What GTL deposits are and how they reach someone in custody

GTL (Global Tel Link) is a private company that processes money sent to people in jail or prison. When you send money through GTL, it goes into an account the incarcerated person can use to buy commissary items — phone time, hygiene products, snacks, clothing — depending on what the facility allows. GTL does not send cash; the money sits in an account managed by the facility.

GTL operates in most state and federal prisons and many county jails, though not all facilities use them. Some use other vendors like Securus or JPay, and a few still handle deposits directly. The facility where someone is held determines which system is available, so you need to know which one your facility uses before you send money.

Money deposited through GTL typically reaches the account within one to three business days, though some facilities process deposits faster. The person in custody can then request commissary or use the balance to pay for phone calls, depending on the facility's rules. GTL charges a fee for each deposit — usually between $1.50 and $3.95 — which comes out of the amount you send.

Key Takeaways

  • GTL is a private company that holds money for incarcerated people; the funds go into an account, not as cash in hand.
  • You deposit money online, by phone, or at a kiosk, and GTL charges a fee per transaction that reduces the amount received.
  • The facility determines whether GTL is available and what the money can be used for — commissary, phone time, or both.
  • Deposits usually post within one to three business days, but timing varies by facility and day of the week.
  • You need the person's full name, inmate number, and facility name to send money; sending it to the wrong facility delays it significantly.

How to send money through GTL

Start by confirming that the facility uses GTL — call the facility directly or check its website. You will need the incarcerated person's full legal name, their inmate or booking number, and the exact name of the facility. Having the wrong facility name is one of the most common reasons deposits get delayed or lost.

You can deposit money through GTL's website (gtlonline.com), by phone at 1-800-483-8314, or at a kiosk if one is located near you. Online deposits are usually the fastest and cheapest option. You will need a debit or credit card, and GTL will ask for your name, phone number, and email address. The website will show you the fee before you confirm the transaction.

By phone, you can speak to someone, but the fee is typically higher than online. Kiosks are located in some commissaries, police stations, and community centers; fees vary by location. After you send the deposit, GTL will send you a confirmation number — save this in case there is a problem.

Fees, timing, and what happens after you deposit

GTL's fees range from about $1.50 for online deposits to $3.95 for phone or kiosk deposits. Some facilities negotiate lower fees, so the exact amount depends on where the person is held. The fee is deducted from what you send, so if you send $50 online with a $1.50 fee, the account receives $48.50.

Deposits posted on a weekday usually show up within one to two business days. Deposits sent on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday may not post until Tuesday or Wednesday because facilities do not process them on weekends. Some facilities are slower than others; if you have sent money before, you know roughly how long it takes at that location.

Once the money posts, the person in custody can request commissary during the facility's ordering window — usually once or twice a week. They fill out a form or use a kiosk, select items, and the balance is deducted. Phone time works the same way: they use the balance to pay for calls. The facility controls what items are available and what the money can be used for.

What to do if a deposit does not arrive or goes to the wrong place

If money does not show up after five business days, contact GTL with your confirmation number. They can tell you whether the deposit posted or where it got stuck. If you sent it to the wrong facility, GTL can sometimes redirect it, but this takes extra time — usually a week or more. It is faster to send a new deposit to the correct facility and ask GTL to refund the first one.

If the facility says they never received the money, ask them to check their GTL account for pending deposits. Sometimes money arrives but has not been processed into the person's account yet. The facility's commissary office can usually sort this out in a day or two.

Keep your confirmation number and the date you sent the deposit. If there is a dispute, GTL will ask for both. Do not send duplicate deposits while you are waiting — this creates confusion and makes refunds harder.

Alternatives if GTL is not available or too expensive

Some facilities do not use GTL. If yours does not, ask which vendor they use — Securus, JPay, and Keefe are common alternatives, and the process is similar. A few smaller jails still accept deposits by mail or in person at the facility; call ahead to ask.

If GTL's fees are a burden, some nonprofits and community organizations offer free or low-cost deposit services. Search "[your county] inmate deposit assistance" or call your local legal aid office. Some facilities also allow deposits by mail, though this is slower — typically one to two weeks — and you have to send a check or money order, not a card.

Limits on how much you can send and account rules

Most facilities set a maximum balance on commissary accounts — often $300 to $500, though this varies. If the account is at the limit, new deposits will not post until the balance drops. Some facilities also limit how much you can send in a single transaction, usually $300 to $500. Check the facility's rules before you send a large amount.

Money in a GTL account belongs to the incarcerated person and is separate from any restitution, fines, or child support they owe. Facilities can deduct money for certain costs — like room and board in some states — but this is rare and the facility will notify you if it happens. When someone is released, any remaining balance is usually returned to them or transferred to a release account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money to someone in federal prison using GTL?

Yes, GTL operates in most federal facilities. Call the facility or check the Bureau of Prisons website to confirm GTL is available there. The process is the same as for state prisons, but federal facilities sometimes have different commissary rules about what the money can be used for.

What if I send money but the person says they never got it?

Ask them to check their commissary account balance or have someone at the facility check for them. Money sometimes posts but has not been transferred to their account yet. If it truly did not arrive after five business days, contact GTL with your confirmation number and the facility's name.

Can I get a refund if I send money to the wrong person or facility?

GTL can refund money sent to the wrong facility, but it takes one to two weeks and requires your confirmation number. Money sent to the correct facility but the wrong person is harder to recover — you would need to contact the facility and ask them to help redirect it. This is why double-checking the name and inmate number before sending is critical.

Is there a limit to how often I can send deposits?

GTL does not limit how often you send money, but the facility may set a maximum account balance. Once the balance hits that limit, new deposits will not post until the person spends some of it. Some facilities also require a waiting period between deposits, usually 24 hours.

What happens to the money if the person is transferred to another facility?

Money in a GTL account usually transfers with the person to the new facility if both use GTL. If the new facility uses a different vendor, the money may stay in the old account or be transferred — call the new facility to ask. This is one reason to keep your confirmation numbers and track what you have sent.