What You Can and Cannot Do
You cannot open a bank account on behalf of someone in prison without their direct involvement and signature. Banks require the account holder to sign documents in person or through a notarized power of attorney, and most prisons do not allow notaries to visit inmates for this purpose. The person in prison must either open the account themselves through the prison's approved financial services, or they must grant you legal power of attorney before incarceration — which is rarely possible after they are already inside.
What you can do is help them access accounts they already have, deposit money into existing accounts, or help them set up accounts through the prison's commissary system. Some facilities allow inmates to request account opening through the prison's trust office or approved financial partners, though the inmate must initiate the request themselves.
Key Takeaways
- The person in prison must sign account documents themselves; you cannot open an account in their name without their signature and presence.
- Most prisons offer commissary accounts or trust accounts that inmates can open through the facility's financial office, and this is the most direct route.
- If you have a power of attorney signed before their incarceration, you may be able to open or manage accounts on their behalf, but this is uncommon and varies by state.
- You can deposit money into an existing account or commissary account without power of attorney, as long as you know the account number or inmate number.
- Contact the prison's business office or trust office directly to learn what financial services are available and what documents the inmate needs to request.
How Prison Commissary and Trust Accounts Work
Most correctional facilities operate a commissary system where inmates can hold money to purchase items from the prison store — food, hygiene products, phone credits, and other approved goods. The inmate opens this account by submitting a form to the prison's trust office or commissary department. Money deposited into the account is held by the facility, not by a bank, and the inmate accesses it through a PIN or account number at the commissary window or kiosk.
Some prisons also offer trust accounts, which are separate from commissary and may hold money for legal fees, restitution, or other purposes. The inmate requests this account through the same process. You can deposit money into either account by sending a check or money order to the prison's business office with the inmate's name and number clearly written, or by using an approved third-party service like JPay, Securus, or GTL (the specific service depends on the facility).
The inmate does not need to be present for you to deposit money, but they must have already opened the account themselves. Contact the prison's business office to confirm the account exists and to learn the correct mailing address or online deposit method.
Using Power of Attorney Before Incarceration
If the person signed a durable power of attorney before going to prison, you may be able to open or manage bank accounts on their behalf. A durable power of attorney is a legal document that names you as their agent and remains valid even if they become incapacitated — and some states treat incarceration as a situation where this power applies. However, banks vary in whether they will accept a power of attorney from someone in prison, and some refuse outright because they cannot verify the principal's current wishes.
If you have a power of attorney, bring it to the bank along with your ID and the inmate's ID or birth certificate. The bank will review it and decide whether to honor it. Some banks will ask for a letter from the prison confirming the person's incarceration, or they may require a court order. Do not assume the power of attorney will work — call the bank first and ask what documents they need.
If no power of attorney exists and the person is already in prison, you cannot create one retroactively. The person in prison cannot sign new legal documents without a notary present, and most prisons do not allow this.
Sending Money to Someone in Prison
The fastest way to send money is through an approved third-party service. Most facilities contract with one or more companies — JPay, Securus, GTL, or Paypal (in some states) — that allow you to deposit money online using a credit or debit card. You enter the inmate's name and number, choose the amount, and the money appears in their commissary account within one to three business days. These services charge a fee, usually $1.50 to $3.95 per transaction.
You can also send a check or money order by mail. Write the inmate's full name and number on the check or money order, and mail it to the prison's business office address. Include a letter with the inmate's name, number, and the amount enclosed. Mail delivery takes one to two weeks, and processing takes another week or two. Some facilities no longer accept checks, so call ahead to confirm.
Never send cash by mail. It will be confiscated or lost. Some prisons allow money to be deposited in person at the facility's business office during visiting hours, though this varies by state and facility.
What Happens to Money After Release
When the person is released, any money remaining in their prison commissary or trust account is returned to them — usually as a check mailed to their release address, or in cash at the time of release. They can then open a regular bank account on their own. Some states offer "second chance" banking programs specifically for people with criminal records or no banking history, which may have lower fees or easier approval.
If the person is released and wants to open a bank account immediately, they will need a photo ID and proof of address. A utility bill, lease, or letter from a shelter or transitional housing program can serve as proof of address. Some banks will open an account with just an ID if the person has no address yet.
State and Facility Variations
Rules differ significantly between state prisons, federal prisons, and local jails. Federal facilities often have different commissary systems than state prisons. Some states allow inmates to have regular bank accounts; others do not. A few states have banned third-party money transfer services, requiring deposits by mail only.
The only way to know what is available is to contact the specific facility. Call the prison's business office or trust office and ask: What financial accounts can the inmate open? What is the process? What third-party services are approved? What is the mailing address for deposits? Write down the name of the person you speak to and the date, in case you need to follow up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add money to an account if I don't know the inmate's account number?
You need either the account number or the inmate's full name and number. If you are using a third-party service like JPay, you enter the inmate's name and number and the system finds their account. If you are mailing a check, write the inmate's name and number clearly on the check and the envelope. The prison's business office will match it to their account.
What if the inmate wants to open a bank account with a real bank, not just a prison account?
Most banks will not open an account for someone in prison because they cannot verify the person's identity in person and cannot confirm they are opening the account of their own will. Some online banks may be more flexible, but the inmate would need to contact them directly. This is rare and depends on the bank's policy.
Can I use the inmate's Social Security number to open an account without their signature?
No. Banks require the account holder's signature on the account agreement. Using someone's Social Security number without their signature and consent is identity theft, regardless of your relationship to them. The only exception is if you have a valid power of attorney signed before their incarceration.
What if money I sent goes missing or is not credited?
If you sent money through a third-party service, contact that company with your receipt or confirmation number. They can track the deposit and contact the prison if it was not credited. If you mailed a check or money order, contact the prison's business office with the date you mailed it and the amount. Ask them to search their records. Keep copies of any receipts or confirmation emails.
Can I set up automatic deposits to an inmate's account?
Some third-party services allow you to set up recurring deposits on a schedule you choose — weekly, monthly, or on a specific date. This is available through JPay and some other providers. Set it up through their website or app. You can stop or change the amount at any time.