The basic process: who you contact and what you need

To send money to someone in jail or prison, you contact the facility where they are held—not a central office. Each facility runs its own inmate account system, so the steps depend on which jail or prison holds the person. Most facilities let you send money by phone, online, or in person, and the money usually reaches the inmate's account within one to three business days.

Before you start, you need two pieces of information: the inmate's full name and their booking number or inmate ID number. You can find this by calling the facility directly or searching the inmate locator on the facility's website or the state's Department of Corrections website. Without the correct ID number, your money may go to the wrong person or be rejected.

Most facilities charge a fee to process the money—typically between $1.50 and $3.95 per transaction, depending on the method you use and the facility's contract with a money service company. Some facilities use one company for all transactions; others let you choose between two or three. The fee comes out of what you send, so if you send $50 with a $2 fee, the inmate receives $48.

Key Takeaways

  • You must contact the specific jail or prison where the person is held, because each facility manages its own inmate accounts and has its own procedures.
  • You need the inmate's full name and booking or ID number before you can send money; call the facility or check its website to find this information.
  • Most facilities offer three ways to send money: online through their website or a third-party service, by phone, or in person at a kiosk or window.
  • Processing fees of $1.50 to $3.95 per transaction are standard and are deducted from the amount you send, not added on top.
  • Money usually appears in the inmate's account within one to three business days, though some facilities take longer during weekends or holidays.

Finding the right facility and getting the inmate's ID number

If you do not know which facility holds the person, start by calling the local police non-emergency line or the county sheriff's office. They can tell you whether the person is in a local jail or has been transferred to a state or federal facility. If they have been transferred, ask which facility and get the phone number.

Once you know the facility, call the main number and ask for the inmate account department, the booking office, or the commissary office—different facilities use different names for the same service. Have the inmate's full name and date of birth ready. The staff member will give you the booking number or inmate ID number and may also tell you which money service company the facility uses and how to send funds.

Many facilities now post this information online. Search "[facility name] inmate account" or "[facility name] send money" and you will often find a page with phone numbers, accepted payment methods, and links to the money service company's website. State Department of Corrections websites usually have inmate locators where you can search by name and see which facility holds the person.

Three ways to send money: online, by phone, or in person

Online is usually the fastest and cheapest option. Most facilities contract with one of three companies—JPay, Securus, or GTL—to handle online payments. Go to the facility's website, find the link to send money, and you will be directed to the company's site. You create an account, enter the inmate's ID number, choose the amount, and pay with a debit card or credit card. The money usually appears in the inmate's account within 24 hours on weekdays.

By phone takes longer but does not require a computer. Call the facility's inmate account number or the money service company's phone line (the facility will provide this). A representative will take your information, the inmate's ID number, and your payment method over the phone. Processing takes one to three business days, and the fee is usually slightly higher than online.

In person at the facility is an option at some jails, though it is less common at prisons. Some facilities have kiosks in the lobby where you can deposit cash or use a debit card. Others have a window where staff process deposits during business hours. Call ahead to ask whether your facility accepts in-person deposits and what hours the window is open. In-person deposits may post the same day or the next business day.

What happens after you send the money

Once the money reaches the inmate's account, they can use it to buy items from the commissary (the facility's store), make phone calls, send emails through the facility's email system, or pay for other services like medical copays or court filing fees. The inmate does not receive cash; the money stays in their account as a balance that the facility deducts from when they make purchases or requests.

The inmate can check their account balance by asking a staff member, checking a kiosk in their housing unit if the facility has one, or logging into the facility's email or messaging system if they have access. Some facilities send balance statements to the inmate's housing unit regularly.

If you send money and it does not appear within the expected timeframe, call the facility's inmate account office or the money service company. Provide your confirmation number (you receive this when you send the money) and the inmate's ID number. Staff can trace the payment and tell you whether it is still processing, was rejected, or reached the account.

Limits on how much you can send and when

Most facilities set a maximum on how much money an inmate can hold in their account at one time—commonly $200 to $500, though this varies. If the inmate's balance is already at the limit, your deposit will be rejected. In that case, wait until the inmate spends some of the balance, or contact the facility to ask whether they can make an exception.

Some facilities also limit how much you can send in a single transaction—for example, $100 per deposit. If you need to send more, you may have to make multiple deposits on different days. Check the facility's website or call to ask about these limits before you send money.

Most facilities accept deposits seven days a week, though processing may be slower on weekends and holidays. If you send money on a Friday evening, it may not appear until Tuesday. If the inmate needs money urgently, send it early in the week on a weekday to get the fastest processing.

Protecting yourself from scams and common mistakes

Scammers sometimes pose as facility staff and call people claiming they need to send money to cover fines or court costs. Real facilities do not call asking for money. If someone calls you claiming to represent a jail or prison and asking for payment, hang up and call the facility's main number directly to verify whether the call was real.

Do not send money to a personal account or through an informal money transfer service like Western Union or a peer-to-peer app, even if someone claims to be the inmate or a staff member. The only safe way to send money is through the facility's official inmate account system or the money service company it contracts with.

Double-check the inmate's ID number before you send money. If you enter the wrong number, your money may go to a different inmate or be rejected. Ask the inmate to confirm their ID number the next time you speak to them, or call the facility to verify it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money if the inmate is in a different state?

Yes. The process is the same—you contact the facility where they are held and use their inmate account system. Call the facility's main number or search online for the state's Department of Corrections website to find the inmate locator and money-sending instructions.

What if the inmate is being transferred to a different facility?

Money in their account at the old facility usually transfers with them, but this varies by state and facility. Call the old facility and ask where the inmate is being transferred and whether the balance will move. If not, you may need to withdraw the balance or have it sent to you before the transfer.

Can I get my money back if I send it by mistake?

Refunds are difficult and slow. Contact the facility's inmate account office or the money service company when ready with your confirmation number and explain the error. Some companies will refund money that has not been spent, but it can take weeks. It is better to verify the ID number before sending.

Do I need to be a family member to send money?

No. Most facilities allow anyone to send money to an inmate's account. You do not need to prove a relationship or provide personal information beyond what is needed to process the payment.

What if the facility's website does not work or I cannot find the money service company?

Call the facility's main number and ask for the inmate account office. They will tell you which company handles deposits, give you the phone number or website, and walk you through the process. If the online system is down, ask whether you can send money by phone or in person instead.