What commissary deposits are and how they work
A commissary account is money held in an inmate's name at a correctional facility. The inmate can spend it on items sold in the prison or jail store — typically toiletries, snacks, phone time, and clothing. You can deposit money into this account from outside the facility, and it reaches the inmate's balance within days rather than weeks.
Commissary deposits are separate from direct deposit to an inmate's release account (money waiting for them when they leave). Most facilities use a third-party vendor to manage commissary deposits, and the vendor charges a fee — usually between $1 and $3 per transaction. The inmate does not pay this fee; you do when you send the money.
Each facility sets its own deposit limits, rules about who can send money, and which payment methods it accepts. A facility might allow deposits only from family members, or it might accept deposits from anyone. Some cap the total balance an inmate can hold at $200 or $500; others have no limit. You need to know your specific facility's rules before you attempt a deposit.
Key Takeaways
- Commissary deposits go into an account the inmate can spend at the prison or jail store, and they arrive within a few days of being sent.
- You will pay a transaction fee of $1 to $3 to the third-party vendor, not to the facility itself.
- Each facility has its own deposit limits, balance caps, and rules about who can send money — call the facility directly to learn theirs.
- The most common payment methods are credit card, debit card, and bank transfer through the vendor's website or phone line.
- Money sent to commissary does not go to the inmate's release account and cannot be used to pay court fines or restitution.
How to find your facility's commissary vendor and deposit method
The facility's website usually lists the name of the commissary vendor and a phone number or web address for deposits. If the website does not list it, call the facility's main number and ask for the commissary office or inmate services. They will give you the vendor's name and direct you to the right payment portal.
Common vendors include JPay, Securus, GTL (Global Tel Link), and Keefe Commissary Network, though regional facilities may use smaller vendors. Each vendor operates its own website and phone system, so you cannot deposit through one vendor for a facility that uses another. The facility will tell you which one to use.
Once you have the vendor's contact information, you will need the inmate's full name, inmate number, and the facility name exactly as the vendor has it in their system. Mismatched information can delay the deposit or send money to the wrong person. If you are unsure of the inmate number, the facility can provide it.
Payment methods and processing time
Most vendors accept credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers. Some also accept money orders or cashier's checks mailed directly to the facility, though this method takes longer — usually one to two weeks. Phone deposits are common and immediate, though the vendor charges the same fee as online deposits.
Online deposits through the vendor's website typically process within 24 hours, though some facilities batch deposits and post them once a day. Money sent by phone usually posts the same day or the next business day. Money orders and checks take the longest because they must arrive by mail and be manually processed.
Ask the vendor for an estimated posting time when you make the deposit. Some vendors send a confirmation email or text; others do not. If the money does not appear in the inmate's account within the timeframe given, contact the vendor with your confirmation number or receipt.
Deposit limits and balance caps
Facilities set their own rules about how much you can deposit at one time and how much total an inmate can hold. Some allow deposits of up to $500 per transaction with no balance cap; others limit deposits to $50 and cap the total balance at $200. A few facilities restrict deposits to once per week or once per month.
If you try to deposit more than the facility allows, the vendor will reject the transaction and return your money, though this can take several days. Before you deposit, ask the facility or the vendor what the current limits are. Limits sometimes change, and they may differ between the facility's general population and inmates in segregation or protective custody.
If the inmate's balance is already at the cap, you cannot deposit more money until they spend some. The inmate can check their balance through the facility's kiosk or by asking staff, and you can sometimes check it through the vendor's website if you have set up an account.
Who can send money and restrictions on deposits
Most facilities allow family members, friends, and attorneys to send commissary money. Some restrict deposits to family only, or require you to be on a pre-approved list. A few facilities allow only the inmate's attorney to send money. Call the facility to learn who is permitted to send deposits.
Money sent to commissary cannot be used to pay court fines, restitution, or child support. It is held separately from any release account the inmate may have. If an inmate owes money to the state or to a victim, the facility will not transfer commissary funds to pay it, even if the inmate asks.
Some facilities restrict what inmates can buy with commissary money — for example, no phone time for inmates in disciplinary segregation, or no items that could be used as weapons. These restrictions do not prevent you from sending the money, but they may limit what the inmate can actually purchase with it.
What happens if a deposit fails or goes to the wrong person
If you send money and it does not appear in the inmate's account within the promised timeframe, contact the vendor first with your receipt or confirmation number. The vendor can trace the transaction and tell you whether it was rejected, is still processing, or was posted to a different inmate by mistake.
If money was sent to the wrong person, the vendor can sometimes reverse it if you contact them quickly — usually within 24 to 48 hours. After that window, the money is in another inmate's account and recovery is difficult. Always double-check the inmate's name and number before you confirm the deposit.
If the vendor cannot resolve the problem, ask for a supervisor or file a complaint with the facility's inmate services office. Keep all receipts and confirmation numbers. Some vendors have dispute resolution processes, though these can take weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to an inmate if I do not know their inmate number?
You can call the facility and ask for the inmate number using their full name and date of birth. The facility will provide it. Without the correct number, your deposit may be rejected or sent to the wrong person, so it is worth the call to verify before you send money.
What if the inmate is being transferred to another facility?
Money in a commissary account usually stays with the inmate when they transfer, though some facilities require a waiting period before the balance can be used at the new location. Ask the current facility what happens to the balance during a transfer, and contact the new facility to confirm the money arrived.
Can I get a refund if I send money by mistake?
Most vendors will not refund money once it has been posted to an inmate's account. If you catch the error before posting — usually within a few hours — contact the vendor immediately and ask if the transaction can be cancelled. After posting, the only way to recover the money is to ask the inmate to spend it or request a withdrawal, which most facilities do not allow.
Do I need to create an account with the vendor to send money?
Some vendors require you to create an account and set up a profile; others allow one-time deposits without an account. Check the vendor's website or call their number to learn their process. Creating an account can make repeat deposits faster and may let you check the inmate's balance online.
Is there a way to send money without paying a transaction fee?
No. All third-party vendors charge a fee, and the facility does not waive it. The fee is how the vendor makes money. Some facilities offer mail-in money orders as an alternative, which may have a lower cost, but processing takes much longer — one to two weeks instead of one to two days.