outages, or high-volume periods. The processor can check the status and, if there is an error on their end, may issue a refund or credit.
Keep your confirmation number and receipt for every deposit. If there is a dispute, you will need proof of payment to resolve it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to someone in federal prison?
Yes. Federal prisons use the same commissary system as state and local facilities. Contact the specific federal facility or the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator to find the inmate and their booking number, then look up that facility's deposit methods. Most federal facilities use JPay or Securus.
What if I do not know which jail the person is in?
Call the county sheriff's office or the state department of corrections main line with the inmate's full name and date of birth. They will tell you which facility holds them and provide the booking number. You can also search online using the facility's inmate lookup tool if you know the county or state.
Can the inmate's family member withdraw the money instead of using it for commissary?
No. Commissary accounts are held in the inmate's name only. The balance cannot be withdrawn as cash or transferred to anyone else while the inmate is incarcerated. After release, the inmate receives any remaining balance according to the facility's policy.
Do I have to use the third-party processor, or can I send money directly to the jail?
It depends on the facility. Some jails accept direct deposits or in-person cash payments and do not use a processor. Others contract exclusively with a processor and will not accept deposits any other way. Contact the specific facility to learn what methods they accept.
How much does it cost to send money to an inmate?
Third-party processors typically charge $1.50 to $3.95 per transaction. Some facilities offer one or more fee-free deposit days per month. In-person cash deposits at the facility usually have no fee. Expedited posting (same-day or next-day) costs an additional $5 to $10 if the processor offers it.