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Inmate Text App
State vs Federal Comparison
JPay
vs
CorrLinks

JPay vs CorrLinks

JPay offers significantly more services, though CorrLinks is mandatory for federal inmates.

7.7
JPay Score
3.0
CorrLinks Score

Quick Verdict: JPay vs CorrLinks

A quick summary to help you decide before reading the full comparison.

  • Choose JPay if your loved one is held in a state correctional facility — it is the standard platform for messaging, photos, and money transfers across 35 states.
  • Choose CorrLinks if they are in any Bureau of Prisons federal facility — it is the only approved electronic messaging platform and is mandatory for federal inmates.
  • JPay offers a broader range of communication services including digital photo sharing, video visits, and direct money transfers.
  • CorrLinks handles messaging only. Phone calls and video visits with federal inmates require a separate account through ConnectNetwork.
  • If you are unsure whether the facility is state or federal, check the facility name online before setting up either account — this single step prevents the most common setup mistake.

Comparison Snapshot

A high-level summary across the four most important categories.

Overall Winner

JPay

Messaging

JPay

Coverage

Tie

Pricing

Tie

JPay vs CorrLinks: Full Comparison

JPay and CorrLinks are two of the most recognized names in inmate communication, but they serve completely different correctional systems and are not interchangeable. JPay is primarily a state prison platform, contracted with departments of corrections across 35 states to provide messaging, photo sharing, video visits, and money transfers. CorrLinks — officially known as TRULINCS — is the Bureau of Prisons' own electronic messaging system and is the only approved way to send electronic messages to anyone in federal custody. If you are not sure which one applies to your situation, the single most important question to answer first is whether your loved one is in a state facility or a federal Bureau of Prisons institution.

The confusion between JPay and CorrLinks is common, and it leads to families spending time setting up the wrong account. A JPay account is of no use for communicating with someone in a federal penitentiary, federal correctional institution, or federal detention center. Likewise, a CorrLinks account will not work for someone housed in a state prison. The two platforms exist within entirely separate government systems with no overlap. Knowing the distinction before creating any account will save significant frustration.

This comparison breaks down both platforms across every relevant dimension — features, coverage, pricing, ease of use, and mobile access — to help families understand what each one offers and which applies to their situation. For most users, the choice between JPay and CorrLinks is not really a choice at all: it is determined by the facility type. But for families navigating the process for the first time, understanding what each platform does and does not offer is genuinely useful context.

Feature Scores

Scores are based on service availability, quality, and user experience across both platforms.

CategoryJPayCorrLinks
Messaging
9
7
Video Visits
7
1
Photo Sharing
9
1
Phone Calls
6
1
Money Transfer
9
1
Coverage
7
5
Ease of Use
7
5
Overall
7.7
3.0

Service Comparison

How JPay and CorrLinks compare across every major communication service.

Messaging

JPay wins
JPay

JPay uses a stamp-based system where families purchase stamps and send electronic messages. Messages are reviewed by facility staff before delivery. The JPay app makes composing and tracking messages straightforward.

CorrLinks

CorrLinks is the Bureau of Prisons' official email system. It functions similarly to email but requires the inmate to initiate or approve contact first. Per-message fees are charged from a prepay balance.

JPay's stamp system is more intuitive for new users. CorrLinks has a steeper initial setup curve because the inmate must act first.

Video Visits

JPay wins
JPay

Video visits available at participating JPay facilities through the JPay platform or GTL. Must be scheduled in advance.

CorrLinks

CorrLinks does not offer video visitation. Federal video visits must be arranged directly through the specific facility.

CorrLinks has no video capability at all. Federal video visits are facility-specific and not managed through any single consumer platform.

Photo Sharing

JPay wins
JPay

Digital photos can be sent through JPay directly from the app or website. Photos are reviewed for compliance before delivery to the inmate.

CorrLinks

CorrLinks does not support digital photo delivery. Photos must be sent as physical prints by postal mail, subject to BOP content guidelines.

JPay's digital photo service is a clear advantage for families who want to share photos regularly.

Phone Calls

Tie
JPay

Phone services at many JPay facilities are handled by GTL separately. JPay itself manages phone services at select facilities.

CorrLinks

CorrLinks does not handle phone services. Federal inmate phone calls are managed through the BOP's Inmate Telephone System via ConnectNetwork.

Neither platform is the primary phone provider. Phone requires a separate account at most facilities regardless of which messaging platform is used.

Money Transfer

JPay wins
JPay

JPay provides direct money transfers to inmate trust accounts. Families can send funds via debit card, credit card, or MoneyGram. Typical processing time is one to two business days.

CorrLinks

CorrLinks does not process commissary deposits. BOP money transfers are handled through ConnectNetwork or by money order.

JPay's integrated money transfer is a significant convenience advantage.

Pros and Cons

An honest look at the strengths and limitations of both JPay and CorrLinks.

JPay

Strengths
  • All-in-one platform covering messaging, photos, video, and money transfer.
  • Well-designed mobile app on iOS and Android.
  • Broad state prison network with 35+ states covered.
  • Intuitive stamp-based messaging system.
  • Faster setup — family initiates contact, no waiting for inmate to act first.
Limitations
  • Not available at any federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
  • Stamp pricing can add up for families who message daily.
  • Phone services at many facilities are handled by a separate provider (GTL).
  • Video not available at all JPay facilities.

CorrLinks

Strengths
  • Only approved messaging platform for all 120 federal BOP facilities.
  • Legally compliant and fully integrated with Bureau of Prisons systems.
  • Free account creation — pay only per message sent.
  • Works on any browser without an app download.
Limitations
  • Messaging only — no video, photos, or money transfer.
  • Inmate must initiate or approve contact before families can send messages.
  • No mobile app — browser-based only.
  • Setup process is slower due to BOP contact approval requirements.
  • Only useful for federal facilities — irrelevant for state or county systems.

Which Is Better For...

Choosing the right platform depends on your specific situation.

Communicating with state prison inmates

JPay is contracted with 35+ state correctional systems and is the standard messaging platform for state facilities.

JPay

Communicating with federal Bureau of Prisons inmates

CorrLinks is mandatory for all federal inmates — there is no alternative for electronic messaging with BOP facilities.

CorrLinks

Sending photos to an incarcerated loved one

JPay supports digital photo delivery. CorrLinks only accepts physical mail photos.

JPay

Transferring money to a commissary account

JPay handles direct trust account deposits. CorrLinks does not offer money transfer services.

JPay

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from families comparing JPay and CorrLinks.

Can I use JPay for federal inmates?
No. JPay does not serve federal Bureau of Prisons facilities. Federal inmates communicate through CorrLinks for electronic messaging and ConnectNetwork for phone and video. If you set up a JPay account for a federal inmate, it will not work and you will need to start over with the correct platform.
Can I use CorrLinks for state prison inmates?
No. CorrLinks is exclusively the Bureau of Prisons' messaging system and only works for federal facilities. State prison inmates use JPay, Securus, or another state-level platform depending on the facility and state. CorrLinks accounts have no function at state correctional institutions.
Do I need both JPay and CorrLinks?
Only if your loved one moves between state and federal custody. Most families only need one platform based on where their loved one is currently housed. If they are in a state facility, use JPay. If they are in a federal facility, use CorrLinks for messaging and ConnectNetwork for phone.
Which platform is easier to set up?
JPay is generally faster to set up because the family initiates the account and can begin messaging once the inmate is added. CorrLinks requires the inmate to add you to their contact list from inside the facility first — you cannot send a message until the inmate has acted, which can take days depending on facility procedures.
Is CorrLinks free?
Creating a CorrLinks account is free, but messaging is not. You must fund a prepay balance on the platform, and messages are charged against that balance. The per-message cost is small, but you need to maintain a funded account balance to send and receive messages.

Related Comparisons

Explore more side-by-side provider comparisons.

State vs Multi-System

JPay vs ConnectNetwork

Depends on your facility type — JPay leads on messaging, ConnectNetwork leads on phone and coverage.

CompareState vs County

JPay vs GettingOut

JPay is right for state prisons; GettingOut is right for county jails. Facility type decides.

CompareFederal Focused

CorrLinks vs ConnectNetwork

ConnectNetwork provides more services. For federal families, both platforms are typically needed.

Compare

Ready to Get Started?

Review both provider pages for full details on features, facility coverage, and pricing before creating your account.

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