The basic process: who you contact and what you need
You deposit money into an inmate's account by contacting the facility where they are held—not a bank. The prison, jail, or detention center runs its own commissary system, and that is where the money goes. You will need the inmate's full name, their booking or inmate number, and the facility name and location. Call the facility's business office or commissary department directly; they will tell you which payment methods they accept and whether there are any restrictions on the amount you can send.
Most facilities accept money orders, cashier's checks, and credit or debit card payments over the phone. Some accept wire transfers or deposits through third-party money transfer services. A few accept cash deposits in person at the facility, but this is becoming less common. The money typically appears in the inmate's account within one to three business days, though some facilities process deposits the same day.
Do not send cash through the mail. It will be confiscated, and you will not get it back. Do not send it to the inmate's cell or through another inmate—the facility will seize it and may discipline the inmate for receiving contraband.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the facility's business office or commissary department directly—they run the account system, not a bank or outside company.
- You will need the inmate's full name, booking or inmate number, and the facility location to make a deposit.
- Money orders, cashier's checks, and phone card payments are the most widely accepted methods; wire transfers and third-party services are available at some facilities.
- Deposits usually show up in the inmate's account within one to three business days, and the inmate can then spend the money at the commissary.
- Never send cash through the mail or give money to another inmate—the facility will confiscate it.
Finding the facility's contact information and payment methods
Start by searching the facility's name plus "commissary" or "inmate account" online. Most state prison systems, county jails, and federal facilities publish their commissary phone numbers and accepted payment methods on their websites. If you cannot find it online, call the main facility number and ask to be transferred to the business office or commissary department.
When you call, ask three specific things: what payment methods they accept, whether there is a maximum deposit amount per transaction, and how long deposits take to post. Some facilities cap deposits at $100 or $200 per transaction, while others allow $500 or more. A few have daily or monthly limits. Write down the exact payment instructions, including any reference numbers or account codes you will need to provide.
If the facility uses a third-party money transfer service—companies like JPay, Securus, or GTL are common—you may be able to deposit money online through their website or app instead of calling. These services charge a fee, usually $2 to $5 per transaction. The facility will tell you whether they use one and provide the link.
Payment methods: money orders, checks, cards, and wire transfers
Money orders are the safest method if you are mailing a deposit. Buy one at a post office, grocery store, or check-cashing service. Make it payable to the facility (not the inmate), write the inmate's name and booking number on the memo line, and mail it to the address the facility provides. Include a note with the inmate's full name and number. The facility will receive it, verify the information, and deposit it into the account.
Cashier's checks work the same way as money orders. You get them from a bank, make them payable to the facility, and mail them with the inmate's information clearly marked. Both money orders and checks take longer than other methods because they have to be received, processed, and deposited—usually five to ten business days total.
Credit or debit card payments are the fastest. Call the facility's commissary department, give them your card information, and the deposit posts within hours or one business day. Some facilities allow you to pay online through their website instead. Card payments may carry a processing fee of $1 to $3, which the facility will deduct from the deposit amount.
Wire transfers are available at some facilities but are less common. You initiate a wire through your bank to the facility's account. This is faster than mailing a check but more expensive—your bank will charge a wire fee, usually $15 to $30. Ask the facility whether they accept wires and for their banking details before you attempt one.
Deposits through third-party money transfer services
Many facilities partner with companies like JPay, Securus, Keefe Group, or GTL to handle inmate deposits. These services let you send money online or through an app without calling the facility. You create an account, search for the inmate by name and booking number, and choose how much to deposit. The money is deducted from your bank account or card immediately, and it usually appears in the inmate's account within one business day.
The trade-off is cost. Third-party services charge fees that can range from $2 to $5 per transaction, and some charge a percentage of the deposit amount. A $50 deposit might cost $3 to $5 in fees. The facility does not set these fees—the service provider does—and the inmate does not receive the fee amount. Ask the facility which service they use and check that service's fee schedule before you deposit.
If you use a third-party service, keep your login information secure. Do not share your password with the inmate or anyone else. The service will send you a confirmation email each time you make a deposit, so you have a record of the transaction.
What happens after the money is deposited
Once the deposit posts to the inmate's account, they can use it to buy items from the commissary—snacks, hygiene products, phone time, stamps, or other goods the facility sells. The inmate typically places a commissary order through a paper form or electronic kiosk, depending on the facility. The cost of the items is deducted from their account balance.
The inmate cannot withdraw the money as cash. It stays in the account and can only be spent at the commissary. If the inmate is released, transferred to another facility, or the account is closed for any reason, the remaining balance may be returned to you or to the inmate as a check, depending on the facility's policy. Ask about this when you first contact the facility.
Some facilities allow the inmate to use the account to pay for services like phone calls, video visits, or legal copies. The facility will explain what the money can be used for when you set up the account or make your first deposit.
Restrictions, limits, and what to avoid
Most facilities have a maximum account balance—often $500 to $2,000. If the inmate's account reaches that limit, further deposits will be rejected. Check the current balance before you send money. You can usually find this information by calling the facility or logging into the third-party service if one is used.
Some facilities restrict who can make deposits. A few require that deposits come only from family members or legal representatives, not friends. Others have no restriction. Ask the facility about this when you call.
Do not attempt to deposit money on behalf of someone else without their knowledge or consent. Do not try to send money to an inmate you do not know personally. Facilities investigate suspicious deposits, and you could face legal consequences if the money is connected to illegal activity.
If you send a deposit and it does not appear in the inmate's account within the stated timeframe, contact the facility again with your transaction reference number or confirmation email. Deposits can be delayed if the inmate's information is entered incorrectly, if the facility is processing a backlog, or if there is a problem with the payment method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit money for an inmate in a different state?
Yes. Contact the facility where the inmate is held and follow their deposit process. The methods are the same whether the facility is in your state or another state. If you are mailing a money order or check, allow extra time for mail delivery.
What if I do not know the inmate's booking number?
Call the facility and provide the inmate's full name and date of birth. The staff can look up the booking number for you. You will need this number to make a deposit, so get it before you attempt to send money.
Can the inmate's account be frozen or seized?
Yes. If the inmate owes restitution, court fines, or facility fees, the facility or a court can order money in the account to be applied to those debts. Some facilities also deduct fees for services like medical visits or disciplinary costs. Ask the facility whether there are any holds or pending deductions on the account before you deposit money.
What if the inmate is transferred to another facility?
Contact the new facility and ask whether the account balance transfers automatically or whether you need to set up a new account. Some facilities transfer balances; others require a new deposit. The inmate's booking number may change, so get the new number from the receiving facility.
Is there a way to send money without paying a fee?
Mailing a money order or check avoids third-party service fees, but you pay for the money order or check itself and for postage. Calling the facility to pay by card may have a small processing fee, but it is usually lower than third-party service fees and the money arrives faster. Compare the total cost and speed of each method before you choose.