Online deposit services let you send money to an inmate's commissary account from your computer or phone, usually within hours
Most correctional facilities now offer online inmate deposit systems that let you fund an account the inmate can use to buy commissary items — food, hygiene products, phone time, or other approved goods. You typically need the inmate's name, booking number or inmate ID, and the facility name. The money goes into a trust account managed by the facility, not directly to the person.
The process is faster than mailing a check or money order, and the inmate usually sees the funds within a few hours to one business day. You'll pay a processing fee — usually between $1 and $5 per transaction — which varies by facility and the service provider they contract with.
Key Takeaways
- Most facilities use third-party payment processors like JPay, Securus, or GTL, which you access through the facility's website or a dedicated app.
- You need the inmate's full name, booking or inmate number, and the facility name to send money; you do not need their permission.
- Deposits typically post within hours, but some facilities process overnight, so check your specific facility's timeline.
- Processing fees range from $1 to $5 per transaction and are charged to you, not deducted from the inmate's account.
- You can usually deposit using a debit card, credit card, or bank account, though some facilities restrict certain payment methods.
Finding your facility's online deposit system
Start by searching the name of the facility plus "inmate deposits" or "commissary deposits." Most county jails and state prisons have a dedicated page on their website with a link to their payment processor. The processor name is usually listed there — common ones are JPay, Securus, GTL, and Keefe Commissary Network.
If you can't find it online, call the facility's main number and ask which service they use and for the website or app name. The staff can also confirm the inmate's booking or ID number if you're unsure. Some facilities only accept deposits through their processor's website; others allow both the website and a mobile app, which can be faster.
What information you'll need to provide
Have the inmate's full legal name and booking or inmate number ready. You'll also need the facility name and location (city and state). Most systems ask for this information to route the money to the correct account.
You do not need the inmate's permission or signature to send money. You will need your own payment method — a debit card, credit card, or bank account — and a valid email address where the processor will send a receipt. Some systems ask for your relationship to the inmate (family member, friend, attorney) but this is optional and does not affect whether the deposit goes through.
Payment methods and processing fees
Most online systems accept debit cards and credit cards, and many also accept bank account transfers (ACH). A few facilities restrict credit cards or only allow debit cards, so check before you start. The processor will charge a fee per transaction — typically $1.50 to $5 — depending on the payment method and the facility's contract.
The fee is charged to you at the time of the deposit. The full amount you send goes into the inmate's account; the fee does not come out of their balance. Some facilities cap the amount you can deposit per transaction (often $100 to $500) or per month, so verify the limits before you send a large amount.
How long deposits take to show up
Most online deposits post within 2 to 4 hours during business hours, and some facilities process them instantly. Deposits made after hours or on weekends may not post until the next business day. A few facilities still process deposits overnight only, so check your facility's specific timeline on their payment processor's website.
Once the money posts, the inmate can usually use it immediately to purchase commissary items through the facility's canteen system. Some facilities limit when commissary orders can be placed (for example, certain days of the week), so the inmate may not be able to spend it right away even if the deposit has posted.
What happens if a deposit fails or gets rejected
If your card is declined or the transaction fails, the processor will usually tell you why — insufficient funds, incorrect card number, or a payment method the facility doesn't accept. Try again with a different payment method or contact the processor's customer service for help.
If the deposit goes through but the money doesn't appear in the inmate's account after the stated processing time, contact the facility's commissary office or the processor directly. Provide your receipt number (which should be in your confirmation email) and the inmate's name and number. Most issues are resolved within one business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to an inmate if I don't know their booking number?
You can search for the inmate using their full name and the facility name on most processors' websites. If the search doesn't work, call the facility and ask for the booking or inmate number. You'll need it to complete the deposit.
What if the inmate is transferred to a different facility?
Money in their account usually transfers with them, but this varies by state and facility. Contact the new facility's commissary office to confirm the balance moved. If it didn't, you may need to file a claim with the original facility to recover the funds.
Can I get a refund if I send money by mistake?
Refund policies vary by processor and facility. Some allow refunds within a certain window if the money hasn't been spent; others do not. Contact the processor immediately with your receipt number and explain the error. The inmate can also request a refund through the facility, though this is usually slower.
Is there a limit to how much I can send at once?
Most facilities set per-transaction limits (often $100 to $500) and monthly caps (sometimes $500 to $1,000). Check your facility's rules on the processor's website. If you need to send more, you can make multiple deposits on different days.
Do I need to create an account to send money?
Most processors require you to create an account with an email and password so you can track your deposits and get receipts. Some allow one-time guest deposits without an account, but this is less common. Creating an account takes a few minutes and is free.