Yes, but with strict limits set by the facility and the state
An inmate can have a bank account, but the rules depend entirely on which facility holds them and which state they are in. Most prisons and jails allow inmates to maintain accounts, but they restrict how much money can be held, who can deposit funds, and what the money can be used for. Some facilities require the account to be opened before incarceration; others allow family members to open one on the inmate's behalf. The account itself does not close when someone enters the system—it simply becomes subject to prison rules about access and spending.
The practical reality is that most inmates do not maintain traditional bank accounts during incarceration. Instead, they use the facility's commissary account or inmate trust account, which is a separate system run by the prison or jail itself. Money deposited into this account can only be spent at the prison commissary (the on-site store) or used to pay court fees, restitution, or phone calls. This is not a bank account in the traditional sense—it is a ledger the facility maintains—but it serves the same purpose of holding and tracking money.
Key Takeaways
- Most facilities allow inmates to keep money in a commissary or trust account run by the prison itself, separate from a personal bank account.
- Money in a commissary account can only be spent on items sold by the prison store, phone calls, court fees, or restitution—not withdrawn as cash.
- Family members can deposit money into an inmate's commissary account through the facility's approved methods, usually online portals or third-party services.
- Limits on how much money an inmate can hold vary by state and facility, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
- A personal bank account opened before incarceration can remain open, but the inmate cannot access it directly while locked up.
How commissary accounts work inside the facility
When an inmate enters a prison or jail, the facility typically sets up a trust account or commissary account automatically. This account is not a bank account—it is a record kept by the facility's finance department. Money deposited into this account sits in a general fund controlled by the prison, not in a separate account at a bank. The inmate receives a statement showing their balance, and they can spend that money only at the prison commissary or on approved services like phone calls or video visits.
The commissary is the prison store. Inmates can order items like hygiene products, snacks, clothing, and writing supplies. Prices are typically higher than outside retail, and the selection is limited to what the facility allows. Some facilities use a canteen system where inmates order from a catalog; others have a physical store that inmates visit during designated times. The money comes directly out of the commissary account—no cash is ever given to the inmate.
Limits on commissary account balances vary widely. Some facilities cap the balance at $300; others allow $2,000 or more. If an inmate reaches the limit, additional deposits are rejected until the balance drops. These limits are set by the state department of corrections or by individual facilities within state guidelines. The facility's inmate handbook will state the current limit.
Depositing money into an inmate's account
Family members and friends can deposit money into an inmate's commissary account through several methods, depending on the facility. Most prisons now use third-party services like JPay, Securus, or GTL (Global Tel Link), which allow deposits through a website or mobile app. These services charge a fee—typically $1 to $3 per transaction—which is deducted from the amount deposited. Some facilities still accept deposits by mail (a check or money order sent to the facility) or in person at the visiting room, though these methods are less common now.
The facility's visitation or commissary office will provide the exact deposit method and any restrictions. Some facilities do not accept cash deposits; others do not accept deposits from certain states. A few facilities require that deposits be made only by the inmate's immediate family. Always check the facility's website or call the commissary office before sending money—sending it through the wrong method means it will be returned or held in limbo for weeks.
Deposits typically appear in the inmate's account within 24 to 48 hours if made online, or within 5 to 10 business days if sent by mail. During this time, the money is not yet available to spend. Some facilities hold deposits for a security review before crediting them, which can add another few days.
Personal bank accounts and what happens to them
An inmate can keep a personal bank account open at a regular bank, but they cannot access it while incarcerated. The account does not close automatically when someone enters prison. However, the inmate cannot withdraw money, transfer funds, or conduct any transactions—only someone with power of attorney or a co-owner can manage the account on their behalf.
If bills are being paid from the account (mortgage, car payment, insurance), those payments will continue to be deducted. If the account has a low balance and bills are due, the account can go into overdraft. The inmate's family member or attorney may need to take action to prevent this—either by stopping automatic payments, transferring money into the account, or closing it entirely. This is why it is important for an inmate to discuss their financial accounts with a trusted family member or attorney before or immediately after incarceration.
Some inmates ask whether they can use a power of attorney to allow someone to manage their account. Yes—a power of attorney signed before incarceration (or in some cases during, depending on state law) allows another person to make deposits, pay bills, or withdraw money on the inmate's behalf. This is a separate legal document and is not set up through the prison system.
Restrictions on what money can be used for
Money in a commissary account can be spent only on items and services the facility allows. This typically includes commissary purchases, phone calls, video visits, and postage. It cannot be used to pay bail, hire an attorney, or send money to family members outside. Some facilities allow inmates to use commissary funds to pay court-ordered restitution or child support, but this varies by state and by individual court order.
If an inmate wants to send money to family or pay for legal services, they must do so through a personal bank account (if they have one and someone can manage it for them) or through cash that was on them when they were arrested and is being held by the facility. Commissary money is locked into the prison system and cannot be withdrawn or transferred out.
Some facilities also allow inmates to use commissary funds to pay for educational programs, prison job fees, or other institutional charges. The facility's inmate handbook will list all approved uses.
What happens to money when an inmate is released
When an inmate is released, any remaining balance in their commissary account is returned to them. This is typically done by check, direct deposit, or cash at the time of release. The facility will provide instructions on how the money will be returned—some facilities mail a check within a few days; others hand over cash or a debit card at the release desk.
Personal bank accounts remain the inmate's property and are unaffected by incarceration. Once released, the person can access the account normally. If the account was overdrawn or closed due to inactivity, the person can work with the bank to resolve it or reopen it.
State and facility variations
Rules about inmate accounts differ significantly by state and even by individual facility within a state. Federal prisons, state prisons, and county jails all have different policies. Some states cap commissary balances at $300; others allow $5,000 or more. Some facilities charge fees for deposits; others do not. Some accept deposits only through third-party apps; others still accept mail-in checks.
The only way to know the exact rules for a specific inmate is to contact the facility directly or check its website. The facility's inmate handbook (sometimes called the "rules and regulations" or "operations manual") will state the commissary account limits, approved deposit methods, and what money can be spent on. This handbook is usually available on the state department of corrections website or can be requested by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an inmate access their personal bank account while in prison?
No. An inmate cannot withdraw money, make transfers, or conduct any transactions on a personal bank account while incarcerated. Only someone with power of attorney or a co-owner can manage the account. The account itself remains open and active, but the inmate has no direct access to it.
What happens if money is deposited into an inmate's account after they are released?
If money is deposited into a commissary account after the inmate has been released, the facility will typically hold it or return it to the person who deposited it. Once an inmate is released, the commissary account is closed. Contact the facility's commissary office to find out what happened to the deposit and how to recover it.
Can an inmate's commissary money be seized to pay restitution or fines?
Yes, in most cases. A court order can direct the facility to deduct money from an inmate's commissary account to pay restitution, fines, or child support. The facility will follow the court order and deduct the amount. The inmate will be notified of the deduction.
Is there a fee to deposit money into an inmate's account?
Yes, most third-party deposit services charge a fee of $1 to $3 per transaction. Some facilities that accept mail-in deposits (checks or money orders) do not charge a fee, but these methods are slower. The fee is deducted from the amount deposited, so if you send $50 with a $2 fee, only $48 reaches the inmate's account.
What if an inmate's commissary account balance reaches the facility's limit?
Once the balance reaches the facility's cap (which varies by state and facility), additional deposits will be rejected. The inmate must spend money from the account to bring the balance below the limit before new deposits can be made. This is why it is important to know the limit before depositing large amounts.