What a Jail ATM Deposit Is
A jail ATM deposit, sometimes called a commissary deposit or inmate account deposit, is money you send to someone in custody so they can buy items from the jail's commissary — things like hygiene products, snacks, phone credits, or clothing. The deposit goes into an account held in the inmate's name, and they access it through a kiosk or commissary ordering system inside the facility.
This is different from a regular direct deposit to a bank account. The money does not go to a traditional bank; it goes to a third-party service provider that manages inmate accounts for the jail or prison. The inmate cannot withdraw cash. They can only spend what is in their account on items the facility allows.
Most jails and prisons use one of a few major service providers — companies like JPay, Securus, GTL, or Keefe Commissary Network — though the specific provider depends on which facility holds the inmate. The process and fees vary by provider and by facility.
Key Takeaways
- Jail ATM deposits send money to an inmate's commissary account, not to a bank, and the money can only be spent on approved items inside the facility.
- Each jail contracts with a specific service provider (JPay, Securus, GTL, or Keefe), and you must use that provider to deposit money for someone at that facility.
- Deposits typically take one to three business days to appear in the inmate's account, though some providers offer expedited deposits for an extra fee.
- Transaction fees range from $1.50 to $3.00 per deposit, and some providers charge monthly maintenance fees on the account itself.
- You can deposit money online, by phone, or at a physical kiosk, depending on which provider the facility uses and what methods they offer.
Finding the Right Service Provider for the Facility
The first step is finding out which company manages inmate accounts at the specific jail or prison. You cannot choose the provider — each facility contracts with one. Calling the facility's main number and asking which service they use is the fastest way. You can also visit the facility's official website, which usually lists the commissary provider and has a link to their deposit system.
Once you know the provider, go to their website or call their customer service line. Each provider has its own deposit process, fee structure, and account setup requirements. Some require you to create an account and verify your identity before you can make a deposit; others let you deposit as a guest without registration.
If you cannot reach the facility or find this information online, call your local sheriff's office or the state department of corrections. They maintain records of which provider each facility uses and can direct you to the right place.
How to Make a Deposit
Most providers offer three ways to deposit money: online through their website, by phone with a customer service representative, or at a physical kiosk (usually located in the jail lobby or a nearby location). Online is usually the fastest and cheapest option.
To deposit online, you will need the inmate's full name and booking or inmate number — this is printed on any paperwork you have from the facility, or you can call the jail to ask for it. You will also need a valid payment method: a debit card, credit card, or bank account. Enter the amount, confirm the inmate's details, and complete the transaction. The money typically appears in their account within one to three business days.
Phone deposits work the same way but require you to speak with a representative who will collect your payment information and the inmate's details. Kiosk deposits are available at some facilities and work like an ATM — you insert a card and follow the on-screen prompts. Phone and kiosk deposits may have higher fees than online deposits.
Fees and How They Add Up
Every deposit incurs a transaction fee. This fee goes to the service provider, not to the facility or the inmate. Transaction fees typically range from $1.50 to $3.00 per deposit, depending on the provider and the deposit method. Online deposits are usually cheaper than phone or kiosk deposits.
Some providers also charge a monthly account maintenance fee — usually $2.00 to $5.00 per month — whether or not you make a deposit that month. A few providers waive this fee if you make at least one deposit per month. Check the provider's fee schedule before you set up an account, because these charges reduce the amount of money the inmate actually receives.
If you use a credit card instead of a debit card or bank account, your credit card company may also charge a cash advance fee, which is separate from the commissary provider's fee. Using a debit card or bank account avoids this extra cost.
How Long Deposits Take to Show Up
Standard deposits usually take one to three business days to appear in the inmate's account. The exact timing depends on the provider, the facility's processing schedule, and when you submit the deposit. A deposit made on a Friday afternoon might not show up until Tuesday or Wednesday.
Most providers offer expedited deposits for an additional fee — usually $5.00 to $10.00 extra — that promise the money will appear the same day or the next business day. This is useful if the inmate needs something urgently, but it costs more.
Once the money is in the account, the inmate can usually spend it immediately through the commissary kiosk or ordering system. Some facilities have specific commissary days or ordering windows, so even if the money is there, the inmate may have to wait until the next ordering period to actually buy something.
What Happens to Unused Money
If the inmate is released, transferred to another facility, or the account is closed, the remaining balance can usually be refunded. The process varies by provider. Some automatically mail a check to the inmate's address on file; others require the inmate or a family member to request the refund in writing. Some providers hold the balance for a set period (often 90 days) before refunding it.
If the inmate is transferred to a different facility that uses a different provider, the money in the old account does not transfer automatically. You will need to withdraw or refund the old account and set up a new deposit with the new facility's provider. This is why it is important not to deposit large amounts at once — deposit what the inmate is likely to spend in a reasonable timeframe.
If the inmate passes away, the account is typically closed and the balance is handled according to the facility's policy, which may involve the estate or next of kin. Contact the provider directly to understand what happens in this situation.
Limits on How Much You Can Deposit
Most facilities and providers set a cap on how much money can be in an inmate's account at any one time. This limit is usually between $200 and $500, though it varies by facility. The stated reason is to reduce theft and contraband issues inside the facility, though the effect is to limit how much family members can send at once.
If you try to deposit more than the limit, the transaction will be rejected. You can deposit again once the inmate has spent some of the balance. Some facilities allow you to deposit up to the limit multiple times per day; others restrict deposits to once per day or once per week. Check the provider's rules before you try to deposit.
These limits apply only to the commissary account. They do not affect any other money the inmate may have — such as money from a job inside the facility or money held in a separate trust account for legal fees or bail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit money for someone in jail if I do not know their booking number?
Yes, but you will need some way to identify them. Call the jail's main number and give them the person's full name and date of birth. They can provide the booking number. Some providers also let you search by name and date of birth on their website, though this works better at larger facilities.
What if the deposit does not show up after three days?
Contact the service provider's customer service line with your receipt or confirmation number. They can check the status of the deposit and tell you whether it is still processing, if there was an error, or if it was rejected. If there was a problem, they can usually reprocess it or issue a refund to your original payment method.
Can I set up automatic recurring deposits?
Some providers offer automatic deposits on a schedule you choose — for example, $25 every two weeks. This requires setting up an account and authorizing recurring charges to your payment method. Check the provider's website to see if this option is available. Automatic deposits still incur transaction fees each time.
What if the inmate is transferred to a different jail?
The money in their old account does not follow them. You will need to find out which provider the new facility uses and set up a new deposit there. Before you do, contact the old provider to request a refund of the remaining balance. This can take several weeks, so do not deposit large amounts if a transfer is possible.
Are there any restrictions on what items can be bought with commissary money?
Yes. Each facility sets its own commissary list, which typically includes hygiene items, snacks, writing supplies, and phone credits, but excludes anything that could be used as a weapon or drug paraphernalia. The inmate can only buy what is on the approved list. The service provider's website usually shows what is available at each facility.