The basic process: who you pay and how
You send money to the inmate's account through the facility where they are held, not directly to them. The prison or jail runs a commissary system — a store where inmates buy food, hygiene items, phone time, and other goods. Money you deposit goes into that account, and the inmate withdraws it as they need it.
Most facilities use one of three methods: a third-party payment processor (the most common route), a direct deposit to the facility's bank account, or in-person cash deposit at the facility itself. Which method is available depends on where the person is incarcerated. You will need the inmate's full name, booking number or inmate number, and the facility name to start.
The facility's commissary office or inmate services department sets the rules: deposit limits, which payment methods they accept, how long deposits take to post, and whether they charge fees. These rules vary widely by state, county, and even individual facility. Call the facility directly or check their website before you send money — a deposit sent the wrong way can take weeks to reach the account, or may be returned.
Key Takeaways
- Money goes to the facility's commissary account in the inmate's name, not to the inmate directly, and they access it through the prison or jail store.
- Most facilities use a third-party payment processor like JPay, Securus, or GTL, which charges a fee (usually $2 to $5 per transaction) on top of the amount you send.
- You will need the inmate's full name, booking or inmate number, and the facility name; calling the facility's commissary office tells you which payment method they accept and how long deposits take to post.
- Deposits typically post within one to three business days, but some facilities process them weekly or have other delays, so plan ahead if the inmate needs money urgently.
- Most facilities cap how much you can deposit per transaction and per month, and these limits vary — some allow $500 per deposit, others allow $50.
Third-party payment processors and their fees
The majority of prisons and jails contract with a payment processor to handle deposits. The largest are JPay, Securus, GTL, and Paypal (in some facilities). You create an account on their website or app, enter the inmate's information, and pay by debit card, credit card, or bank transfer. The processor charges a fee — typically $2 to $5 per transaction — on top of the amount you deposit. That fee goes to the processor, not the facility.
Processing time varies. Some processors post deposits within one business day; others take two to three days. A few facilities process deposits only once or twice a week, so money sent on a Friday may not post until the following Tuesday or Wednesday. Check the processor's website for the specific facility to see their posted timeline.
Each processor has its own account system, so if an inmate is held at two different facilities that use different processors, you will need separate accounts. The inmate cannot transfer money between accounts — you have to deposit to each one separately.
Direct bank deposits and facility-specific methods
Some facilities, particularly smaller county jails, accept direct deposits to their commissary account. You will need the facility's bank routing number and account number, which the commissary office provides. You can set this up through your own bank's bill-pay system or wire transfer service. Direct deposits typically cost less than third-party processors — often just your bank's standard wire fee, if any — but they are slower, usually taking three to five business days to post.
A few facilities still accept in-person cash deposits at a window in the facility or at a designated location. This method is fastest — money often posts the same day — but it requires you to be physically present during business hours. Call the facility to ask whether they accept walk-in deposits and where to go.
Some facilities also accept money orders or cashier's checks mailed directly to the commissary office. These are slow (one to two weeks) and carry the risk of loss in the mail, so they are a last resort if other methods are not available.
Deposit limits and account holds
Facilities set caps on how much you can deposit per transaction and per month. These limits vary significantly. Some allow $500 per deposit with no monthly cap; others allow only $50 per deposit or $200 per month. A few facilities have no limit at all. Check with the facility or the payment processor before you send money, because a deposit that exceeds the limit may be rejected or held in a pending state.
Some facilities also hold deposits for a set period — typically three to seven days — before posting them to the account. This is a security measure to detect fraud. During the hold period, the inmate cannot spend the money, though they can usually see it listed as "pending" in their account balance.
If you deposit more than the limit or the facility suspects fraud, the money may be returned to you. The processor or facility will notify you, but the refund can take one to two weeks. Plan ahead and deposit in smaller amounts if you are unsure of the limit.
What happens if a deposit goes wrong
If money does not appear in the account within the posted timeline, contact the payment processor first. Log into your account and look for a transaction receipt or confirmation number. The processor can tell you whether the deposit posted, is still pending, or was rejected. If it was rejected, they will explain why — usually an incorrect inmate number, a name mismatch, or exceeding the deposit limit.
If the processor says the deposit posted but the inmate does not see it, contact the facility's commissary office. There may be a delay between when the processor records the deposit and when the facility's system updates. Commissary staff can check the inmate's account directly and tell you the current balance.
If money was deducted from your account but never reached the inmate, file a dispute with the payment processor immediately. Provide your receipt number and the date of the deposit. The processor will investigate and either repost the money or refund it to your account. This process usually takes one to two weeks.
Fees, taxes, and what the inmate can buy
Payment processor fees are not refundable and are not tax-deductible. You pay the fee in addition to the amount you deposit, so if you send $50 and the fee is $3, the inmate receives $50 in their account and you are charged $53 total.
The inmate can use the money to buy items from the facility's commissary: snacks, hygiene products, clothing, writing supplies, and sometimes books or electronics. They cannot withdraw cash or transfer money out of the account. Some facilities allow inmates to use commissary funds to pay for phone calls, video visits, or other services; others do not. Ask the facility what the money can be used for.
If the inmate is released, transferred to another facility, or dies, the remaining balance in their account is handled according to facility policy. Some facilities refund it to the person who deposited the money; others send it to the inmate's next of kin or to the state. Ask the facility what happens to unused funds in your situation.
Finding the right facility contact and payment method
Start by calling the facility's main number and asking for the commissary office or inmate services. Tell them the inmate's name and booking number, and ask which payment methods they accept, what the deposit limits are, and how long deposits take to post. Write down the answers — they are specific to that facility and may differ from what you find online.
If the facility has a website, look for a commissary or inmate services page. Most state prison systems and larger county jails post this information online, including links to the payment processor they use. If you cannot find it online, the phone call is your fastest option.
If the inmate is in a private prison or a facility run by a private company, the payment process may be different. Ask whether the facility uses a third-party processor or handles deposits directly. Private facilities sometimes charge higher fees or have stricter limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit money if I do not know the inmate's booking number?
Most payment processors require either the booking number or inmate number to process a deposit. If you do not have it, call the facility and provide the inmate's full name and date of birth. The commissary office can give you the number. Without it, your deposit will likely be rejected.
What if the inmate is transferred to a different facility?
Money in the old facility's account stays there — it does not transfer automatically. You will need to deposit to the new facility's account separately. Contact the new facility's commissary office to find out which payment method they use. Ask the old facility what happens to the remaining balance; some facilities allow you to request a refund, while others hold it for a set period in case the inmate is transferred back.
Can I deposit money for someone else's commissary account?
Yes. You do not have to be a family member or have any legal relationship to the inmate. Anyone can deposit money into anyone else's commissary account as long as they have the inmate's name and booking number. The facility does not verify who is sending the money.
How do I know if my deposit went through?
Log into your payment processor account and check your transaction history. You should see a confirmation or receipt number. The inmate can also check their commissary balance through the facility's system, usually via a kiosk in their housing unit or by calling a phone number the facility provides. If the deposit shows as posted in the processor's system but not in the inmate's balance, contact the facility's commissary office.
What if the facility does not accept any of the payment methods I can use?
Call the commissary office and ask what methods are available. If they only accept a processor you cannot access or a direct bank deposit you cannot make, ask whether they accept mail-in money orders or cashier's checks. This is slower but may be your only option. Some facilities also allow family members to visit and make in-person cash deposits at a designated window.