People in jail and prison use money in their account to buy food, hygiene items, stamps and phone time. Here is how deposits usually work and how to avoid common problems.
How inmate accounts work
Each person has an account (called a trust, commissary or inmate account) tied to their booking or ID number. Money you deposit goes into that account. Facilities may take part of a deposit for fees, fines, restitution or medical co-pays, depending on local rules.
Common ways to deposit money
- Online or by app through the facility's approved vendor. Common vendors include JPay, Access Corrections, TouchPay, ViaPath (formerly GTL) and Securus. Each facility uses only certain vendors, so check which one it uses first.
- Lobby kiosk at the jail, which usually takes cash and cards.
- By phone through the same vendor.
- Money order by mail, where the facility allows it. Use the exact mailing address and payee the facility gives.
- Federal prisons accept deposits through MoneyGram, Western Union, or a U.S. Postal Service money order mailed to the national lockbox address listed on bop.gov. You need the person's 8-digit register number.
Fees
Online, phone and card deposits almost always carry a fee, and it can be a noticeable share of small deposits. Kiosk and money order options are sometimes cheaper. The vendor must show the fee before you confirm; read it.
Mistakes that get deposits rejected or delayed
- Wrong or missing booking or inmate number
- Sending cash or a personal check in the mail (almost never allowed)
- Using a vendor the facility does not work with
- The person was released or transferred. Money usually follows them or is returned to them at release, not to you.
Rules change often and differ from one facility to the next, so confirm anything important with the facility before you act on it.
Questions
What can people in jail buy with the money?
Usually snacks, hygiene items, writing supplies, stamps, some clothing, and phone or tablet time. Each facility has its own commissary list and weekly spending limits.
Is there a limit on how much I can send?
Many facilities cap single deposits or total monthly deposits. The vendor or the facility can tell you the limit.
What happens to the money when the person is released?
The remaining balance is usually returned to the person at release, often on a debit card or check. It is not normally returned to the sender.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws and facility rules differ and change; confirm details with the facility, court or a lawyer.