What a commissary deposit is and who can send one
A commissary deposit is money you put into an account for someone who is incarcerated, so they can buy items from the prison or jail store. The incarcerated person uses that account to purchase things like hygiene products, snacks, phone credits, or clothing — items the facility does not provide. You send the money from outside; the facility holds it and lets the person spend from it.
Most correctional facilities accept deposits from family members, friends, or the incarcerated person themselves (if they have outside money). Some facilities restrict who can send money or set limits on how much can be deposited per month or per transaction. The rules depend on the specific prison, jail, or detention center.
Commissary deposits are different from bail or bond money — those go toward release. Commissary is purely for in-facility spending and does not reduce a sentence or help with legal fees.
Key Takeaways
- Commissary deposits go into an account the incarcerated person can spend at the facility store, not toward bail or legal costs.
- Each facility sets its own deposit limits, accepted payment methods, and rules about who can send money.
- You must use the facility's official deposit system — sending cash or packages directly does not work and may be confiscated.
- Deposits typically appear in the account within one to five business days, depending on the method and facility.
- If money is not spent, it usually stays in the account or is returned when the person is released, but policies vary by location.
How to find the deposit method for a specific facility
Each prison, jail, or detention center runs its own commissary system and publishes its own rules. Start by contacting the facility directly — call the main number and ask for the commissary or inmate accounts department. They will tell you the deposit methods they accept, any limits, and how long deposits take to appear.
Many facilities use third-party vendors to handle deposits. Common ones include JPay, Securus, Keefe Commissary Network, and GTL. If the facility uses one of these, you will deposit through their website or app, not directly to the prison. The vendor charges a fee — usually between 1.5% and 3.5% of the deposit amount, though this varies.
Some facilities still accept deposits by mail (a check or money order sent to the facility) or in person at a kiosk. Ask the facility which methods they offer before you send money, because using the wrong method means your deposit will be delayed or rejected.
Deposit methods and how long they take
The speed of a deposit depends on the method you use and the facility's processing schedule. Here is what to expect:
| Method | Timeline | Fee (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Third-party vendor website or app (JPay, Securus, etc.) | 1–3 business days | 1.5%–3.5% of deposit |
| Phone deposit through vendor | 1–3 business days | 1.5%–3.5% plus phone fee |
| Mail (check or money order to facility) | 5–10 business days | None (but slow) |
| In-person kiosk at facility | Same day or next day | Varies by facility |
Weekends and holidays slow processing. If you deposit on a Friday evening, expect the money to appear Monday or Tuesday at the earliest. Some facilities process deposits only on certain days of the week.
Ask the facility or vendor for a confirmation number when you deposit. Keep it in case there is a problem or you need to track the money.
Deposit limits and restrictions
Facilities set their own caps on how much you can deposit at one time and how much can be in the account at once. Common limits are $50 to $100 per transaction and $200 to $500 total in the account, but these vary widely. Some facilities have no limit; others are stricter.
Ask the facility what their limits are before you deposit. If you try to send more than allowed, the deposit may be rejected or held until the account balance drops below the limit.
Some facilities restrict deposits during certain times — for example, no deposits during lockdown or disciplinary segregation. If the incarcerated person is in segregation or facing restrictions, the facility may not accept deposits until that status changes.
What happens to unspent money
If the person does not spend all the money before release, what happens to it depends on the facility's policy. Some facilities return unspent balances as a check or money order to the person's release address. Others transfer it to a release account the person can access after leaving. A few facilities keep unclaimed balances after a set period — usually 90 days to one year.
Before depositing a large amount, ask the facility what their policy is on unspent funds. If the person is being transferred to another facility, ask whether the account balance transfers with them or whether you need to set up a new deposit at the new location.
Fees and what they cover
Third-party vendors charge a percentage fee on every deposit — typically 1.5% to 3.5%. On a $50 deposit, that is 75 cents to $1.75. On a $200 deposit, it is $3 to $7. These fees go to the vendor, not to the facility or the incarcerated person.
Some vendors also charge a separate transaction fee on top of the percentage. Phone deposits sometimes cost extra. Mail deposits usually have no fee, but they are slower and you lose the ability to track the money as easily.
The incarcerated person does not see the fee — it is deducted from what you send. If you deposit $50 and the fee is $1.50, the person's account is credited $48.50.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit money if I do not know the person's inmate number?
Most systems require the inmate number to process a deposit. If you do not have it, call the facility and provide the person's full name and date of birth. They will give you the number. You can also find it on any mail the person has sent you or on court documents.
What if the deposit does not show up after the expected time?
Wait the full processing window before contacting anyone — typically three to five business days. Then call the facility's commissary department with your confirmation number. They can check whether the deposit was received and credited. If it was not, the vendor may need to investigate or reprocess it.
Can I send money directly to the person instead of through commissary?
No. Facilities do not allow cash or personal checks sent directly to incarcerated people. All money must go through the official commissary system or it will be confiscated. Using the official system is the only way the money reaches the person's account safely.
Does commissary money count toward paying fines or restitution?
No. Commissary is separate from any legal financial obligations. Money in a commissary account cannot be seized to pay fines, restitution, or court costs. However, some facilities allow the incarcerated person to request a transfer from commissary to a restitution account — ask the facility if that option exists.
What if the person is transferred to another facility?
Commissary accounts usually do not transfer between facilities. You will need to set up a new deposit at the new location using their system. Some vendors operate across multiple facilities, which can speed things up, but the account itself is facility-specific. Contact the new facility to find out their deposit process.