The basic process: who you contact and what you need
To put money in an inmate account, you contact the facility where the person is held—not a central government office. Each jail, prison, or detention center runs its own commissary system and has its own rules about how money gets in. You will need the inmate's full name, their booking or inmate number, and the facility name and location. Without the inmate number, the deposit often fails or gets delayed.
Most facilities now accept deposits through a third-party vendor rather than directly. The largest vendors are JPay, Securus, GTL (Global Tel Link), and Keefe Commissary Network. The facility's website or a phone call to the commissary office will tell you which vendor handles that specific location. Do not assume all facilities use the same vendor—they do not.
You can usually deposit money by phone, online, or in person at a kiosk. Phone and online deposits charge a fee—typically between $1.50 and $3.95 per transaction, depending on the vendor and the amount. In-person deposits at a kiosk in the facility lobby may have lower or no fees, but not all facilities have kiosks. Some facilities also accept mail deposits, though these are slower and riskier.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the specific facility's commissary office or check their website to find out which vendor handles deposits for that location.
- You will need the inmate's full name, booking or inmate number, and the facility name; deposits without the inmate number often fail.
- Most deposits go through third-party vendors like JPay or Securus and charge a transaction fee of $1.50 to $3.95.
- Money deposited online or by phone usually appears in the inmate account within one to three business days, but timing varies by facility and vendor.
- If you mail a check or money order, include the inmate's full name and number on the envelope and allow two to four weeks for processing.
Depositing money online or by phone
Online deposits are the fastest and most common method. Go to the vendor's website (JPay.com, Securus.com, or the vendor your facility uses), create an account, and enter the inmate's information. You will then enter your payment method—debit card, credit card, or bank account. The fee is charged at the time of deposit and is separate from the amount you are sending. For example, if you send $50, you may pay an additional $2.95 fee, so $52.95 leaves your account.
Phone deposits work the same way but require you to call the vendor's number. The vendor will ask for the inmate's information and your payment details over the phone. Phone deposits take slightly longer to process because they are manual, but they are useful if you do not have internet access or prefer not to create an online account.
Both methods typically show the money in the inmate's account within one to three business days. Some vendors offer rush deposits for an extra fee—usually $5 to $10—that post within 24 hours. The inmate can then use the money to buy commissary items (snacks, hygiene products, phone time) or, in some facilities, to pay fines or court costs.
Mailing money or using in-person kiosks
If you mail money, send a check or money order only—never cash. Write the inmate's full name and booking number on the envelope and the check itself. Mail it to the facility's commissary office address, which you can find on the facility's website or by calling. Do not send it to the general facility address; it may get lost. Allow two to four weeks for processing, and keep a record of what you sent in case it does not arrive.
In-person kiosk deposits are available at some facilities and are usually free or charge a small fee. You insert cash or a card into the kiosk, enter the inmate's information, and the money posts immediately or within hours. Not all facilities have kiosks, and some restrict kiosk access to certain hours or days. Call the commissary office to ask whether your facility has one and when you can use it.
Mailed deposits are the slowest and highest-risk option because mail can be lost or delayed. Use mail only if you have no other way to send money. In-person kiosks are faster and safer than mail but require you to travel to the facility.
What happens if the deposit fails or gets lost
If money does not appear in the inmate's account after the expected time, contact the vendor first. Have your transaction number or receipt ready. The vendor can tell you whether the deposit posted, whether it is still processing, or whether it failed. If it failed, ask why—common reasons are a typo in the inmate number, an incorrect facility name, or a payment method issue.
If the vendor confirms the money was sent but the inmate never received it, ask the vendor to file a trace. This is a formal request to locate the money. Traces usually take one to two weeks. If the money is found, it will be credited to the inmate's account. If it is not found, the vendor will issue a refund to your original payment method, which can take another one to two weeks.
For mailed deposits, contact the facility's commissary office directly if the money does not arrive within four weeks. Bring your mailing receipt or a copy of the check. The commissary staff can search their records and may be able to locate it. If they cannot, you may need to stop payment on the check and send another one.
Fees, limits, and restrictions
Transaction fees are not optional and are set by the vendor, not the facility. They range from $1.50 to $3.95 per deposit and are charged every time you send money. Some vendors offer monthly subscription plans that reduce or waive fees, but these require a commitment and may not be worth it if you send money infrequently.
Most facilities set a maximum balance the inmate can hold in their account—often $500 to $1,000, though this varies. If the inmate's balance is already at the limit, your deposit will be rejected. The inmate must spend down their balance before you can add more money. Some facilities also set daily or weekly deposit limits, so check with the commissary office before sending large amounts.
A few facilities do not allow deposits from outside sources at all and only accept money earned by the inmate through work or commissary sales. This is rare, but it happens. Always confirm with the facility that deposits are allowed before you send money.
Deposits for bail, fines, and court costs
Commissary deposits are different from bail or legal fee payments. If you are trying to pay bail, a fine, or court costs, do not use the commissary system. Instead, contact the court directly or the bail bondsman handling the case. Money sent to a commissary account cannot be used for bail and will not help the inmate get released.
Some facilities allow commissary money to be applied to court-ordered fines or restitution, but this is not automatic. The inmate or their attorney must request it, and the facility must approve it. Ask the commissary office or the inmate's attorney whether this option is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out which vendor my facility uses?
Search the facility's name plus "inmate deposits" or "commissary" online, or call the facility's commissary office directly. They will tell you the vendor name and provide a phone number or website. Do not guess—using the wrong vendor will cause your deposit to fail.
Can I deposit money if I do not know the inmate's booking number?
Some vendors will accept a deposit with just the inmate's full name and facility, but it may take longer to process or could be rejected. Get the booking number before you send money. You can find it by calling the facility or asking the inmate to provide it during a phone call.
What if the inmate is transferred to a different facility?
Money in a commissary account usually does not transfer with the inmate. Contact the original facility's commissary office to ask what happens to the balance. Some facilities will transfer it; others will not. You may need to withdraw the money or have the inmate spend it before the transfer.
Can I get a refund if I send money by mistake?
Once money is deposited into a commissary account, it is usually not refundable. Contact the vendor or facility immediately if you made an error, but be prepared for the answer to be no. Some vendors may make exceptions for duplicate deposits or obvious mistakes, but this is not may provide.
Is there a way to avoid paying transaction fees?
In-person kiosk deposits are often free or charge less than online deposits. Some vendors offer fee-free deposits on specific days or through subscription plans. Call the facility or check the vendor's website for current fee structures and any promotions.