Yes, but the person in custody must be the one to open it
You cannot open a bank account on behalf of someone who is incarcerated. The person in custody must open the account themselves, either in person at the facility or through a mail-in process that their institution allows. Banks require the account holder to sign documents and verify their identity directly — they will not accept a power of attorney or a family member acting as a proxy for this purpose.
The reason is straightforward: federal banking regulations require the account owner to complete their own identity verification. This protects both the bank and the incarcerated person from fraud. What you can do is help them understand the process, gather the documents they need, and send materials to them if the facility permits incoming mail.
Key Takeaways
- The incarcerated person must initiate and sign all account-opening documents themselves; no one can open an account for them.
- Many facilities have a commissary account system already in place, which is separate from a personal bank account and does not require external banking.
- If the person wants a real bank account, they need a valid ID, a mailing address (often the facility address or a family member's), and permission from their institution to receive mail from the bank.
- Some banks offer accounts specifically for incarcerated people or those re-entering society, but availability depends on the state and the bank.
- Money sent to an incarcerated person typically goes through the facility's commissary system first, not directly into a personal bank account.
How money actually moves for incarcerated people
Most facilities run their own commissary account system. When family or friends send money, it goes into this account, not a personal bank account. The incarcerated person then uses commissary funds to buy items from the facility store — toiletries, snacks, phone credits, or clothing. This money never leaves the facility's control.
A personal bank account is different. It sits outside the facility and holds money the person can access after release. Some people want this for savings or to rebuild credit before they leave. But the facility must allow the person to maintain contact with a bank, which not all do. Some institutions restrict mail from financial institutions or prohibit phone calls to banks.
Before pursuing a bank account, ask the incarcerated person's facility what their policy is on outside banking. Some prisons and jails have a list of approved banks or will not allow it at all. If the facility permits it, the person can move forward with opening an account.
What the incarcerated person needs to open an account
A valid government-issued ID is the first requirement. This is usually a driver's license, state ID, or passport. If the person does not have one, they may be able to request a state ID through the facility's administrative office before release, though this varies by state and institution.
The second requirement is a mailing address. Some people use the facility address itself, though mail delivery to incarcerated people is monitored and may be delayed. Others use a family member's address, which is faster and more private. The bank will send statements, cards, and other documents to this address.
The third requirement is the ability to sign documents. The person must complete the bank's account-opening form in their own handwriting and return it by mail or in person if the bank has a branch at or near the facility. Some banks now offer remote account opening through video verification, but this requires the facility to allow video calls with outside parties — most do not.
Banks and programs that work with incarcerated people
Not all banks will open accounts for people in custody. Some have policies against it. Others will do it if the person can mail in a completed application and provide valid ID. A few banks and credit unions have specific programs for incarcerated people or those preparing for re-entry.
The Second Chance Banking movement has created accounts designed for people with criminal records or those currently incarcerated. Some credit unions, particularly those focused on criminal justice reform, offer these. The terms vary widely — some charge monthly fees, others do not. Some report to credit bureaus to help rebuild credit; others do not.
The best approach is to contact banks in your state directly and ask whether they will open an account for someone in custody. Be specific: give the person's name, the facility name, and ask what documents and process they require. Write down the answer and send it to the incarcerated person so they know what to do.
How to send money to someone incarcerated
If the person does not yet have a personal bank account, money goes through the facility's commissary system. You can typically send money through one of these routes: a third-party money transfer service (like JPay, Securus, or GTL), a direct deposit to the commissary account if the facility allows it, or a check or money order mailed to the facility's business office.
Each facility has its own approved vendors and procedures. Call the facility's business office or commissary department and ask how to send money. They will tell you the exact steps, any fees involved, and how long it takes to appear in the person's account. Fees can range from nothing to several dollars per transaction, depending on the method and facility.
Once money is in the commissary account, the person can use it to buy items or, at some facilities, to pay for phone calls or video visits. It does not automatically transfer to a personal bank account.
What happens when someone is released
If the incarcerated person opened a bank account while in custody, they can access it immediately upon release. The account will have been sitting dormant or receiving deposits, and they can use the debit card or withdraw funds at an ATM.
If they did not open an account beforehand, they can do so after release. At that point, the process is the same as for anyone else — they walk into a bank with ID and proof of address, and open an account on the spot. Many banks have programs specifically for people re-entering society, which may offer lower fees or credit-building features.
Some facilities provide a release packet that includes information about banks and financial resources in the area where the person will be released. If the person is being released to a specific city or state, you can research banks there in advance and have that information ready for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add money to an account I open for someone incarcerated?
No — you cannot open an account for them. However, if they open an account themselves and give you the account number, you can deposit money into it by transferring funds online or writing a check, depending on the bank's rules. Ask the bank what methods they allow for deposits to accounts held by incarcerated people.
What if the person does not have a valid ID?
They can request a state ID through the facility's administrative office before release. This usually takes several weeks. Some banks will wait for the ID to arrive before opening the account; others will not. Contact the bank first to see if they will hold an application or delay the opening until ID is available.
Will opening a bank account affect parole or release conditions?
No. A bank account is not a violation of parole or release conditions. However, the facility may have its own rules about outside banking, so check with them first. Some facilities restrict mail from banks or prohibit phone contact with financial institutions.
Can the facility take money from a personal bank account?
Generally, no — a personal bank account outside the facility is separate from the commissary system and cannot be accessed by the institution. However, if the person owes restitution, fines, or facility fees, the court or facility may be able to garnish the account. This is rare but possible, so the person should be aware of any outstanding financial obligations.
What if the person is transferred to a different facility?
A personal bank account stays open and active regardless of transfers. The person can continue to receive deposits and access the account after release. The mailing address on file may need to be updated if mail is not reaching them, but the account itself does not close or reset.