The most common way is through your state's official inmate commissary system
Most state prison systems run their own money transfer services, usually called commissary or inmate accounts. You send money to the state's designated processor—not directly to the prison—and the funds appear in the inmate's account within one to three business days. The state takes a cut, typically 1 to 3 percent of each transfer.
To find your state's system, search "[your state] inmate commissary" or "[your state] inmate money transfer." The website will list accepted payment methods (debit card, credit card, bank transfer), fees, processing times, and the inmate's identification number you'll need. Some states run the system themselves; others contract it to companies like JPay, Securus, or GTL.
You do not need to be related to the inmate or have permission from the prison. Anyone can send money as long as they have the inmate's name and number.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's official commissary website is the fastest and safest route; search "[your state] inmate commissary" to find it.
- Processing takes one to three business days, and the state charges a fee of 1 to 3 percent per transfer.
- You will need the inmate's full name and identification number, which you can get from the inmate, their family, or the prison's inmate locator.
- Third-party services like JPay and Securus are faster but charge higher fees—sometimes 5 to 10 percent—so compare before you choose.
- Money sent to an inmate's account can only be spent at the prison commissary or on approved services like phone calls and video visits.
What you need before you send money
Gather the inmate's full legal name and their Department of Corrections (DOC) number or inmate ID. If you don't have it, ask the inmate directly, or call the prison's main line and ask for the inmate locator service. Some states also publish searchable inmate databases online.
Have a payment method ready: debit card, credit card, or bank account information. Most systems accept all three, though some charge different fees depending on which you use. A bank transfer is often the cheapest option if the system offers it.
Know which facility the inmate is in. Some large states have dozens of prisons, and money sent to the wrong one can be delayed or rejected. The inmate's DOC number usually includes a facility code, but confirm the prison name on the state's website.
State commissary systems versus third-party services
State-run systems are free to use and charge only the standard 1 to 3 percent fee. Processing takes one to three business days. These are the official channels and the safest option.
Third-party services like JPay, Securus, and GTL offer faster processing—sometimes same-day or next-day—but charge higher fees, often 5 to 10 percent per transfer. They also offer additional services like video visits, email, and music downloads, which may require a separate account. If speed matters and you can absorb the extra cost, they are an option. If you just need to send money, the state system is cheaper.
Some states contract exclusively with one third-party provider, so you may have no choice. Check your state's commissary website to see which services are available.
How much money you can send and what it covers
Most states cap the amount you can send per transaction—usually between $25 and $100—but allow multiple transactions per day. Some states set a monthly or account balance limit, ranging from $500 to $2,000. Check your state's rules on its commissary website.
Money in an inmate's account can be spent only on items sold at the prison commissary: snacks, hygiene products, clothing, stamps, and stationery. It can also pay for phone calls, video visits, and email services if the prison offers them. The inmate cannot withdraw cash or use the money outside the prison.
Some prisons restrict what items are available or limit how much an inmate can spend per week. These rules vary by facility, so ask the inmate what they actually need before you send money.
What happens if the transfer fails or takes too long
If your payment is rejected, the system will usually tell you why immediately: invalid card, wrong inmate number, or account balance limit reached. Correct the error and try again. Your card will not be charged if the transfer fails.
If the money does not appear in the inmate's account after the stated processing time, contact the commissary service's customer support with your transaction confirmation number. They can track the transfer and tell you where it is. Processing delays are rare but happen during system outages or high-volume periods.
If you sent money to the wrong inmate or the wrong facility, contact the commissary service immediately. Some will reverse the transfer if you catch it within hours; others will not. The sooner you report it, the better your chances.
Sending money to federal inmates
Federal inmates use a different system called the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Trust Fund. You send money through the official BOP website or by mailing a check to the facility. Processing takes five to seven business days by mail, or one to two business days online.
The BOP charges no fee for transfers. You will need the inmate's full name, register number (a nine-digit code), and the facility name. The BOP website has an inmate locator tool where you can find this information.
Federal inmates can receive up to $360 per month from outside sources, though they can accumulate more if they earn money through prison work. The rules are stricter than state systems, so read the BOP's guidelines before you send.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money if I don't know the inmate's DOC number?
Yes. Call the prison's main line and ask for the inmate locator, or search your state's online inmate database. You will need the inmate's full legal name and the state they are in. Once you have the number, you can send money immediately.
What if the inmate is in a private prison?
Private prisons use the same state commissary systems as public prisons. Search your state's commissary website; it will list all facilities, public and private. The process is identical.
Can the prison take money from an inmate's account to pay fines or restitution?
Yes. Prisons can deduct money from inmate accounts for court-ordered restitution, fines, and sometimes facility fees. Ask the inmate or the prison's business office what deductions apply before you send large amounts.
How long does money stay in an inmate's account if they are released?
Rules vary by state. Some prisons release the balance to the inmate when they leave; others hold it for a set period. Ask your state's DOC or the facility directly what happens to remaining funds after release.
Is there a way to send money without paying a fee?
State commissary systems charge 1 to 3 percent, which is the lowest available. Some states allow you to mail a check directly to the facility, which avoids the fee but takes one to two weeks. Call the prison's business office to ask if they accept mailed checks and where to send them.