What you need to do to create a JailATM account

JailATM is a service that lets incarcerated people and their families manage money transfers and account activity through a web portal or mobile app. To create an account, you visit the JailATM website, provide basic personal information, and verify your identity—the whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You do not need to be incarcerated yourself; family members, friends, and legal representatives can all open accounts to send money to someone in custody.

The account you create is tied to the person receiving the money, not to you as the sender. This means if you are sending funds to an incarcerated person, you will need their full name, inmate number, and the name of the facility where they are held. JailATM uses this information to route your deposit to the correct person's account inside the facility.

Key Takeaways

  • You create a JailATM account on their website by entering your email, password, and basic personal details, then verifying your identity through a government-issued ID.
  • The account is linked to the incarcerated person receiving money, so you will need their full name, inmate number, and facility name before you start.
  • Verification usually completes within a few minutes, though some accounts may require manual review and take up to 24 hours.
  • Once verified, you can fund the account using a debit card, credit card, or bank transfer, and the money typically appears in the inmate's account within one business day.

Step-by-step account creation process

Start by going to the JailATM website and clicking the option to create a new account. You will be asked for your email address, which becomes your login. Choose a strong password—JailATM requires at least 8 characters with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Write this down somewhere safe; you will need it every time you log in to check balances or send money.

Next, enter your full name, date of birth, and mailing address. JailATM asks for this information to verify who you are and to comply with banking regulations. After you submit these details, the system will ask you to upload or photograph a government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Take a clear photo of both the front and back if you are using your phone. The image must show your face and all text clearly; blurry or cropped photos will be rejected and you will have to resubmit.

Once you upload your ID, JailATM's system runs an automated check. Most accounts are verified when ready. If the system cannot read your ID clearly or if your information does not match their records, a JailATM staff member will review it manually, which usually takes 24 hours. You will receive an email when your account is verified and ready to use.

Linking the incarcerated person's information

After your account is verified, you will add the person you want to send money to. You will need their full legal name exactly as it appears in the facility's records, their inmate or booking number, and the name of the jail or prison where they are held. If you do not have the inmate number, you can search for it on the facility's website or call the facility's main number and ask for it.

JailATM maintains a directory of thousands of facilities across the United States. When you enter the facility name, the system will show you a list of matches. Select the correct one—this is important because sending money to the wrong facility means it will not reach the person you intended. Once you have selected the facility and entered the inmate's name and number, JailATM will verify that this person exists in that facility's system. If the information does not match, you will see an error message; go back and double-check the spelling and numbers.

Funding your account and sending money

Once the inmate's information is linked, you can fund the account. JailATM accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank transfers. Debit and credit card transactions process when ready, though the money may take one business day to appear in the inmate's account. Bank transfers (ACH) take three to five business days and usually cost less in fees.

Before you send money, check the facility's rules about deposit limits and fees. Some jails cap how much can be deposited per month; others charge a processing fee that comes out of the amount you send. JailATM will show you the fee before you confirm the transaction. The inmate can use the money to buy commissary items, make phone calls, or pay for other services depending on what the facility allows.

What happens if verification fails or takes too long

If JailATM rejects your ID, you will receive an email explaining why—usually because the image was too blurry, the ID was expired, or the name on the ID did not match what you entered. You can resubmit a new photo when ready. Make sure the entire ID is visible, the lighting is even, and you are photographing it straight on, not at an angle.

If your account is still under review after 24 hours, check your email for a message from JailATM asking for more information. Sometimes they need clarification on your address or a clearer photo of your ID. Respond to that email as soon as you can. If you do not hear back within 48 hours, contact JailATM's customer service through their website or phone number—they can tell you what is holding up the review and what you need to do next.

Protecting your account after creation

Once your account is active, treat your login credentials like you would a bank password. Do not share your email or password with anyone, including the incarcerated person. JailATM accounts can be used to send money, and sharing access means someone else could make transfers without your knowledge.

Enable any security features JailATM offers, such as two-factor authentication if it is available. Check your account regularly for transactions you did not make. If you notice unauthorized activity, contact JailATM when ready and change your password. Keep your contact information up to date so JailATM can reach you if there is a problem with a deposit or if they need to verify your identity again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a JailATM account if I do not know the inmate's number?

You can start the account creation process with just the person's full name and the facility name, but you will not be able to link them or send money until you have their inmate number. Call the facility or check their online inmate search tool to find it. Once you have it, you can add it to your account in seconds.

What if the facility I am looking for is not in JailATM's directory?

Not all jails and prisons use JailATM. If the facility is not listed, that facility may use a different money transfer service or may not offer electronic deposits at all. Contact the facility directly to ask what services they accept for inmate deposits. You may need to use a different platform or send money by mail.

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

Money sent by debit or credit card usually appears within one business day. Bank transfers take three to five business days. Some facilities process deposits only on certain days of the week, so the money may sit in a holding account for a day or two before it is credited to the inmate's commissary balance. Check the facility's policy on their website or by calling.

Can I delete my account after I create it?

Yes. Log into your account, go to account settings, and look for a deactivate or delete option. Some platforms require you to contact customer service to close an account. Once closed, you will not be able to send money through that account, though the facility will still hold any money the inmate has already received.

What if I enter the wrong inmate's information by mistake?

If you realize the mistake before you send money, you can edit the inmate information in your account settings and correct it. If you have already sent money to the wrong person, contact JailATM customer service right away. They may be able to redirect the deposit or issue a refund, but the sooner you report it, the better your chances of recovering the funds.