The three ways to send money to an inmate

You can send money to an inmate through the facility's commissary system, a third-party money transfer service, or by mailing a check or money order directly to the prison. Which method works depends on the specific facility — each prison or jail sets its own rules about what it accepts. Most facilities now use one contracted vendor for all inmate deposits, so your first step is to find out which one your facility uses and whether they require online transfers, phone payments, or in-person deposits.

The money does not go into a traditional bank account. Instead, it lands in a commissary account or trust account that the inmate can use to buy items from the prison store — snacks, hygiene products, phone credits, or clothing — or to pay court fees and restitution. Some facilities let inmates transfer money to other inmates' accounts or use it for medical copays.

Processing times vary. Online transfers through the vendor's website or app often post within 24 hours on weekdays. Phone payments may take one to three business days. Mailed checks can take two to four weeks, depending on mail handling at the facility.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the facility directly or check its website to learn which money transfer vendor it uses — this is the fastest way to find the correct process.
  • Most facilities require you to set up an account with their contracted vendor and use that vendor's website, app, or phone line to send money.
  • Online transfers typically post within one business day; mailed checks take two to four weeks and may not be accepted at all facilities.
  • The money goes into a commissary or trust account the inmate controls, not a bank account, and can be used only for prison store purchases and approved fees.
  • Fees charged by the vendor vary — some facilities absorb the cost, others pass it to you, and the amount can range from $1 to $3 per transaction.

Finding the facility's money transfer vendor

Every prison and jail has a contract with one money transfer company. The most common vendors are JPay, Securus, GTL (Global Tel Link), and Keefe Group, but smaller facilities may use regional services. You need to know which one your facility uses before you can send money.

Start by calling the facility's main number and asking for the commissary or inmate accounts office. They will tell you the vendor name and give you the website or phone number. If you cannot reach anyone by phone, check the facility's official website — most post this information in an FAQ or inmate resources section. Do not rely on a third-party website; go directly to the prison or jail's own site.

Once you have the vendor name, go to their website and search for the inmate by name and facility. You will need the inmate's full name and usually their inmate number. If you do not have the inmate number, the facility can provide it when you call.

Setting up and making your first transfer

Most vendors require you to create an account before you can send money. You will provide your name, email, phone number, and payment method — usually a debit card, credit card, or bank account. Some vendors also accept prepaid cards, but policies vary.

Once your account is set up, you search for the inmate, enter the amount you want to send, and choose your payment method. The vendor will show you any fees before you confirm. Review this carefully — fees are not always obvious and can range from $1 to $3 per transaction depending on the vendor and facility.

After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this for your records. The money should post to the inmate's account within one business day if you transfer online. If you pay by phone, allow one to three business days. The inmate will see the deposit in their commissary account and can use it immediately once it posts.

Mailing money directly to the facility

Some facilities still accept mailed checks or money orders, though this is becoming less common. Call the facility and ask whether they accept mail-in deposits and what the procedure is. If they do, you will typically mail a check or money order to a specific address at the facility, along with a form that includes the inmate's name and number.

Mailed deposits are slow — expect two to four weeks for processing, and some facilities may not count the deposit until the inmate's next commissary order. A few facilities no longer accept mailed money at all and require the vendor's system instead. Always confirm the facility's current policy before mailing anything.

If you mail money, use a check or money order, never cash. Include a note with the inmate's full name and inmate number. Send it to the address the facility provides, not to a general prison address. Keep a copy of what you sent and the date you mailed it.

What happens to the money once it is deposited

The inmate receives a receipt or statement showing the deposit. They can then use the balance to order from the commissary — either through a paper order form they submit to staff, or through a digital kiosk or app if the facility has one. The inmate cannot withdraw the money as cash.

Some facilities allow inmates to transfer money to other inmates' accounts, pay court costs or restitution, or cover medical copays directly from their commissary balance. The rules depend on the facility. Ask the inmate or call the facility to learn what the money can be used for.

If the inmate is released, transferred to another facility, or the account goes inactive, the remaining balance may be returned to you, sent to the inmate, or forfeited depending on the facility's policy. Check with the facility about what happens to unused funds.

Fees and payment method limits

Vendors charge fees for processing transfers, and these fees vary widely. Some facilities cover the cost for you; others pass it to the sender. Fees typically range from $1 to $3 per transaction. A few vendors charge a percentage of the amount transferred instead of a flat fee.

Most vendors accept debit cards and credit cards, but some do not accept certain card types or prepaid cards. Bank account transfers (ACH) are usually free or cost less than card payments, but they take longer — often three to five business days instead of one. Ask the vendor about your payment options before you set up your account.

Some vendors also charge a monthly maintenance fee if you use their service regularly, though this is less common. Check the vendor's fee schedule on their website or ask when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money to an inmate at a county jail or only a prison?

Yes, you can send money to county jails using the same process. County jails also contract with money transfer vendors, though the vendor may be different from the state prison system. Call the jail directly to find out which vendor they use.

What if I do not know the inmate's number?

Call the facility and provide the inmate's full name and date of birth. The staff will give you the inmate number. You will need this to send money through the vendor's system.

Can I send money anonymously or without creating an account?

No. All vendors require you to create an account and provide your name and contact information. This is part of the facility's record-keeping and fraud prevention.

What if the money does not show up in the inmate's account?

Check your confirmation number and the vendor's website to confirm the transfer went through. If it did, wait one to three business days for it to post. If it has been longer than that, contact the vendor's customer service with your confirmation number. They can trace the payment and reissue it if it was lost.

Can the inmate refuse money I send?

Once money is deposited into a commissary account, the inmate controls it. They cannot refuse it after it posts, but some facilities allow inmates to request that deposits be returned before they are processed. Ask the facility about their policy if this is a concern.