The basic process: who you contact and what you need
To put money on an inmate's account, you contact the facility where they are held—not a central government office. Each jail, prison, or detention center runs its own commissary system and accepts deposits through specific channels only. You will need the inmate's full name, their booking or inmate number, and the facility name and location.
Most facilities offer three or four deposit methods: online through the facility's vendor website, by phone, by mail, or in person at the facility. The vendor varies by state and sometimes by individual facility. A federal prison uses a different system than a state prison in the same city, and a county jail uses yet another. You must find out which vendor handles deposits for the specific facility holding the inmate.
Deposits typically land in the inmate's account within one to three business days for online or phone deposits, and five to ten business days for mail. In-person deposits at the facility window are usually available the same day or next business day. Some facilities charge a processing fee—usually $1 to $3 per transaction—which comes out of the amount you send.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the specific jail, prison, or detention center where the inmate is held; each facility uses its own vendor and deposit system.
- You will need the inmate's full legal name, booking or inmate number, and the facility's name and location to send money.
- Online and phone deposits usually arrive within one to three business days; mail deposits take five to ten days.
- Processing fees of $1 to $3 per transaction are common and are deducted from the amount you send.
- The inmate can use the money only for commissary purchases, phone calls, and approved services—not for bail or legal fees.
Finding the right vendor for the facility
The facility's website is the fastest place to find deposit instructions. Search "[facility name] inmate deposits" or "[facility name] commissary." Most websites list the vendor name, accepted payment methods, and any fees. If the facility does not have a website or the information is unclear, call the facility's main number and ask for the commissary or inmate services department.
Major vendors that handle inmate deposits across multiple states include Securus, JPay, Keefe Commissary Network, and GTL (Global Tel Link). If you know the inmate's facility but not the vendor, you can search the vendor's website directly by entering the facility name. Some vendors operate only in certain states or regions, so the vendor for a facility in Texas may not operate in New York.
County jails sometimes use different vendors than state prisons in the same county. If you are unsure which facility the inmate is in, contact the county sheriff's office or state department of corrections to confirm the location and current facility assignment.
Online and phone deposit methods
Online deposits are the fastest and most common method. Go to the vendor's website, enter the inmate's name and number, select the facility, and enter the deposit amount. You will pay by debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer. The vendor will show you the processing fee before you confirm. Most online deposits process within one to three business days.
Phone deposits work the same way but require you to call the vendor's number. A representative will ask for the inmate's information, the amount, and your payment method. Phone deposits may take slightly longer to process than online deposits, and some vendors charge an additional fee for phone transactions. The vendor will provide a confirmation number; keep it in case there is a problem.
Both methods require you to create an account with the vendor or provide your contact information. The vendor may send you email confirmations and allow you to set up recurring deposits if you send money regularly. Some vendors also let you send a message to the inmate along with the deposit.
Mail and in-person deposits
To send money by mail, write a check or money order in the inmate's name and include a letter with the inmate's full name, booking number, and facility name. Mail it to the facility's commissary or inmate services address. Do not send cash through the mail. Mail deposits take five to ten business days to process, and some facilities do not accept personal checks—call ahead to confirm what they accept.
In-person deposits at the facility window are usually the fastest method. Bring a photo ID, the inmate's name and number, and cash or a check. The facility will process the deposit on the spot or within one business day. Hours are typically limited—often mornings or early afternoons on weekdays only—so call ahead to confirm when the window is open.
Some facilities no longer accept in-person deposits and require online or phone deposits instead. This is becoming more common as facilities move to vendor-based systems. Always confirm the current policy before traveling to the facility.
What the inmate can buy with deposited money
Commissary funds are restricted to specific purchases: snacks, hygiene items, clothing, writing supplies, and approved books or magazines. The inmate cannot use the money for bail, legal fees, or fines. They also cannot withdraw the money as cash. Some facilities allow phone call credits to be purchased from commissary funds, while others run phone systems separately.
The inmate accesses their account through a commissary kiosk or by submitting a commissary order form to staff. Purchases are deducted from the account balance immediately or within one business day. If the inmate is transferred to another facility, the money usually transfers with them, but this varies by state and facility. Ask the vendor or facility whether balances transfer.
If the inmate is released, most facilities return any remaining balance by check or direct deposit within 30 to 60 days. Some facilities hold the money longer or charge a fee to process the refund. Confirm the refund policy when you first deposit money.
Fees, limits, and common problems
Processing fees range from $1 to $3 per transaction and are deducted from the amount you send. Some vendors charge higher fees for credit card payments than for bank transfers. A few facilities cap the amount you can deposit per transaction (often $100 to $500) or per month (often $500 to $1,000). Check the facility's rules before sending a large amount.
If a deposit does not arrive within the stated timeframe, contact the vendor with your confirmation number. Delays usually happen because the inmate's name or number was entered incorrectly, the facility assignment changed, or the payment method was declined. The vendor can trace the deposit and reprocess it if needed. If the money was deducted from your account but did not reach the inmate, the vendor is responsible for refunding you.
Some facilities reject deposits if the inmate has a hold on their account—for example, if they owe restitution or have a pending disciplinary case. Call the facility to ask whether a hold is in place before sending money. If there is a hold, the money may be frozen in the account until the hold is lifted, or it may be returned to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out which facility an inmate is in?
Contact the county sheriff's office or state department of corrections for the state where the inmate was arrested or convicted. You can also search the inmate locator tool on the state DOC website or the federal Bureau of Prisons website if it is a federal case. Have the inmate's full legal name and date of birth ready.
Can I send money to an inmate in a different state?
Yes. Find the vendor for that state's facilities and follow the same process. Each state's prisons and jails use different vendors, so you must identify the specific facility first. Federal facilities use the Federal Bureau of Prisons system, which is separate from state systems.
What happens if I send money to the wrong inmate by mistake?
Contact the vendor immediately with your confirmation number. Most vendors can reverse the transaction if you catch it within 24 hours. If the money has already been added to the wrong inmate's account, the vendor may be able to transfer it to the correct inmate's account or refund you, but this takes longer and requires documentation.
Can an inmate refuse money sent to their account?
No. Once money is deposited, it belongs to the inmate's account and cannot be withdrawn by the sender. If you want to stop sending money, simply stop making deposits. If you have already sent money and want it back, contact the vendor to ask about refund options, though most vendors do not refund deposits once they are processed.
Do I need to tell the inmate before sending money?
It is a good idea to tell them if you can, so they know to expect it and can use it. However, if you cannot contact them, you can send money without notifying them first. The inmate will see the deposit when they check their account balance at a kiosk or through their facility account statement.