How money reaches an inmate's commissary or trust account
Money sent to an inmate goes into a trust account or commissary account — a separate fund the facility holds for that person. The inmate can then use it to buy items from the prison or jail store, pay for phone calls, or cover court fees and restitution. The facility, not a bank, manages these accounts, and each one has its own rules about how much money can be deposited, what it can be used for, and how long transfers take.
The method you use depends on which facility is holding the inmate. State prisons, federal prisons, and local jails all use different systems. Some accept deposits only through a single vendor; others offer multiple routes. Knowing which facility and which system it uses is your first step.
Key Takeaways
- Each facility contracts with one or more money transfer vendors, and you must use the one they accept — sending money to the wrong place delays it by weeks.
- You will need the inmate's full legal name, booking number or inmate number, and the facility name to complete any deposit.
- Most facilities charge a fee for deposits, ranging from $1 to $5 per transaction, and the inmate does not receive the full amount you send.
- Deposits typically appear in the account within one to three business days, though some vendors are faster than others.
- You can deposit online, by phone, or at a kiosk at the facility, depending on what the facility offers.
Finding which vendor your facility uses
The facility's website is the fastest place to find this information. Search "[facility name] inmate deposits" or "[facility name] commissary" and look for a page listing approved vendors. If the facility has a phone line for inmate services, call and ask directly — staff can tell you in one call which vendor to use and whether there are any current restrictions on deposits.
Common vendors include GTL (Global Tel Link), Securus, JPay, Touchpay, and Paypal's Xoom service, but not every facility uses every vendor. Some facilities accept deposits through only one vendor; others accept two or three. Using the wrong vendor means your money sits in a holding account and may take weeks to reach the inmate, or may be returned to you entirely.
If you cannot find the information online, contact the facility's business office or inmate services department directly. Have the inmate's name and booking or inmate number ready when you call.
What information you need before you deposit
Gather these details before you start the deposit process: the inmate's full legal name (exactly as it appears in the system), their inmate number or booking number, the facility name and location, and the state. Misspelling the name or using the wrong inmate number sends money to the wrong account, and retrieving it takes time.
If you do not have the inmate number, the facility's website usually has a search tool where you can enter the person's name and date of birth. If that does not work, call the facility and ask them to provide it. Do not guess or use a nickname — the system matches on exact legal names only.
Depositing online or by phone
Most vendors offer both online and phone deposit options. Online deposits usually take a few minutes and let you see the transaction immediately. Phone deposits require you to speak with a representative and provide payment information verbally, but some people prefer this method because they can ask questions in real time.
To deposit online, visit the vendor's website, enter the inmate's information, choose your payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account), and enter the amount. The vendor will show you the fee before you confirm. After you complete the transaction, you will receive a confirmation number — save this in case you need to track the deposit or dispute a charge.
Phone deposits work the same way but happen over the phone. Call the vendor's number, provide the inmate's details and your payment information, and confirm the amount and fee. You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call.
Fees and how much the inmate actually receives
Every facility charges a fee for deposits, and the inmate receives the amount you send minus that fee. Fees typically range from $1 to $5 per transaction, depending on the vendor and the facility. Some vendors charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage of the amount deposited. A few facilities offer one free deposit per month or waive fees for deposits under a certain amount — check the facility's policy before you send money.
If you send $50, the inmate might receive $48 or $47 depending on the fee structure. This is standard practice across all facilities. The fee goes to the vendor and the facility, not to the inmate's account.
How long deposits take to appear
Most deposits appear in the inmate's account within one to three business days. Some vendors are faster — certain online systems post within 24 hours. Deposits made on weekends or holidays may take longer because the facility's business office does not process them until the next business day.
If a deposit does not appear after three business days, contact the vendor with your confirmation number. They can check whether the transaction went through and whether it is pending in the system. If the money was sent to the wrong account or the facility did not receive it, the vendor can help you trace it or resubmit it.
Limits on how much you can deposit
Most facilities set a maximum amount per deposit and a maximum account balance. These limits vary widely — some facilities allow up to $500 per deposit with a $1,000 account balance cap; others allow $100 per deposit with a $500 cap. A few facilities have no limit. Check the facility's website or call to find out what applies to the inmate you are sending money to.
If you try to deposit more than the limit allows, the transaction will be rejected. You can then deposit a smaller amount or wait until the inmate's account balance drops below the cap. Some facilities allow you to deposit the difference once the balance decreases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I send money to the wrong facility or inmate?
Contact the vendor immediately with your confirmation number. They can sometimes redirect the money if the inmate is in the same system. If the money went to a different facility or person, the vendor will start a trace and may be able to recover it. This process takes time, so call as soon as you realize the mistake.
Can I deposit money if the inmate is in solitary confinement or restricted housing?
Most facilities allow deposits regardless of housing status, but the inmate may not be able to access the commissary while restricted. The money stays in their account and becomes available when they return to general population. Call the facility to confirm their policy on this.
Do I need to be a family member to deposit money?
No. Anyone can deposit money into an inmate's account — you do not need to be related or have permission from the inmate. You only need their name, inmate number, and the facility name. Some people deposit for friends, cellmates' families, or people they have never met.
What happens if the inmate is released or transferred?
If the inmate is released, the money in their account is usually returned to them at release, though some facilities mail it or require the person to pick it up. If the inmate is transferred to another facility, the money typically transfers with them, but confirm this with the original facility before the transfer happens. If money does not transfer, contact the new facility to find out where it went.
Can I set up automatic recurring deposits?
Some vendors offer automatic monthly deposits if you set up an account with them. This is useful if you send money regularly. Log into the vendor's website or call their customer service line to set this up. You can usually pause or cancel automatic deposits at any time.