What inmate deposit systems do and how they work
An inmate deposit system lets you send money to someone held in a correctional facility — prison, jail, or detention center. You transfer funds through a third-party vendor, not directly to the facility. The money goes into an account the inmate can use to buy commissary items (snacks, hygiene products, phone time), pay court fees, or cover other facility charges.
Most facilities contract with one or two vendors to handle all inmate deposits. The vendor processes your payment, takes a fee (usually $1.50 to $3.00 per transaction), and credits the inmate's account within one to three business days. You do not need to be related to the inmate or have their permission to send money, though you will need their full name, inmate number, and the facility name.
The inmate cannot withdraw cash. They can only spend what you deposit on items and services the facility allows. Some facilities restrict what can be purchased or set a maximum account balance (often $200 to $500). The inmate's family or the inmate themselves can also deposit money using the same system.
Key Takeaways
- You send money through a vendor contracted by the facility, not to the facility directly, and the vendor charges a fee per transaction.
- The inmate receives the funds as account credit they can spend on commissary, phone time, and facility-approved services only.
- You need the inmate's full name, inmate number, and the exact facility name to complete a deposit.
- Deposits typically post within one to three business days, though some vendors offer expedited options for an additional fee.
- Each facility sets its own rules about maximum account balance, what items can be purchased, and whether deposits are allowed.
Finding the correct vendor for the facility
The facility itself determines which vendor handles deposits. You cannot choose the vendor — you must use the one the facility uses. To find the right vendor, call the facility's main number and ask which company processes inmate deposits, or search the facility's website for "inmate deposits" or "commissary." Common vendors include JPay, Securus, GTL (Global Tel Link), and Keefe Commissary Network, but regional facilities may use others.
Once you know the vendor name, go to their website and search for the specific facility. You will enter the inmate's name and inmate number to locate their account. If the inmate number is not yet assigned (for someone recently booked), wait 24 to 48 hours and try again. Some vendors let you set up an account and save the inmate's information so you can deposit money faster next time.
If you cannot find the facility listed or the vendor's website is unclear, call the vendor's customer service line directly. They can confirm whether that facility uses their system and help you locate the inmate's account. Keep the vendor's phone number and website saved for future deposits.
Payment methods and fees
Most vendors accept credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers. Some also accept money orders or checks mailed directly to the vendor, though these take longer (five to ten business days). A few vendors offer phone-based deposits where you call and provide card information over the phone.
Every deposit carries a transaction fee. Typical fees range from $1.50 to $3.00 per transaction, though some vendors charge a percentage of the amount deposited (usually 2 to 3 percent) instead. Expedited deposits — where the money posts the same day or next business day instead of in two to three days — cost extra, typically $5 to $10 more. The fee is charged to you, not deducted from the inmate's account; the full amount you send reaches their account.
Some facilities or vendors offer free deposits if you use a specific payment method (such as a bank transfer instead of a card) or if you deposit a minimum amount. Check the vendor's website for current fee schedules, as they change. If you deposit regularly, ask whether the vendor offers a monthly subscription that reduces per-transaction fees.
Deposit limits and account restrictions
Each facility sets a maximum account balance — the most money an inmate can hold at once. This limit is usually $200 to $500, though some facilities allow higher balances. If the inmate's account is at the maximum, your deposit will be rejected or held until their balance drops below the limit. The inmate spends down their account by purchasing commissary or paying fees, which frees up room for new deposits.
Some facilities restrict the amount you can deposit in a single transaction. You might be able to send $50 at a time but not $500. If you hit a transaction limit, you can deposit again after a waiting period (usually 24 hours), or you can deposit the full amount as multiple smaller transactions spread across days.
Facilities also control what inmates can buy with their account balance. Most allow commissary (food, toiletries, clothing), but some restrict electronics, books, or certain brands. A few facilities prohibit deposits entirely or allow them only for specific purposes like court fees or restitution. Check the facility's rules before depositing, especially if you are sending money for a particular reason.
Timeline from deposit to account credit
Standard deposits post within one to three business days. The vendor processes your payment immediately (within minutes to a few hours), but the transfer to the inmate's account takes longer because the facility must update its system. Weekends and holidays extend the timeline — a deposit made on Friday may not post until Tuesday.
Expedited or same-day deposits are available through most vendors for an extra fee ($5 to $15). These typically post within a few hours or by the next business day. If you are sending money for an urgent reason (the inmate needs to pay a fine by a deadline, for example), ask the vendor which expedited option is fastest and whether it guarantees posting by a specific time.
Once the money posts, the inmate can use it immediately. They do not receive a notification that you sent money — they find out by checking their account balance at a facility kiosk or by asking staff. If the inmate does not see the deposit after the expected timeframe, they should ask facility staff to check their account, or you can contact the vendor to confirm the transaction went through.
What happens if a deposit is rejected or delayed
A deposit can be rejected if the inmate's account is at the maximum balance, if the facility has placed a hold on the account (for example, to cover restitution or fines), or if the inmate's information is incorrect. The vendor will usually send you a notification explaining why the deposit failed. Check that you entered the inmate's full name and number exactly as they appear in the facility's system — even a small difference will cause rejection.
If the inmate was recently transferred to a different facility, their account may not have transferred with them. You will need to find out which facility they are now in and use that facility's vendor instead. If you deposited money to the wrong facility, contact the vendor immediately to ask whether they can redirect the funds or issue a refund.
Delays beyond the stated timeframe are usually caused by facility processing backlogs or vendor system issues. Contact the vendor's customer service with your transaction number (provided in your receipt or confirmation email) and ask them to investigate. Most vendors will trace the deposit and confirm whether it posted or was rejected. If the money was rejected and you were not notified, the vendor should refund it to your original payment method within five to ten business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit money for someone I do not know?
Yes. You do not need to be related to the inmate or have their permission. You only need their full name, inmate number, and facility name. Some people deposit money for inmates they have never met — for example, a religious organization might deposit funds for inmates in need. The facility may have rules about this, so check before depositing.
What if I do not know the inmate's number yet?
Wait 24 to 48 hours after booking. New inmates are assigned a number and entered into the facility's system within this window. Once the number is assigned, you can search for them on the vendor's website. If you still cannot find them after two days, call the facility's main number to confirm they are there and ask for their inmate number.
Can the inmate send the money back to me?
No. Inmate accounts are one-way only. Money can go in, but the inmate cannot withdraw cash or transfer it out. They can only spend it on what the facility allows. If you need the money back, contact the vendor to ask about refund policies — some will refund unused deposits under certain circumstances, but this varies by vendor and facility.
Do I have to use the vendor's website, or can I mail a check?
Most vendors accept checks or money orders mailed directly to them, but this method takes five to ten business days. Online and phone deposits are much faster (one to three days for standard, same-day for expedited). If you do not have a card or bank account, mailing a check is an option, but plan ahead for the delay.
What if the facility changes vendors?
Facilities sometimes switch vendors. If you have been using one vendor and suddenly cannot find the facility listed, call the facility to confirm the new vendor name. Your old account with the previous vendor will not transfer automatically — you will need to set up a new account with the new vendor. The facility should notify inmates of the change, but confirm directly to be sure.