The most direct route is the facility's commissary system

Most prisons and jails use a commissary account — a prepaid balance that an incarcerated person can spend on phone calls, commissary items (snacks, hygiene products, clothing), and sometimes medical copays. You send money to this account from outside, and the prisoner accesses it through the facility's system.

The facility itself does not hold the money. Instead, a third-party vendor — often JPay, Securus, GTL (Global Tel Link), or a state-specific system — manages the account. You deposit money with the vendor, not with the prison. The vendor charges a fee for each deposit, usually between $1.50 and $3.95, depending on the method and the facility.

The prisoner cannot withdraw cash. The balance sits in their account and they spend it by requesting items through the commissary, making phone calls, or paying facility fees. Any unspent balance remains in the account; if the person is released or transferred, the rules for what happens to leftover money vary by state and facility.

Key Takeaways

  • Money goes to a third-party vendor (JPay, Securus, GTL, or a state system), not directly to the prison, and the vendor charges a fee per deposit.
  • You need the prisoner's full name, inmate number, and the facility name to make a deposit, and you can verify this information through the state's inmate locator.
  • Online deposits are fastest (often available within hours) but cost more in fees; mail and in-person deposits are slower and cheaper.
  • Phone calls, commissary purchases, and facility fees all draw from the same account balance, so the prisoner controls how the money is spent.
  • Each state and facility has different rules about maximum account balances, what items can be purchased, and what happens to leftover money when someone is released.

Finding the right vendor and facility account

Start by confirming which vendor handles deposits for the specific facility. Search "[state] [facility name] commissary" or "[state] inmate account" — most states have a central page listing all facilities and their vendors. If you cannot find it online, call the facility's main number and ask which company processes deposits.

You will also need the prisoner's inmate number and full legal name. If you do not have the inmate number, use your state's inmate locator (usually run by the Department of Corrections website) to search by name and facility. The inmate number is essential — deposits sent with only a name can be delayed or rejected.

Once you have the vendor name and inmate number, go to the vendor's website or call their customer service line. Each vendor has its own deposit process, and the steps differ slightly. Some require you to create an account first; others let you make one-time deposits without registration.

Deposit methods and how long each takes

Online deposits are the fastest option. You enter the inmate number, amount, and payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account), and the money typically appears in the account within 24 hours — sometimes the same day. The fee is usually $2.50 to $3.95 per deposit. This is the most common route for people who deposit regularly.

Phone deposits work similarly: you call the vendor, provide the inmate number and payment information, and the money posts within 24 hours. The fee is the same as online. Some vendors charge slightly more for phone deposits because a representative handles the transaction.

Mail deposits are cheaper but slower. You send a check or money order to the vendor's address (listed on their website), and it takes 7 to 14 business days to post. The fee is usually $1.50 or less, or sometimes free. This method works if you do not have a debit or credit card, or if you want to avoid online fees.

In-person deposits at the facility itself are rare but possible at some jails. Call ahead to ask if the facility accepts walk-in deposits and what hours they operate. This is usually free or costs $1, but it requires you to be physically present at the facility.

What happens after you deposit money

Once the deposit posts, the prisoner can see the balance in their account — usually through a kiosk in their housing unit, a phone system, or a tablet if the facility provides one. They do not receive cash. Instead, they request items from the commissary (which is delivered to their cell or a pickup location), make phone calls (which deduct from the balance per minute), or pay facility fees.

The prisoner controls how the money is spent. You cannot earmark it for a specific purpose — you cannot say "this $50 is for phone calls only." Once it is in the account, they decide whether to buy food, hygiene products, clothing, or use it for calls.

Most facilities set a maximum account balance — often $200 to $500 — to prevent hoarding and reduce security risks. If the account reaches the limit, additional deposits will be rejected until the balance drops. Check the facility's rules before depositing large amounts.

Fees, limits, and what varies by state

Every deposit incurs a vendor fee, usually $1.50 to $3.95. There is no way around this — the vendor is a private company and charges for processing. Some states have capped the fee; others have not. If you make weekly $20 deposits, you are paying $78 to $205 per year in fees alone.

Maximum account balances vary widely. Some facilities cap accounts at $200; others allow $500 or more. If the prisoner receives money from multiple sources (family, work earnings, restitution payments), the total balance cannot exceed the facility's limit. Excess deposits are usually returned or held pending.

Rules about what can be purchased also differ. Most facilities allow food, hygiene products, and clothing through commissary. Some restrict certain items (energy drinks, certain snacks, books). Phone call rates vary by state and vendor — calls can cost $0.05 to $0.25 per minute, and video calls cost more.

When someone is released, the rules for leftover money vary. Some states return it to the prisoner; others send it to a restitution fund or hold it for a set period. Ask the facility or vendor what happens to unspent balances before you deposit large amounts.

Deposits for people in federal custody

Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities use a different system. Deposits go through JPay or the BOP's own system, depending on the facility. Search "[inmate name] BOP inmate locator" to find which facility holds the person and which vendor to use.

The process is similar: you need the inmate number, you pay a vendor fee, and the money posts within 24 hours for online deposits. Federal facilities often have higher maximum account balances (sometimes $500 or more) and different commissary rules than state facilities.

What to do if a deposit fails or goes missing

If you made a deposit and the money did not appear within the expected timeframe, contact the vendor's customer service first. Provide your receipt number or confirmation email, the inmate number, and the deposit amount. The vendor can check whether the transaction posted and, if it did not, refund your money or resubmit it.

If the vendor says the deposit posted but the prisoner cannot see it in their account, ask the vendor to contact the facility directly. Sometimes there is a delay between the vendor's system and the facility's system, or the inmate number was entered incorrectly. The vendor can usually resolve this within 24 to 48 hours.

Keep your receipt or confirmation email. If there is a dispute, you will need proof of the deposit. If the vendor refuses to help or the money disappears, contact your state's Department of Corrections ombudsman or file a complaint with your state's attorney general.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit money for someone in jail before they are convicted?

Yes. Jails accept deposits for people awaiting trial, and the money works the same way — it sits in a commissary account. The person can use it for phone calls, commissary, and facility fees while they are in custody. If they are released, the rules for returning unspent money vary by facility.

What if I do not know the inmate number?

Use your state's inmate locator (usually on the Department of Corrections website) and search by the person's full legal name and the facility name. The locator will return the inmate number. If the person is in a local jail, call the jail directly and ask for the inmate number — they will provide it over the phone.

Can the prisoner use the money to pay a lawyer or bail?

No. Commissary accounts are for commissary purchases, phone calls, and facility fees only. Money cannot be transferred out to pay legal fees or bail. If you want to pay a lawyer or bail bondsman, you must contact them directly — the money does not go through the prison account.

What if the facility has a maximum balance and I deposit too much?

The deposit will usually be rejected or held by the vendor. Contact the vendor to ask what happened. Some facilities allow you to resubmit the deposit once the account balance drops below the limit; others return the money to you. Check the facility's maximum balance before depositing.

Do I need to create an account with the vendor to make a deposit?

It depends on the vendor. Some require you to register; others let you make one-time deposits without an account. If you plan to deposit regularly, creating an account saves time — you can save the inmate number and make future deposits faster. Check the vendor's website for their specific requirements.