The main ways to put money in an inmate account
You can send money to an inmate through the facility's commissary system, which holds the funds in an account the inmate can use to buy items from the prison or jail store. The three most common methods are online transfers through the facility's payment vendor, phone payments, and in-person deposits at the facility. Which method works depends on which facility holds the inmate and which vendor that facility contracts with.
Most state prisons and county jails use third-party payment processors — companies like JPay, Securus, GTL (Global Tel Link), or Keefe Group handle the money on behalf of the facility. The facility's visitation or commissary office can tell you which vendor they use, or you can search the facility's name on the vendor websites directly. Each vendor has its own fees, which typically range from $1.50 to $3.95 per transaction.
Federal facilities (Bureau of Prisons) use a different system called TRULINCS, which is managed directly by the BOP and has lower fees than state systems. If the inmate is in federal custody, you will use TRULINCS instead of a third-party vendor.
Key Takeaways
- Most facilities use a third-party vendor like JPay or Securus to handle inmate accounts, and you can find which vendor your facility uses by calling the commissary office or searching the vendor's website.
- Online transfers are the fastest method and usually take one to three business days to show in the inmate's account, while phone payments are immediate but carry higher fees.
- Each transaction carries a fee of $1.50 to $3.95 at most state and county facilities, and federal facilities charge lower fees through the TRULINCS system.
- You will need the inmate's full name, facility name, and inmate number to send money, and the inmate cannot withdraw cash — the money stays in their commissary account.
- Some facilities allow deposits by mail or in-person at the facility, but these methods are slower and not available everywhere.
Online transfers through the facility's payment vendor
Online transfers are the most common method and usually the cheapest per transaction. You create an account on the vendor's website (JPay.com, Securus.com, GTL's website, or Keefe's site), enter the inmate's name and number, and transfer money from your bank account or debit card. The money typically appears in the inmate's account within one to three business days, though some vendors offer expedited processing for an extra fee.
To start, you need the inmate's full legal name, the facility name, and the inmate's identification number. You can find this information on mail from the facility, a court document, or by calling the facility's commissary or visitation office directly. Once you have set up your account with the vendor, you can make future transfers without re-entering this information each time.
The standard fee for online transfers ranges from $1.50 to $2.95 per transaction at most facilities. Some vendors offer a monthly subscription that reduces per-transaction fees if you send money regularly. Check the vendor's website for your specific facility to see current fees and subscription options.
Phone payments and real-time deposits
If you need the money to reach the inmate faster, you can call the vendor's phone line and pay by debit or credit card. Phone payments are processed immediately or within a few hours, so the inmate can use the funds the same day or the next business day. The trade-off is that phone payments usually carry a higher fee — typically $2.95 to $3.95 per transaction.
The vendor's phone number is listed on their website and on any mail the inmate may have received from the facility. When you call, have the inmate's name, number, and facility name ready, along with your payment card information. The call takes five to ten minutes, and you will receive a confirmation number.
Phone payments are useful when the inmate needs commissary items urgently or when you are unable to use the online system. However, the higher fee makes them more expensive than online transfers if you send money regularly.
In-person and mail deposits at the facility
Some facilities allow you to deposit money in person at the visitation desk or a designated commissary window during business hours. You bring cash or a money order and provide the inmate's name and number. The facility staff process the deposit and credit the account, usually within one to two business days. This method has no transaction fee, which makes it the cheapest option if the facility is nearby.
A few facilities also accept deposits by mail. You send a money order (not cash) to the facility's commissary office with the inmate's name and number written clearly on the envelope. Mail deposits are slow — they can take two to four weeks to process — and some facilities have stopped accepting them due to security concerns. Call the facility's commissary office to confirm whether they accept mail deposits before sending anything.
In-person deposits work best if you live close to the facility and can visit during business hours. For out-of-state inmates or when you cannot visit, online or phone transfers through the vendor are more practical.
Federal Bureau of Prisons deposits through TRULINCS
If the inmate is in federal custody, you use the TRULINCS system (Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System) instead of a third-party vendor. TRULINCS is managed directly by the Bureau of Prisons and is available through the BOP's website at bop.gov. The process is similar to third-party vendors — you create an account, enter the inmate's name and number, and transfer money — but fees are lower and the system is run by the government rather than a private company.
TRULINCS charges $0.50 per transaction for online transfers and $1.50 for phone transfers, which is significantly less than state and county systems. Money deposited through TRULINCS typically appears in the inmate's account within one to two business days. You can also set up recurring deposits if you send money regularly.
To use TRULINCS, you need the inmate's full name, BOP register number (not the same as a state inmate number), and the facility name. This information is on any mail from the facility or available by calling the facility directly.
What happens after you send the money
Once the money is deposited, it sits in the inmate's commissary account as a balance. The inmate cannot withdraw it as cash. Instead, they use the balance to purchase items from the prison or jail store — food, hygiene products, clothing, phone time, or other approved items. The inmate places orders through a commissary list or kiosk (depending on the facility) and the balance is deducted when the order is filled.
The inmate can also use the account balance to pay for services like phone calls, video visits, or email messages if the facility charges for these. Some facilities allow inmates to transfer small amounts to other inmates' accounts or to use the balance to pay court fines or restitution, though this varies by facility.
You can usually check the inmate's account balance through the same vendor website or app where you deposited the money. Most vendors show the current balance and a transaction history so you can see when deposits were processed and what the inmate has spent.
Fees, limits, and restrictions
Transaction fees vary by vendor and facility but typically range from $1.50 to $3.95 per deposit. Federal facilities charge $0.50 to $1.50. Some vendors charge additional fees for expedited processing or for using certain payment methods (credit cards often cost more than debit cards). Check the vendor's website for your specific facility to see the exact fees before you transfer money.
Most facilities set a maximum balance limit — the inmate's account cannot exceed a certain amount, often between $300 and $500. If you try to deposit money when the account is at the limit, the deposit may be rejected or held until the balance drops. The facility's commissary office can tell you what the limit is.
Some facilities restrict how much you can deposit per transaction or per month. These limits are set by individual facilities and vary widely. Call the commissary office or check the vendor's website for your facility's specific rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for money to show up in an inmate's account?
Online transfers typically take one to three business days. Phone payments are processed immediately or within a few hours. In-person deposits at the facility usually appear within one to two business days. Mail deposits are the slowest and can take two to four weeks. The exact timeline depends on the facility and the payment method you choose.
Can I get my money back if I send it to the wrong inmate or facility?
Most vendors have a limited window (usually 24 to 48 hours) to cancel a transfer if you contact them immediately after sending it. After that window closes, the money is in the inmate's account and cannot be reversed. Contact the vendor's customer service right away if you make a mistake. Some vendors may refund the transaction fee even if the deposit cannot be cancelled.
What if the inmate is released or transferred to another facility?
If the inmate is released, the remaining balance in their commissary account is typically returned to them as a check or cash at release. If the inmate is transferred to another facility, the balance usually transfers with them, though this depends on the facility. Call the original facility's commissary office to confirm what happens to the balance.
Can I send money to an inmate in a private or county jail?
Yes, the process is the same as for state prisons. County jails and private facilities use third-party vendors or their own systems. Call the facility's commissary office to find out which vendor they use and how to send money. Some smaller jails may only accept in-person or mail deposits.
Is there a limit to how much I can send at one time?
Most vendors allow deposits of up to $100 to $500 per transaction, though this varies by facility. Some facilities set monthly limits as well. Check the vendor's website or call the commissary office to find out the limits for your specific facility before attempting a large deposit.