What NCIC Commissary Deposits Are and How They Work
NCIC (National Commissary Inmate Communication) is a system that lets you send money directly to an incarcerated person's commissary account at participating correctional facilities. The money goes into an account the inmate can use to buy items from the prison commissary — things like hygiene products, snacks, phone credits, or clothing. You deposit money from outside; the facility credits it to the inmate's account.
NCIC operates as a third-party service, not as a direct bank transfer or government program. You pay NCIC a fee (usually $1.50 to $3.95 per transaction, depending on the deposit method), and NCIC transfers the funds to the facility's commissary system. The inmate cannot withdraw cash; they can only spend what's in their account at the prison store.
Not every prison, jail, or detention center uses NCIC. Some facilities use different commissary vendors or their own internal systems. Before you set up a deposit, you need to confirm that the facility where the person is held accepts NCIC deposits.
Key Takeaways
- NCIC is a third-party service that deposits money into an inmate's commissary account; the inmate spends it at the prison store, not as cash.
- You can deposit money online, by phone, or at a retail location, and the fee ranges from about $1.50 to $4 depending on your method.
- The facility must be enrolled in NCIC — you can search for your facility on the NCIC website or call the prison directly to confirm.
- Deposits typically post within one to three business days, though some facilities process them faster.
- You will need the inmate's full name, inmate number, and the facility name to complete a deposit.
How to learn about a Facility Uses NCIC
Start by visiting the NCIC website and using their facility locator tool. Enter the state and the name of the prison, jail, or detention center. If the facility appears in the results, NCIC accepts deposits there. If it does not appear, the facility either uses a different vendor or does not offer commissary deposits through a third-party service.
If you cannot find the facility online, call the prison's main number and ask the receptionist or inmate services department directly: "Does this facility accept NCIC commissary deposits?" They will tell you yes or no, and if no, they can usually tell you which system they use instead.
Some facilities accept multiple vendors. A prison might accept both NCIC and another service. Ask which one the inmate prefers or which one has lower fees, because the fee structure can differ between vendors.
What Information You Need Before You Deposit
Gather these details before you log in or call to make a deposit:
- The inmate's full legal name (as it appears in the system)
- The inmate's number (also called the DOC number, inmate ID, or booking number)
- The exact name of the facility (state prison, county jail, federal penitentiary, etc.)
- The amount you want to deposit
- Your payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account)
The inmate number is critical. If you enter it wrong, the money may go to the wrong person's account or be rejected. Ask the inmate for their number during a phone call, or look it up on the facility's inmate search tool if one is available online.
Three Ways to Deposit Money Through NCIC
Online through the NCIC website: Go to ncic.com, select the facility, enter the inmate's name and number, choose your deposit amount, and pay with a debit or credit card. This method usually has a fee of $1.50 to $2.95 and posts within one to three business days. You can set up a one-time deposit or recurring deposits on a schedule you choose.
By phone: Call NCIC's customer service line (the number is on their website). A representative will walk you through the deposit, take your payment information, and process it immediately. Phone deposits typically cost $2.95 to $3.95 because of the labor involved. Posting time is the same as online.
At a retail location: Some grocery stores, convenience stores, and check-cashing services accept NCIC deposits in person. You give the cashier the inmate's information and your cash or card, and they process it through the NCIC system. Fees vary by location but are usually in the $2 to $4 range. This method is slower — posting can take three to five business days — because the retail location batches deposits and sends them to NCIC in groups.
How Long Deposits Take to Post
Posting time depends on the deposit method and the facility's processing schedule. Online and phone deposits usually post within one to three business days. Retail deposits take longer, often three to five business days, because the store collects multiple deposits before sending them to NCIC, and NCIC then sends them to the facility.
Some facilities process commissary deposits daily; others process them once or twice a week. You cannot control the facility's schedule. If you deposit on a Friday evening, it may not post until the following Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on when the facility processes its commissary updates.
The inmate will see the money in their account once the facility posts it. They can then use it at the commissary during the next commissary shopping window, which varies by facility — some allow shopping twice a week, others once a week or less.
Fees and Payment Methods
| Deposit Method | Typical Fee | Posting Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online (debit or credit card) | $1.50–$2.95 | 1–3 business days |
| Phone (debit or credit card) | $2.95–$3.95 | 1–3 business days |
| Retail location (cash or card) | $2.00–$4.00 | 3–5 business days |
NCIC accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers (ACH). If you use a credit card, be aware that the card issuer may treat the transaction as a cash advance and charge additional fees. A debit card or bank account transfer usually avoids this.
There is no minimum deposit amount, but most facilities set a maximum — often $100 to $300 per transaction or per week. Check the facility's commissary rules or ask NCIC customer service about limits for the specific facility.
What Happens if a Deposit Goes Wrong
If you deposit money and it does not appear in the inmate's account after the expected posting time, contact NCIC customer service with your transaction receipt or confirmation number. They can trace the deposit and tell you whether it was rejected, sent to the wrong facility, or is still processing.
If the money was sent to the wrong inmate or facility by mistake, NCIC can usually reverse it and reprocess it correctly, but this takes extra time — sometimes a week or more. This is why double-checking the inmate number and facility name before you submit is so important.
If the facility rejects a deposit because the inmate's account is frozen or closed (sometimes happens if the inmate is transferred or released), NCIC will refund the deposit amount minus the fee. The refund goes back to your original payment method and can take five to ten business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit money if I do not know the inmate's number?
You can try using just the inmate's full name and the facility name, but NCIC strongly recommends having the inmate number because names alone can cause deposits to go to the wrong person. Ask the inmate during a call or visit, or search the facility's online inmate locator if available. Without the number, your deposit may be delayed or rejected.
What if the inmate is transferred to a different facility?
Money in a commissary account usually stays with the inmate when they transfer, but this varies by state and facility. Some systems transfer the balance automatically; others require the inmate to request it. Ask the new facility's commissary office what happens to the old balance. If the money does not transfer, you may need to set up a new deposit at the new facility.
Can I get a refund if the inmate is released?
No. Once money is deposited into a commissary account, it belongs to the inmate. If they are released, they can usually withdraw the balance in cash or request a check, depending on the facility's policy. The money does not return to you. This is why it is wise to deposit smaller amounts more frequently rather than large lump sums.
Is there a limit to how much I can deposit?
NCIC does not set a hard limit, but individual facilities do. Most allow $100 to $300 per transaction and $500 to $1,000 per week. Check the facility's commissary policy or ask NCIC customer service for the specific limits at the facility where you are depositing.
Can I set up automatic recurring deposits?
Yes. On the NCIC website, you can schedule recurring deposits weekly, biweekly, or monthly. This is useful if you want to ensure the inmate always has commissary funds without having to remember to deposit each time. You can change or cancel recurring deposits anytime through your NCIC account.