What GTL Commissary Deposits Are and How They Work

GTL (Global Tel Link) is a private company that operates phone and financial services for inmates in jails and prisons across the United States. When you send money to an inmate's commissary account through GTL, that money goes into an account the inmate can use to buy items from the prison or jail store — typically food, hygiene products, clothing, and phone time.

The money does not go directly to the inmate's hands. Instead, it sits in their commissary account, and they order items through the facility's commissary system. The inmate's account balance appears on their commissary statement, which they receive periodically. GTL handles the deposit, but the facility controls what items are available for purchase and how often commissary orders are processed.

GTL operates in roughly 2,000 facilities nationwide, though not all jails and prisons use GTL — some use competitors like Securus, JPay, or their own in-house systems. Before you send money, you need to confirm that the specific facility where the inmate is held actually uses GTL.

Key Takeaways

  • GTL commissary deposits are sent through the company's website or phone line, and money typically appears in the inmate's account within one to three business days.
  • You will need the inmate's full name, facility name, and inmate number to set up a deposit; you do not need the inmate's permission to send money.
  • GTL charges a transaction fee for each deposit, which varies by deposit amount but typically ranges from $1.50 to $3.00.
  • Not all facilities use GTL — you must verify that the inmate's current facility is on GTL's network before attempting a deposit.
  • Deposits made through GTL are final and cannot be refunded or transferred to another inmate, even if you made a mistake with the name or facility.

How to learn about the Facility Uses GTL

The first step is confirming that the inmate's facility actually uses GTL. You can search GTL's facility locator on their website by entering the state and facility name. The locator will show you whether that specific jail or prison is on the GTL network.

If the facility does not appear in GTL's locator, contact the facility's commissary office directly — the main phone line can transfer you. Ask which company handles inmate financial services there. Some facilities use multiple vendors, so it is worth asking specifically whether GTL is available even if you do not see the facility listed immediately.

Keep the facility's commissary phone number and hours for your records. You may need to call them later if a deposit does not appear in the inmate's account within the expected timeframe.

Information You Will Need Before Sending Money

Gather these details before you start a deposit:

  • The inmate's full legal name (as it appears in the facility's system)
  • The inmate's number (also called the booking number or DOC number)
  • The exact name of the facility where the inmate is held
  • The amount you want to deposit (in whole dollars; most systems do not accept cents)
  • Your payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account

If you do not have the inmate's number, call the facility's main line and ask for it. The inmate number is public information and the facility will provide it. Do not guess at the spelling of the inmate's name or facility name — even small errors can cause the deposit to go to the wrong person or be rejected.

Steps to Send a GTL Commissary Deposit

You can send money through GTL's website or by phone. The website process is usually faster and lets you see confirmation immediately.

Online through GTL's website: Go to GTL's inmate services portal, select the state where the facility is located, and search for the inmate by name and facility. Once you find the correct inmate record, select the deposit amount and enter your payment information. GTL will show you the transaction fee before you confirm. You will receive a confirmation number immediately; save this for your records.

By phone: Call GTL's customer service line (the number is on their website and varies by state). Provide the inmate's name, number, and facility name. Tell the representative the deposit amount. They will process the payment over the phone using your debit or credit card. Ask for a confirmation number before you hang up.

Processing time is typically one to three business days. The money will appear in the inmate's commissary account, and they will see the balance updated on their next commissary statement or when they check their account balance at a kiosk in the facility (if the facility has one).

Transaction Fees and Payment Methods

GTL charges a fee for each deposit. The fee structure varies by state and deposit amount, but typically ranges from $1.50 to $3.00 per transaction. Some states cap the fee; others do not. The fee is added to your total charge — if you deposit $50 and the fee is $2.95, you pay $52.95.

GTL accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers. Credit card fees are sometimes higher than debit card fees. If you use a bank account, the transfer may take slightly longer to process. There is no discount for larger deposits, and you cannot set up recurring automatic deposits through GTL — each deposit must be initiated separately.

Some facilities allow deposits through other methods as well — cash sent by mail, money orders, or deposits made in person at the facility. These methods are usually slower and may have different fees. Ask the facility's commissary office what methods they accept if you want to avoid GTL's fees.

What Happens After the Deposit Is Sent

Once GTL processes your deposit, the money sits in the inmate's commissary account. The inmate does not receive cash — they use the balance to order items from the commissary. Most facilities process commissary orders once or twice a week, so there may be a delay between when the money appears in the account and when the inmate can actually use it to buy something.

The inmate will see their updated balance on their commissary statement or at a kiosk. Some facilities send printed statements; others only allow inmates to check balances electronically. If the inmate does not see the deposit after three business days, contact the facility's commissary office with your confirmation number.

Deposits are permanent and cannot be reversed. If you send money to the wrong inmate by mistake, or if you send more than you intended, GTL will not refund it or transfer it to another account. The money stays in that inmate's account. This is why verifying the inmate's name and number before sending is critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I send money and the inmate is released or transferred before they use it?

This depends on the facility and the inmate's status. Some facilities allow inmates to withdraw unused commissary balances when they are released; others do not. If an inmate is transferred to another facility that also uses GTL, the balance may transfer automatically, but this is not may provide. Contact the original facility's commissary office to ask what happens to the balance.

Can I send money if I do not know the inmate's number?

You will need the inmate's number to complete a deposit through GTL. Call the facility and ask for it — it is public information. If you have only the inmate's name and the facility name, the facility can look up the number for you.

What if the deposit does not show up in the inmate's account after three days?

Contact GTL's customer service with your confirmation number and the inmate's details. They can check whether the deposit was processed. If GTL processed it but the facility has not added it to the inmate's account, contact the facility's commissary office directly. Processing delays sometimes happen, especially if the facility processes commissary only once a week.

Can I set up automatic deposits so I do not have to send money every time?

GTL does not offer automatic recurring deposits. You must initiate each deposit separately through their website or phone line. Some facilities may offer their own automatic deposit programs — ask the commissary office whether they have one.

Is there a limit to how much I can deposit at one time?

GTL and individual facilities set deposit limits, but the limits vary by state and facility. Some facilities cap deposits at $100 or $200 per transaction; others allow larger amounts. Check GTL's website or call the facility to find out the limit for that specific location.