What inmate commissary deposits are and how they work
An inmate commissary account is a spending account held by a person in jail or prison. Money you deposit goes into that account, and the inmate can use it to buy items from the prison or jail store — things like hygiene products, snacks, phone credits, or clothing. The commissary is not free; prices are typically higher than outside stores, and the facility takes a cut of each purchase.
Commissary deposits are separate from regular mail or visiting. They are a direct financial transaction between you and the correctional facility's accounting system. Most facilities now accept deposits through third-party services rather than handling cash or checks directly, which means you will be sending money to a company that processes the deposit on your behalf.
The inmate does not receive cash. The money sits in their account until they submit a commissary order form, which is usually done on a set schedule — weekly or monthly depending on the facility. Once the order is processed, items are delivered to the inmate's cell or a pickup location.
Key Takeaways
- Inmate commissary deposits are made through third-party services, not directly to the jail or prison, and each facility contracts with one or two specific providers.
- You will need the inmate's full name, booking number or inmate number, and the name and location of the facility to send money.
- Deposits typically take one to three business days to appear in the inmate's account, though some facilities process them more slowly.
- Most services charge a transaction fee of $1 to $3 per deposit, and you can send money online, by phone, or through a kiosk at the facility.
- The inmate controls how the money is spent once it is in their account; you cannot restrict what they purchase.
Finding the right service for your facility
Each jail and prison contracts with one or two specific commissary service providers. The most common are JPay, Securus, GTL (Global Tel Link), and Keefe Commissary Network, but smaller facilities may use regional providers. You cannot choose which service to use — it depends entirely on where the inmate is held.
To find the correct service, start by calling the facility's main number and asking which commissary provider they use. You can also visit the facility's website, which usually lists the approved vendors. If you cannot reach anyone by phone, search online for "[facility name] commissary" or "[facility name] inmate deposits" — most providers maintain a searchable database of facilities.
Once you know the provider, you can set up an account on their website or app. You will create a login, add your payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account), and link the inmate's account using their name and booking or inmate number. Some services let you set up recurring deposits so you do not have to send money manually each time.
Information you will need to send a deposit
Before you attempt a deposit, gather the following details about the inmate:
- Full legal name (exactly as it appears in the system)
- Booking number or inmate number (this is critical — without it, the money may go to the wrong person or get stuck in processing)
- The full name and location of the facility
- The inmate's housing unit or cell block, if the service asks for it
If you do not have the inmate number, you can usually find it by calling the facility's booking line or searching the facility's inmate roster online. Many state departments of corrections maintain searchable databases where you can look up an inmate by name and see their number.
Double-check the spelling of the name and the accuracy of the number before submitting payment. A typo can delay the deposit by days or send it to the wrong account, and you may not be able to recover the money immediately.
Deposit methods and processing times
Most commissary services offer three ways to send money: online through their website or app, by phone with a customer service representative, or through a kiosk located at the facility itself.
Online deposits are usually the fastest and cheapest. You log into your account, enter the amount, confirm the inmate's details, and pay with your card or bank account. The transaction fee is typically $1 to $2. Processing time is usually one to three business days, though some facilities batch process deposits and may take longer.
Phone deposits work the same way but involve speaking to a representative. The fee is often slightly higher ($2 to $3) because of the labor involved. If you are uncomfortable with online systems or need to ask questions, this is a reliable option.
Facility kiosks are machines located in the visiting area or lobby. You insert a debit or credit card, enter the inmate's information, and complete the transaction on the spot. These are useful if you are visiting in person, but they are not available at all facilities and may have daily or transaction limits.
Fees and what they cover
Every deposit incurs a transaction fee paid to the service provider. This fee is separate from the amount you send to the inmate — if you send $50 and the fee is $2, the inmate receives $50 and you pay $52 total.
Fees vary by provider and method but typically range from $1 to $3 per transaction. Some services offer a small discount if you set up recurring deposits or use their app instead of calling. A few facilities have negotiated lower fees, but this is rare.
The facility itself may also take a percentage of commissary purchases — this is not a deposit fee but a cut of what the inmate spends. This happens at the point of purchase, not when you send the money, and you will not see it itemized on your receipt.
What happens after the money is deposited
Once the deposit clears, the money appears in the inmate's commissary account. They will typically receive a notice — either a printed statement or a message through the facility's communication system — showing the new balance.
The inmate then submits a commissary order form, usually on a set day each week or month. They write down what they want to buy, how many of each item, and submit it to a commissary officer or drop it in a designated box. The order is processed, items are picked and packed, and they are delivered to the inmate's cell or a pickup area.
The inmate has no control over when the order is processed or delivered — that is up to the facility's schedule. Some facilities deliver commissary weekly; others take two to three weeks. If an item is out of stock, the inmate may receive a substitute or a credit back to their account.
You cannot restrict what the inmate buys or see a detailed record of their purchases. You can see the balance in their account, but not the transaction history. If you are concerned about how the money is being spent, you will need to ask the inmate directly.
Common problems and what to do
If a deposit does not appear after the stated processing time, log into your account and check the transaction status. Most services show whether the deposit is pending, processed, or rejected. If it was rejected, the reason is usually listed — common causes are a typo in the inmate number, an incorrect facility name, or a payment issue on your end.
If the deposit was processed but the inmate says they did not receive it, contact the service provider's customer support. Provide your transaction confirmation number and ask them to trace the deposit. They can check whether it reached the facility's system and, if necessary, issue a refund or resubmit it.
If you are locked out of your account or cannot remember your login, use the "forgot password" option on the provider's website. If that does not work, call customer support — they can verify your identity and reset your access.
Some facilities temporarily stop accepting deposits during lockdowns or emergencies. If you get an error message saying deposits are not being accepted, call the facility directly to ask when they will resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to an inmate if I do not know their inmate number?
Not through the online system — you need the inmate number to process a deposit. Call the facility's booking line or search the state's inmate database to find it. If you cannot locate it, call the commissary service provider; some can look it up for you if you provide the inmate's full name and the facility.
What if the inmate is transferred to a different facility?
Money in their commissary account at the old facility usually stays there and does not transfer. You will need to set up a new account with the new facility's commissary provider and send deposits there. Contact the old facility to ask whether they will refund the remaining balance or hold it until the inmate is transferred back.
Can I get a refund if I send money by mistake?
Refunds are possible but not automatic. Contact the commissary service provider immediately with your transaction confirmation number and explain the error. They may be able to reverse the deposit if it has not yet been processed. If it has already reached the inmate's account, you will need to ask the inmate to request a refund through the facility, which is a slower process.
Do I have to use the commissary service, or can I send money another way?
The commissary service is the only official way to send money for commissary purchases. Some facilities allow cash or checks to be sent by mail for other purposes (like phone credits or legal fees), but these go through different systems. Ask the facility which methods they accept and what each one is for.
How much money should I send?
That depends on what the inmate needs and how often you can send deposits. Commissary prices are high — a single item might cost two to three times what it would outside. Start with a modest amount ($20 to $50) and ask the inmate what they need most. You can always send more later.