The basic process: deposit methods and who handles the money

Money sent to an inmate goes into a commissary or trust account managed by the facility, not into a personal bank account the inmate controls. You deposit the money with a third-party vendor or directly with the facility—the inmate cannot withdraw it or transfer it out. The money sits there until the inmate spends it on commissary items (snacks, hygiene products, phone calls) or, in some cases, toward restitution or court fees.

Most facilities use one of three deposit methods: a phone system (usually a recorded line you call and pay by card), an online portal (a website where you create an account and fund it), or in-person cash deposits at the facility itself. A few facilities still accept mail deposits—you send a check or money order to the facility's business office. Which method is available depends entirely on the facility and the state or county that runs it.

The inmate's account number or booking number is required for every deposit. You can usually find this on the inmate's release paperwork, a court document, or by calling the facility's main number and asking for the inmate locator service.

Key Takeaways

  • Money deposited goes into a commissary account the facility controls, not a bank account the inmate owns or can access outside the facility.
  • Most facilities offer phone, online, or in-person deposit options; check the facility's website or call to find out which methods are active.
  • You will need the inmate's booking or account number, which appears on court paperwork or can be found through the facility's inmate locator.
  • Deposits typically post within one to three business days, though some facilities process same-day or next-day for phone and online deposits.
  • Fees vary by facility and method—phone deposits often cost $1 to $3 per transaction, while online deposits may be free or charge a small percentage.

Finding the right facility and locating the inmate's account number

Start by confirming which facility holds the inmate. If you know the city or county, search "[county name] jail inmate search" or "[state name] prison inmate locator." Most state departments of corrections and county sheriff's offices maintain searchable databases on their websites. Enter the inmate's name and date of birth; the result will show their booking number, facility location, and sometimes a direct phone number for that facility's business office.

If you cannot find the inmate online, call the main number of the facility where you believe they are held. Ask for the inmate locator service or the business office. Have the inmate's full name and date of birth ready. The staff member will confirm the inmate is there, provide the booking or account number, and often tell you which deposit methods the facility accepts.

Write down the booking number and the facility's deposit phone line or website URL. These details do not change and you will use them every time you send money.

Phone deposits: the fastest method for most facilities

Most jails and prisons accept deposits by phone. Call the facility's commissary or inmate account line (the number should be on the facility's website or in the inmate locator result). You will hear a recorded system that asks for the inmate's booking number, your payment method (debit or credit card), and the amount you want to deposit.

The system will charge your card immediately and confirm the transaction with a reference number. Write down this number in case there is a dispute later. The money typically posts to the inmate's account within one business day, though some facilities process phone deposits same-day if you call before a certain time (often 2 or 3 p.m.).

Phone deposits usually cost $1 to $3 per transaction, charged on top of the amount you deposit. This fee goes to the vendor running the system, not to the facility. If you deposit $50, you might pay $52 or $53 total. Ask the recorded system or the facility's business office what the exact fee is before you complete the call.

Online deposits: lower fees and 24-hour access

Many facilities now offer online deposit portals. Search "[facility name] inmate commissary" or "[county/state] inmate account deposit" to find the portal. You will create an account with your email and a password, then enter the inmate's booking number and the amount you want to send.

Online deposits are often free or charge a flat fee of $0.50 to $1, much lower than phone deposits. You can deposit at any time of day or night. The money usually posts within one to three business days, though some facilities offer next-day posting for an extra fee.

Keep your login information secure. Some portals allow you to set up recurring deposits (weekly or monthly), which is useful if you send money regularly. You can also see the inmate's account balance and transaction history on most portals, so you know when the money arrived and what they spent it on.

In-person and mail deposits: slower but sometimes necessary

If you cannot use phone or online methods, you can deposit cash or a money order in person at the facility's business office during business hours. Bring the inmate's booking number and a photo ID. The staff will take your cash or money order, give you a receipt, and the money will post to the account within one to three business days.

Mail deposits are less common now but still accepted at some facilities. You send a check or money order to the facility's business office address (found on the facility's website) with a letter that includes the inmate's full name, booking number, and the amount enclosed. Mail deposits are slow—allow one to two weeks for the money to arrive at the facility, plus another one to three days for posting. Do not send cash by mail.

In-person deposits have no transaction fee. Mail deposits may have a small processing fee deducted by the facility, usually $1 to $2. Ask the facility's business office before you mail anything.

What happens after the money posts

Once the deposit posts, the inmate can see the balance in their account and spend it on commissary items—typically snacks, toiletries, phone time, or clothing. The facility's commissary operates on a schedule (often weekly or twice weekly), so the inmate may not be able to spend the money immediately. Ask the inmate or check the facility's website for commissary days.

Some facilities deduct fees or fines from the account automatically. Court-ordered restitution, child support, or outstanding fines may be taken from the balance without the inmate's consent. The facility should notify the inmate in writing when this happens. If you believe a deduction is wrong, contact the facility's business office or the inmate's public defender.

If the inmate is released, transferred, or dies, the remaining balance may be returned to the inmate, transferred to a new facility, or held by the state depending on the jurisdiction. Ask the facility what happens to the account balance in these scenarios.

Troubleshooting: when a deposit does not post or goes to the wrong account

If you deposited money and it does not appear in the inmate's account after three business days, contact the facility's business office with your transaction reference number (from the phone or online receipt). Provide the inmate's booking number, the amount you sent, and the date of the deposit. The staff will search their records and tell you whether the money was received and posted.

If the money was received but posted to the wrong inmate's account, the facility can usually move it. This happens most often when two inmates have similar names or booking numbers. Provide both the correct and incorrect booking numbers and ask the business office to transfer the funds.

If the money was never received, ask whether the vendor (the company running the phone or online system) or the facility is responsible for the loss. Most vendors may provide the transaction if you have a confirmation number. Request a refund from the vendor or the facility, depending on who tells you the money is missing. Keep your receipt and reference number until the issue is resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit money for an inmate in a different state?

Yes. Each state and county facility has its own deposit system, but the process is the same: find the facility's inmate account line or website, enter the booking number, and pay by card. Search "[state name] inmate commissary" or "[county name] jail deposit" to find the right portal or phone number.

What if the inmate does not know their booking number?

Call the facility's main number and ask for the inmate locator. Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth. The staff will give you the booking number. You can also ask the inmate to provide it in a phone call or letter if they have access to those.

Is there a limit to how much I can deposit at once?

Most facilities set a maximum deposit amount per transaction (often $100 to $500) and a maximum account balance (often $500 to $2,000). These limits vary by facility. Check the facility's website or call the business office to find out the limits before you deposit.

Can I get a refund if I deposit money by mistake?

Refunds are difficult. Once money is in an inmate's account, it belongs to the inmate, not to you. If you deposited the wrong amount or to the wrong person, contact the facility's business office immediately with your receipt. Some facilities will reverse a deposit within 24 hours if you catch the error quickly, but this is not may provide. Do not count on a refund.

What if the inmate is released before they spend the money?

The remaining balance is usually returned to the inmate as cash or a check when they are released. Some facilities mail it to the inmate's address on file; others give it to the inmate at release. Ask the facility's business office what their policy is so you know whether the inmate will receive the money.