The basic process: who you pay and how
You send money to an inmate by depositing it into an account the facility maintains in their name. You do not hand cash to the inmate or mail it to them. Instead, you contact the facility's commissary or inmate account system, provide the inmate's name and identification number, and transfer funds through one of several methods: a third-party payment service, a direct bank transfer, a debit or credit card, or cash at an authorized location.
The facility — whether county jail, state prison, or federal penitentiary — controls which payment methods it accepts and which company processes the transfers. Some facilities use JPay, others use Securus, GTL, or a local system. The inmate can then spend the money on commissary items (snacks, hygiene products, phone calls) or it may be held for restitution, fines, or fees.
The money does not go into a personal bank account the inmate owns. It goes into a trust account the facility manages. The inmate has no debit card or checkbook. They request items or services, and the facility deducts the cost.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the specific facility where the inmate is held to learn which payment service it uses — the same company does not operate everywhere.
- You will need the inmate's full name and identification or booking number, which you can find through the facility's inmate search tool or by calling the facility directly.
- Payment methods vary by facility but typically include online transfers through the facility's vendor, phone payments, in-person cash deposits, or bank transfers.
- Funds usually appear in the inmate's account within one to three business days, though some methods are faster than others.
- The inmate cannot withdraw the money as cash; they can only spend it on commissary, phone calls, or other services the facility offers.
Finding the right facility and payment system
The first step is confirming which facility holds the inmate. If you do not know, search the inmate locator tool on your state's Department of Corrections website or call the county jail where you believe they are held. Federal inmates can be found through the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator at bop.gov.
Once you have located the facility, visit its official website or call the commissary or inmate accounts department. They will tell you which payment vendor they use and what methods that vendor accepts. Do not rely on third-party websites that claim to process payments — use only the facility's official system or the vendor it names.
Write down the facility's phone number, the vendor name, and the inmate's full name and identification number. You will need all of this information to complete a payment.
Payment methods and how they work
Most facilities offer multiple ways to send money. Online payment through the vendor's website or app is the fastest and most common method. You create an account, enter the inmate's details, choose a payment amount, and pay with a debit or credit card. The vendor charges a processing fee, usually between $1.50 and $3.00 per transaction.
Phone payment works the same way but requires calling the vendor's number instead of using a website. You provide the inmate's information and payment details over the phone. This method also incurs a fee.
In-person cash deposits are available at some facilities. You go to the jail or prison during business hours, bring cash, and deposit it at the commissary window or a kiosk. This method is usually free or costs less than online payment, but it requires you to travel to the facility.
Bank transfer (also called ACH transfer) is offered by some facilities. You provide your bank account information and the inmate's details, and the money moves directly from your bank to the facility's account. This method is slower — typically three to five business days — but may have lower fees.
Timing: when the money reaches the inmate's account
The speed depends on the payment method. Online and phone payments usually post within one to two business days. In-person cash deposits often post the same day or the next business day. Bank transfers take three to five business days because they move through the banking system.
Weekends and holidays slow everything down. If you send money on a Friday evening, it may not appear until Tuesday. Some facilities process deposits only on certain days of the week.
Once the money is in the account, the inmate can use it when ready — they do not have to wait for a check to clear or for a card to arrive. They straightforward tell the commissary staff how much they want to spend, or they place an order through the facility's commissary system if one exists.
Fees and what they cover
Third-party vendors charge processing fees on most transactions. These fees are not set by the facility or the government — they are the vendor's charge for handling the transfer. Fees typically range from $1.50 to $3.00 per deposit, though some vendors charge a percentage of the amount sent.
In-person cash deposits at the facility itself usually have no fee or a very small one. Bank transfers may have a fee from your own bank, depending on your account type.
The inmate may also face account maintenance fees or commissary fees charged by the facility itself, separate from the deposit fee. These vary widely. Some facilities charge nothing; others deduct a small percentage from every purchase. Ask the facility about its fee structure when you first contact them.
What happens to the money once it is deposited
The inmate can spend the money on commissary items — typically snacks, toiletries, stationery, and clothing — or on services like phone calls, video visits, or email. The facility's commissary menu and pricing are set by the facility, not by you.
The inmate cannot withdraw the money as cash or transfer it to another person. If they are released, any remaining balance is usually returned to them in cash or by check, though some facilities mail it and others require the inmate to pick it up in person.
If the inmate owes restitution, fines, or court costs, the facility may deduct money from their account to pay those obligations. This happens automatically and the inmate cannot prevent it. You should ask the facility whether any of the money you send will be applied to debts rather than held for the inmate's use.
Sending money to an inmate in a different state
The process is the same, but you must contact the specific facility in that state. Each state's Department of Corrections maintains its own inmate database and may use different payment vendors. A facility in California may use a different system than one in Texas.
Search the state's DOC website for the inmate locator, find the facility, and then contact that facility's commissary department for payment instructions. The vendor's website will work from any state — you do not need to be in the same state as the inmate to send money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not know the inmate's identification number?
Call the facility directly and provide the inmate's full name and date of birth. The staff can look up their booking or identification number. You can also search many state inmate locators by name alone, though having the date of birth helps if the name is common.
Can I send money to an inmate if I do not have a bank account or credit card?
Yes. In-person cash deposits at the facility require no bank account. Some vendors also accept prepaid debit cards or gift cards. Call the facility to ask which payment methods work without a traditional bank account.
How much money can I send at one time?
Limits vary by facility. Some allow deposits of up to $500 per transaction; others cap it at $100 or $200. Some facilities limit the total balance an inmate can hold in their account. Ask the facility or the payment vendor about its limits before you send money.
What if the inmate is transferred to a different facility?
The money in their account stays with them — it transfers to the new facility. However, you may need to update your payment information if the new facility uses a different vendor. Contact the new facility to confirm the payment system and update your records.
Can I get the money back if the inmate is released?
No. Once you send the money, it belongs to the inmate's account. If they are released, they receive any remaining balance. If they do not claim it within a certain period (usually 30 to 90 days), the facility may keep it or send it to the state. You cannot reclaim money you have already sent.