The most direct way to fund an inmate account is through the facility's commissary system, which usually accepts money orders, debit cards, or bank transfers depending on the prison or jail

Every correctional facility has its own rules about how money reaches an inmate's account. Most accept money orders sent by mail, some allow you to pay online through a third-party vendor, and a growing number take debit or credit card payments over the phone. The method available to you depends on whether the inmate is in a state prison, federal facility, county jail, or private prison — and sometimes on which specific facility within that system.

The inmate's facility will have a commissary or trust account system. Money you send goes into that account, and the inmate can use it to buy items from the prison store, pay for phone calls, or cover medical copays. The money does not go directly to the inmate as cash.

Start by finding out which facility holds the inmate and what payment methods that specific facility accepts. This information is usually on the facility's website or in the inmate handbook. If you cannot find it online, call the facility's main number and ask for the commissary office or inmate accounts department.

Key Takeaways

  • Each facility sets its own payment methods — money order by mail, online payment, debit card, or bank transfer — so you must contact the specific facility to learn what it accepts.
  • Money orders sent by mail typically take one to two weeks to reach the inmate's account, while online payments often post within one to three business days.
  • You will need the inmate's full name and booking or identification number to send money; sending it without correct information means it may be returned or held in a general fund.
  • Some facilities charge fees for deposits, and some limit how much money an inmate can hold in their account at one time.
  • Third-party vendors that process online payments often charge a transaction fee on top of the amount you send.

Money order by mail: the slowest but most widely accepted method

Nearly every correctional facility accepts money orders sent through the mail. You buy a money order at a bank, post office, grocery store, or check-cashing service, fill in the inmate's name and identification number, and mail it to the facility's commissary address.

Write the inmate's full name and booking or ID number clearly on the money order itself. Include a separate letter with the inmate's name, booking number, and your return address. Do not send cash — it will be returned or confiscated. Do not send a personal check; most facilities do not accept them.

Mail the money order to the facility's commissary office. The address is usually listed on the facility's website under "inmate accounts" or "how to send money." If you cannot find it, call the main facility number and ask for the correct mailing address and the name of the commissary department.

Processing time varies. A money order typically takes one to two weeks to arrive at the facility, then another few days to be posted to the inmate's account. In busy facilities, it can take up to three weeks from the time you mail it until the money appears in the account.

Online payment through the facility's vendor: faster but may cost more

Many state prisons and jails now use third-party vendors to process online deposits. Common vendors include JPay, Securus, GTL (Global Tel Link), and Paytech, though which vendor your facility uses depends on the state and the specific facility. Some facilities use more than one vendor.

To pay online, go to the vendor's website, create an account, search for the inmate by name and facility, and enter the amount you want to send. You pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer. The money usually posts to the inmate's account within one to three business days.

The trade-off is cost. Most online vendors charge a transaction fee — typically $1.50 to $3.00 per deposit, sometimes higher. Some facilities also charge their own fee on top of the vendor's fee. Before you pay, the vendor will show you the total amount the inmate will receive after fees are deducted.

To find which vendor your facility uses, search the facility's name plus "inmate deposits" or "send money," or call the commissary office and ask for the vendor's website. Do not assume all facilities in a state use the same vendor — they often do not.

Phone and debit card payments: when ready but limited availability

Some facilities allow you to call a phone number and pay with a debit or credit card over the phone. This is the fastest method when available — the money can post within hours. However, not all facilities offer this option, and those that do usually limit how much you can send per transaction.

The facility's commissary office or inmate handbook will list a phone number for this service if it is available. You will need the inmate's full name, booking number, and the amount you want to send. Have your debit or credit card ready.

Like online payments, phone deposits often include a transaction fee. Ask about the fee before you complete the payment.

Bank transfer and direct deposit: available at some state prisons

A small number of state prison systems accept direct bank transfers or ACH (Automated Clearing House) payments from your bank account. This method has no transaction fee and the money posts quickly, usually within one to two business days.

If your facility offers this option, the commissary office will provide you with routing and account information. You set up the transfer through your own bank's online system or by calling your bank. Include the inmate's name and booking number in the transfer description so the facility can match the money to the correct account.

Not all facilities offer this method, so ask the commissary office whether it is available before you try to set up a transfer.

What happens if you send money to the wrong facility or with incomplete information

If you send a money order to the wrong facility or with an incomplete name or booking number, the facility will usually return it to you. This can take several weeks. To avoid this, confirm the facility's exact name and mailing address before you send anything, and always include the inmate's full legal name and booking or ID number.

If the money order arrives without a booking number or with a name that does not match any inmate in the system, some facilities hold it in a general fund for a set period — often 30 to 90 days — before returning it. During that time, the inmate cannot access it.

If you realize you sent money to the wrong place, contact the facility's commissary office when ready. Provide your receipt or money order number. They may be able to locate it and correct the inmate's name or booking number before it is returned.

Account limits and fees that vary by facility

Many facilities set a maximum balance on inmate accounts — often between $500 and $2,000, though this varies widely. If an inmate's account reaches the limit, additional deposits will be rejected or held until the balance drops below the limit.

Some facilities charge a monthly maintenance fee on inmate accounts, or a fee each time money is deposited. A few charge a fee when the inmate withdraws money from their account to buy commissary items. These fees are deducted from the account balance.

Ask the commissary office about any fees or limits before you send money. This information is sometimes in the inmate handbook or on the facility's website, but not always. A phone call to the commissary office is the most reliable way to get accurate information.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Money order by mail takes one to three weeks. Online payments through a vendor typically post within one to three business days. Phone or debit card payments can post within hours. Bank transfers usually take one to two business days. The exact timeline depends on the facility and the method you use.

Can I send money to an inmate in a different state?

Yes. The process is the same — you need the facility's name, the inmate's full name and booking number, and the correct mailing address or online vendor for that facility. Each state's prison system uses different vendors and processes, so you will need to look up the specific facility's requirements.

What if the inmate is in a county jail and I do not know which one?

Call the county sheriff's office or search the county's inmate lookup system online. Most counties have a website where you can search by inmate name to find which jail they are in. Once you know the facility, contact that jail's commissary office for payment instructions.

Can I get my money back if the inmate is released before I send it?

If you have already sent a money order or made an online payment, contact the facility's commissary office when ready with your receipt or transaction number. Some facilities will stop the deposit if you reach them in time. If the money has already been posted to the account, the inmate may be able to withdraw it when released, or the facility may return it to you — policies vary.

Are there limits on how much I can send at one time?

Most facilities do not limit how much you can send in a single deposit, but many do limit the total balance an inmate can hold in their account. Some online vendors limit individual transactions to $500 or $1,000. Call the commissary office or check the facility's website to learn what limits explore.