What Connectnetwork Commissary Deposits Are

Connectnetwork is a service that lets you deposit money into an inmate's commissary account — the account they use to buy items from the prison or jail store. The money goes directly to that inmate's account, and they can spend it on things like snacks, hygiene products, phone credits, or stamps. You send the money from outside; the inmate cannot make the deposit themselves.

Connectnetwork operates in most state prisons and many county jails across the United States, though not all facilities use it. The service charges a fee for each deposit, which varies depending on the amount you send and the facility. The inmate's facility determines what items are available to purchase and any limits on how much can be in the account at once.

Key Takeaways

  • Connectnetwork deposits go into an inmate's commissary account within one to three business days, though some facilities process faster.
  • You will need the inmate's full name, inmate number, and the facility name to make a deposit.
  • Deposits are made online through Connectnetwork's website or by phone, and each deposit includes a processing fee.
  • The inmate's facility sets rules on how much money can be in the account and what items can be purchased.

How to Make a Connectnetwork Commissary Deposit

Go to the Connectnetwork website and select the option for commissary deposits. You will need to enter the inmate's full name, inmate number, and the name of their facility. Double-check the facility name — deposits sent to the wrong facility are harder to recover.

Choose your deposit amount and payment method. Connectnetwork accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank transfers. The fee is added to your total — for example, a $50 deposit might cost $51.50 after fees. Review the total before confirming payment. Once processed, the money appears in the inmate's account within one to three business days, though some facilities post deposits the same day.

You can also call Connectnetwork's phone line to make a deposit if you prefer not to use the website. The process is the same, but a representative will walk you through it. Phone deposits may have a slightly higher fee than online deposits.

Fees and What They Cover

Connectnetwork charges a fee on every deposit. The exact amount depends on the deposit size and your payment method. Smaller deposits (under $25) often have a higher percentage fee, while larger deposits have a lower percentage. A $10 deposit might cost $1.50 in fees, while a $100 deposit might cost $2.50.

These fees go to Connectnetwork, not to the facility or the inmate. The inmate receives the full amount you deposited — the fees are separate from what lands in their account. Some facilities also set a maximum account balance; if the inmate's account is already at that limit, the deposit may be held or rejected until they spend down their balance.

How Long Deposits Take to Appear

Most Connectnetwork deposits post within one to three business days. Some facilities process faster and post the same day; others take the full three days. Weekends and holidays can add time, since many facilities do not process deposits on those days.

If you need money to reach an inmate quickly, call the facility directly to ask how long their commissary processing typically takes. Some jails process daily; some state prisons process only twice a week. Knowing the facility's schedule helps you time your deposit so the inmate has money when they need it.

What Happens If a Deposit Goes Wrong

If you deposited money but it does not appear in the inmate's account after four business days, contact Connectnetwork with your receipt or confirmation number. They can track the deposit and tell you whether it was processed, rejected, or held for a reason.

Deposits are sometimes rejected if the inmate's name or number does not match the facility's records exactly, or if the facility's account system was temporarily down. Connectnetwork can usually resubmit the deposit or refund your payment. Keep your receipt until the money appears in the inmate's account — it is your proof of the transaction.

Limits and Rules That Vary by Facility

Each facility sets its own rules about commissary accounts. Some facilities cap the account balance at $50; others allow $300 or more. Some restrict what items can be purchased — for example, a facility might not allow energy drinks or certain hygiene products. These rules are set by the facility, not by Connectnetwork.

Before you make a large deposit, contact the facility's commissary office or check their website to learn their account limits and purchasing rules. Depositing more than the facility allows can result in the money being held or the inmate having to spend it down before they can use it. The inmate can also tell you what they need, which helps you avoid depositing money they cannot spend.

Alternatives to Connectnetwork Commissary Deposits

Some facilities accept deposits through other services like JPay, Securus, or direct mail. Not all facilities use Connectnetwork, and some use multiple services. Check the facility's website or call their commissary office to see which deposit methods they accept.

You can also send money by mail in some cases, though this is slower and less reliable. Mail deposits typically take two to four weeks and can be lost. Connectnetwork and similar services are faster and give you a receipt, so you know the money was received.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit money for an inmate if I am not a family member?

Yes. Connectnetwork does not restrict who can make a deposit — friends, family, employers, or anyone else can send money to an inmate's commissary account. You only need the inmate's name, number, and facility.

What if the inmate's facility does not use Connectnetwork?

Contact the facility directly to ask which deposit services they accept. Many facilities use JPay, Securus, or other providers. Some accept mail deposits or in-person deposits at the facility. The facility's website or commissary office can tell you which methods are available.

Can I get a refund if I deposit money by mistake?

Refunds are difficult once money is in an inmate's commissary account. Contact Connectnetwork immediately if you made a mistake — they may be able to stop the deposit before it posts. If the money is already in the account, you will need to ask the inmate to spend it or request the facility reverse the deposit, which is not may provide.

How often can I make deposits?

Connectnetwork does not limit how often you can deposit. However, the facility may have rules about how much money can be in the account at once. If the account is at the maximum, you will not be able to deposit more until the inmate spends some of it down.

Does the inmate get notified when I make a deposit?

Notification depends on the facility. Some facilities post deposits to the inmate's account and send a notice; others post the money without notification. The inmate will see the deposit when they check their account balance, usually through a kiosk or tablet in the facility.