The basic process: who you pay and how

You send money to an inmate through the facility where they are held, not directly to them. The prison or jail holds the funds in a commissary account or trust account — a separate ledger tied to that person's ID number. When the inmate buys something from the commissary, makes a phone call, or pays a court fee, the money comes out of that account.

Most facilities offer three or four ways to send money: a phone line you call during business hours, a website you access online, a kiosk at the facility itself, or a money order you mail. The method you choose affects how fast the money arrives and what it costs you. Some facilities charge a fee per transaction — typically $1 to $3 — and some do not.

Before you send anything, you need the inmate's full name and their booking or ID number. You can find this on any paperwork from the arrest or sentencing, or by calling the facility's main line and asking them to confirm it. Using the wrong number means your money goes into the wrong account and takes weeks to sort out.

Key Takeaways

  • Money goes to the facility's commissary or trust account in the inmate's name, not to the inmate directly, and the inmate can only spend it on approved items or services.
  • Most facilities offer online payment, phone payment, mail-in money orders, or in-person kiosk deposits, each with different fees and processing times.
  • You need the inmate's full legal name and their booking or ID number before you send any money, and using the wrong number delays the deposit by weeks.
  • Processing time ranges from same-day for kiosk deposits to 5 to 10 business days for mailed money orders, depending on the method and the facility's schedule.
  • Each facility sets its own rules about which payment methods it accepts and what fees it charges, so you must contact that specific facility to confirm before you send money.

Online payment and phone payment: the fastest routes

Most large county jails and state prisons now accept online payments through their own websites or through third-party platforms. The inmate's facility will have a link on its main website, usually under "Inmate Services" or "Commissary". You enter the inmate's name and ID number, the amount you want to send, and your payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account. The money typically arrives in the inmate's account within 24 hours, sometimes the same day.

Phone payment works the same way but requires you to call a number during the facility's business hours — usually 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. A staff member or automated system will ask for the inmate's information and your payment details. This method is slower than online because you are working within office hours, but it is useful if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak to someone.

Both methods charge a fee, which varies by facility. Some charge $1.50 per transaction; others charge $2.95 or more. A few facilities do not charge a fee at all. The fee is deducted from the amount you send — if you send $50 and the fee is $2.95, the inmate receives $47.05. Always check the facility's website or call ahead to confirm the fee before you complete the transaction.

Money orders and mail: the cheapest option with the longest wait

You can mail a money order directly to the facility's commissary department. This method has no transaction fee — you only pay what the money order itself costs, usually 50 cents to $1.50 at a post office, grocery store, or convenience store. The trade-off is time: a mailed money order typically takes 5 to 10 business days to arrive and be processed into the inmate's account.

To send a money order by mail, you need the facility's commissary mailing address, which you can find on its website or by calling the main line. Write the inmate's full name and ID number on the money order itself, and include a note with the same information. Mail it to the commissary department, not to the inmate's cell or a general facility address — mail sent to the wrong department gets lost or delayed.

Some facilities do not accept money orders at all, or they accept them only from certain vendors. Before you buy a money order, call the facility and confirm that it accepts them and whether there are any restrictions on the vendor or amount. A few facilities have stopped accepting mail-in money orders because of fraud or processing delays, so this step is essential.

In-person kiosk deposits at the facility

Many jails and prisons have a kiosk or payment window in the lobby where you can deposit cash or a debit card in person. This is the fastest method — the money usually appears in the inmate's account within hours or the same day. There is typically no fee for kiosk deposits, or a very small one ($0.50 to $1).

Kiosks are available during visiting hours or extended lobby hours, which vary by facility. Some are open 24 hours; others close at 5 p.m. or 9 p.m. You will need the inmate's name and ID number, and you will need to have cash or a debit card with you. The kiosk prints a receipt showing the transaction, which you should keep in case there is a dispute about whether the money arrived.

Not all facilities have kiosks. Smaller jails and some state prisons do not offer this option. If the facility you are sending money to does not have a kiosk, ask whether it has a payment window where staff can process a deposit in person during business hours.

What happens after the money arrives

Once the money is in the inmate's commissary account, they can use it to buy items from the prison or jail commissary — snacks, hygiene products, phone cards, or clothing. They can also use it to pay court fees, restitution, or other facility charges. The inmate cannot withdraw the money as cash, and they cannot transfer it to someone else's account.

The inmate will receive a receipt or statement showing the deposit and any purchases they make. If you want to know whether the money arrived, you can call the facility and ask them to confirm the balance in the inmate's account. Some facilities also allow you to check the balance online if you set up an account on their payment platform.

If the inmate is released, transferred to another facility, or the account is closed for any reason, unspent money may be returned to you, sent to the inmate, or held by the facility depending on state law and the facility's policy. Ask the facility what happens to remaining funds before you send a large amount.

Restrictions and limits on deposits

Each facility sets its own rules about how much money you can send at once and how much an inmate can hold in their account at any time. Some facilities cap deposits at $100 per transaction or $500 per month; others allow larger amounts. A few facilities limit the total balance an inmate can hold — for example, no more than $1,000 at any time.

These limits exist to prevent debt, gambling, or contraband trading between inmates. If you try to send more than the limit allows, the facility will reject the transaction and return your money, or it will accept the deposit but hold the excess until the balance drops. Call the facility before you send a large amount to confirm the current limits.

Some facilities also restrict which payment methods you can use. A small jail might accept only money orders and phone payments, not online deposits. A state prison might accept online payments but not kiosk deposits. Always confirm which methods the specific facility accepts before you attempt a deposit.

Finding the right contact information for a specific facility

The facility's website is the best source for payment instructions, fees, limits, and contact numbers. Search for the facility name plus "inmate commissary" or "inmate services" to find the right page. If the facility does not have a website or the information is not clear, call the main line during business hours and ask to be transferred to the commissary department or inmate services.

If you do not know which facility the inmate is in, you can search the state or county inmate locator system. Most states maintain a public database where you can search by name and see which facility holds that person. County jails also have online locator systems. Once you know the facility, you can find its payment information.

If you are sending money to someone in federal custody, the process is different — the Federal Bureau of Prisons uses a centralized system called JPay or Securus depending on the facility. Search for "Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate commissary" to find the correct platform and instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on the method. Online and phone payments usually arrive within 24 hours. Kiosk deposits appear within hours or the same day. Mailed money orders take 5 to 10 business days. Some facilities process deposits only on certain days of the week, which can add a few days to the timeline.

What if I send money to the wrong inmate or the wrong facility?

Contact the facility when ready and explain the error. If the money has not been processed yet, they may be able to redirect it or cancel the transaction. If it has already been deposited, you will need to request a refund in writing, which can take several weeks. This is why confirming the inmate's full name and ID number before you send money is critical.

Can I send money if the inmate owes court fees or restitution?

Yes, but the facility may automatically deduct court fees or restitution payments from the commissary account before the inmate can spend the money. Ask the facility whether any automatic deductions explore to that inmate's account before you send money.

Is there a limit to how much I can send at one time?

Yes, and the limit varies by facility. Most facilities allow $100 to $500 per transaction, and some cap the total balance at $500 to $1,000. Call the facility to confirm its limits before you send money, especially if you want to send a large amount.

What happens to the money if the inmate is released?

State law and facility policy determine what happens to unspent funds. Some facilities return the money to you; others send it to the inmate; some hold it for a set period before returning it. Ask the facility about its policy before you send money, and keep records of all deposits in case you need to request a refund later.