Sending Money to Inmates
Money deposited into an inmate's trust account helps cover commissary purchases, phone calls, and other daily needs. Find the right provider, understand the fees, and learn how to send funds quickly and correctly.
7+
Transfer providers
7,000+
Facilities covered
50
States covered
How Inmate Money Transfer Works
Four steps to send funds to an inmate's trust account.
Confirm the facility's accepted methods
Each facility has specific rules about how money can be deposited to inmate accounts. Accepted methods vary and may include online transfers, retail kiosk deposits, money orders, or cashier's checks.
Identify the correct provider
Facilities partner with specific money services such as JPay, Access Corrections, or ConnectNetwork. Sending money through the wrong service may result in delays or rejected transfers.
Gather the required information
You will need the inmate's full legal name, their ID number, and the exact facility name. Some services also require the inmate's date of birth. Having this information ready before you start prevents errors.
Submit the transfer
Complete the transfer through the provider's website, app, or at a retail kiosk. A processing fee applies on most services. Funds typically reach the inmate's account within one to two business days.
Money Transfer Providers
These services process funds to inmate trust accounts at correctional facilities across the United States.
Commissary deposits for state prison inmates
35 states, 1,000+ facilities
View guideMoney transfers for federal and county facilities
All 50 states, 1,800+ facilities
View guideCommissary deposits and money transfers nationwide
All 50 states, 1,500+ facilities
View guideKiosk and online commissary deposits
All 50 states, 1,200+ facilities
View guideCommissary and phone account deposits
45 states, 1,200+ facilities
View guideInmate account funding at state prison facilities
30 states, 800+ facilities
View guideMoney transfers through a modern family platform
20 states, 400+ facilities
View guideFacilities With Money Transfer Services
A selection of facilities where you can send funds to inmate trust accounts.
San Quentin State Prison
State Prison · CA
Attica Correctional Facility
State Prison · NY
Federal Correctional Complex Coleman
Federal Prison · FL
Cook County Jail
County Jail · IL
Harris County Jail
County Jail · TX
Miami-Dade Corrections Facility
County Jail · FL
Rikers Island
County Jail · NY
Folsom State Prison
State Prison · CA
Arizona State Prison Complex Florence
State Prison · AZ
Sing Sing Correctional Facility
State Prison · NY
What to Know Before Sending Money
Trust accounts and phone accounts are separate
At many facilities, the commissary trust account and the phone calling account are separate. Verify which account you are funding based on how your loved one needs the money.
Fees apply on most transfers
All major providers charge a processing fee. Fees are typically a percentage of the transfer or a flat minimum, whichever is greater. Compare fees before choosing a service.
Using the wrong provider causes delays
Each facility partners with one or a limited number of transfer services. Sending money through an unapproved provider may result in delays or the transfer being rejected.
Federal deposits work differently
Federal Bureau of Prisons commissary deposits are processed through ConnectNetwork or by money order. The BOP website has current deposit instructions for all federal facilities.
Transfer limits apply
Most services cap individual transfers and monthly totals. Limits vary by provider and facility. Check the specific limits before initiating a large transfer.
Refunds can be difficult
If the inmate is transferred or released, getting a refund of unused account funds can take weeks. Some facilities require written requests. Always confirm the inmate's current location before sending large amounts.
Common Questions About Inmate Money Transfers
How do I send money to an inmate?
Find the provider contracted by the facility where your loved one is housed, create a free account, and submit a transfer online, through a mobile app, or at a retail kiosk. You will need the inmate's full legal name, ID number, and facility name. A processing fee applies on most transfers. Funds typically arrive within one to two business days.
What is an inmate trust account?
An inmate trust account is a facility-managed account that holds funds for an incarcerated individual. Money deposited by family members goes into this account. The inmate can then use those funds to purchase items from the facility commissary, pay for communication services like phone calls or messaging stamps, and cover other approved expenses.
What is commissary?
Commissary is the facility store where inmates can buy additional food, hygiene products, stationery, clothing, and other approved items using funds from their trust account. Commissary is separate from the meals provided by the facility. Having commissary funds can meaningfully improve an inmate's daily quality of life, especially in facilities with limited state-provided provisions.
How long does it take for money to reach an inmate?
Online and app-based transfers typically process within one to two business days. In-person kiosk deposits may be credited faster, sometimes within hours at participating facilities. Money orders and checks take longer, often three to five business days after the facility receives them. During holidays or facility lockdowns, processing can take additional time.
How much does it cost to send money to an inmate?
Processing fees vary by provider and transfer amount. JPay typically charges 2.75% of the transfer amount or a minimum of $2.95, whichever is greater. ConnectNetwork fees depend on the transfer method and amount. Some providers offer lower fees for larger transfers. Always check the current fee schedule on the provider's website before sending.
Is there a limit on how much money I can send?
Yes. Transfer limits are set by the provider and sometimes by the facility. Most services allow between $200 and $500 per transaction, with monthly limits ranging from $300 to $1,000 depending on the provider and facility rules. Federal facilities through the BOP have specific deposit limits that may differ from state and county institutions.