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 bank. Each facility runs its own inmate account system — there is no single national process. The person you are sending money to needs to be booked into the system first, which usually takes 24 to 48 hours after arrest.
You will need the inmate's full name and their booking number or inmate ID number. The facility's website or a phone call to their main number will tell you which payment methods they accept — typically phone, online, or in-person at a kiosk. Some facilities use third-party payment companies to handle deposits, which may charge a fee on top of the amount you send.
The money goes into a commissary account or trust account that the inmate can use to buy items from the facility's store, make phone calls, or pay court fees. It does not go into a regular bank account.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the specific jail or prison facility directly — each one manages inmate accounts separately, and there is no central system.
- You will need the inmate's full name and booking or inmate ID number, which you can find by searching the facility's online roster.
- Payment methods vary by facility but usually include phone, online, or in-person deposits, and many charge a processing fee.
- Money deposited goes into a commissary or trust account the inmate controls, not a regular bank account.
- Deposits typically appear in the account within one to three business days, though some facilities process them faster.
Finding the facility and the inmate's booking number
If you do not know which facility the person is in, start by calling the local police department or sheriff's office non-emergency line. They can tell you where someone is being held. Many counties also have online inmate search tools on their sheriff's website — you enter the person's name and get their location, booking number, and sometimes their court date.
Once you know the facility, call their main number or visit their website. Most jails and prisons list accepted payment methods and any fees on their website. If the website is unclear, call the inmate services or commissary department directly. They can also tell you if there are any holds on the account or restrictions on deposits.
Payment methods and fees
The most common payment methods are phone, online, and in-person. Phone payments usually go through a third-party company — you call a number listed on the facility's website, provide the inmate's information and your payment method, and the money is deposited. Online payments work the same way through a website portal. In-person deposits are made at a kiosk or window at the facility itself.
Third-party payment companies typically charge between $1.50 and $5 per transaction, depending on the facility and the company. Some facilities do not charge a fee if you pay in person. A few facilities allow direct bank transfers or checks mailed to the facility, though this is less common and takes longer. Always ask about fees before you pay — they are not always listed clearly on the website.
How long deposits take and what the inmate can buy
Deposits made by phone or online usually appear in the inmate's account within one to three business days. In-person deposits may show up the same day or the next day. The inmate will be notified when money is added to their account, usually through a commissary statement or a notice posted in their housing unit.
What the inmate can purchase depends on the facility's rules. Most commissaries sell snacks, hygiene items, phone cards for making calls, and writing supplies. Some facilities restrict certain items or limit how much can be spent per week. The inmate can also use the account to pay court costs, restitution, or facility fees. Ask the facility what items are available and what restrictions explore.
What to do if you cannot find the person or the facility will not take your payment
If you cannot locate the inmate through the county sheriff's website or the police department, try the state Department of Corrections website. Most states have an online inmate locator tool that covers all state prisons. If the person was arrested in a different state, you may need to contact that state's DOC.
If a facility refuses your deposit or says there is a hold on the account, ask why. Common reasons include the inmate being transferred, a court order restricting deposits, or the account being flagged for investigation. The facility should explain the reason and tell you when the hold will be lifted. If you believe the hold is a mistake, ask to speak with a supervisor or the inmate services manager.
Sending money to someone in federal prison
Federal prisons use a different system called the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Trust Fund. You can deposit money online through the BOP's official website or by phone. The process is the same — you need the inmate's name and register number — but the website is centralized rather than facility-by-facility.
Federal deposits also charge a fee, typically around $1.50 per transaction. Money usually appears in the account within one business day. Federal inmates can use the account for commissary, phone calls, and other facility costs just like inmates in local jails.
Protecting yourself from scams
Be cautious of websites or phone numbers that claim to help you send money to inmates but are not affiliated with the facility or the official payment company. Scammers sometimes set up fake payment sites that look official. Always use the phone number or website listed on the actual facility's official website, not a number you find through a general internet search.
If someone claims to be an inmate and asks you to send money to a different account or to a third party, do not do it. Legitimate inmate accounts are held by the facility itself. If you are unsure whether a payment method is real, call the facility's main number directly and ask them to confirm the correct way to send money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to an inmate if I do not know their booking number?
Yes. Call the facility and give them the inmate's full name and date of birth. They can look up the booking number for you. If you do not know the date of birth, the facility may still be able to find them if the name is not common, but it helps to have as much information as possible.
What happens if I send money to the wrong facility by mistake?
Contact the facility where you sent the money and explain the mistake. Most will refund the deposit or transfer it to the correct facility if you provide the inmate's correct information. This can take a few weeks, so call as soon as you realize the error.
Can I get the money back if the inmate is released?
Usually yes, but the process varies. When an inmate is released, any remaining balance in their account is typically given to them in cash or a check. Some facilities mail it; others require the person to pick it up. Ask the facility what happens to the account balance when someone is released.
Are there limits on how much money I can send?
Most facilities have weekly or monthly limits on deposits, often between $50 and $500 per week. Some facilities have no limit. Check the facility's website or call to find out their specific rules. Limits exist to prevent trafficking and other security issues.
Can I send money if the inmate is in solitary confinement or restricted housing?
Usually yes. Deposits can still be made to the account even if the inmate is in restricted housing. However, they may not be able to access the commissary or make purchases while in that status. Ask the facility whether the inmate can use the account while in their current housing assignment.