How to Send Money to an Inmate

When you send money to an inmate, it is deposited into their inmate trust account. This is a managed account held by the facility. The inmate does not receive physical cash. They use the account balance to purchase items from the commissary, pay for phone or messaging credits, or cover other approved expenses.

Each facility controls how and when funds can be accessed. Some facilities process deposits the same day. Others may hold new deposits for up to 48 hours before the balance is available.

The most common methods are online through a platform like JPay, Access Corrections, or TouchPay, by phone using a credit or debit card, by money order mailed to the facility, or in person at a kiosk in the facility lobby.

Online is the fastest and most convenient option for most people. You create an account on the approved platform, search for the inmate by ID and facility, enter the amount, and pay by debit or credit card. The transfer typically processes within minutes to a few hours.

Money orders are accepted at most facilities but are slower. Make the money order payable to the facility or the approved processing service, include the inmate's full name and ID number, and mail it to the address listed on the facility's website.

Most money transfer platforms charge a processing fee. Fees vary by platform, transfer method, and amount. JPay typically charges $4.95 to $11.95 per transfer. Access Corrections and TouchPay have similar fee structures. Fees are charged to the sender, not deducted from the deposited amount.

Transfer limits also vary. Many facilities cap individual transfers at $300 or $500. Some have monthly limits. Check the platform's limits page and the facility's inmate account rules before sending large amounts.

Always verify the inmate's full legal name and ID number before sending. A mismatch can cause the transfer to be rejected or sent to the wrong person. The inmate's ID number on their prison ID card is the correct identifier.

Sending money to an inmate who has been transferred to a different facility can delay the deposit significantly. Confirm the current location with the facility or the inmate before sending.

Do not send money through unauthorized channels such as personal cash apps, direct bank transfers to unknown accounts, or anyone claiming to collect funds on behalf of an inmate. These are common scams.