JPay
JPay: What It Is, How Stamps Work and How to Send Money to State Prison Inmates
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- 35+
- States Covered
- 1,000+
- Facilities Supported
- 5 of 5
- Services Offered
- Yes
- Mobile App Available
JPay Inmate Communication Overview
What is JPay and what is it used for? JPay is a digital communication and money transfer platform for families of incarcerated people at state prisons and county jails. JPay is used for four things. First, electronic messaging using a stamp system where one stamp equals one message. Second, money transfers to inmate trust accounts for commissary and phone calls. Third, video visits scheduled from home without traveling to the facility. Fourth, tablet services funding entertainment and education content on JPay facility tablets. JPay is owned by Aventiv Technologies, the same parent company as Securus.
How does JPay work for sending messages? Create a free account at jpay.com or on the JPay mobile app for iOS and Android. Search for the facility and add the inmate using their DOC number. Purchase stamps to send messages. JPay stamps cost between $0.33 and $0.47 each depending on the state. One stamp sends one standard message. One additional stamp attaches a photo. Messages go through staff review before delivery. Delivery typically takes 24 to 48 hours on business days.
How does JPay money transfer work and how much does it cost? Log in to your JPay account and go to Send Money. Select the facility, enter the inmate DOC number, and choose a payment method. JPay accepts debit cards, credit cards, and cash at MoneyGram locations. Transfer fees are typically 2.75 percent of the amount or $2.95 whichever is greater. Funds are credited to the inmate trust account within one to two business days. Using a debit card instead of a credit card avoids cash advance fees charged by your bank. JPay does not accept Cash App directly.
What is the difference between JPay and CorrLinks? JPay serves state prisons across more than 35 states. CorrLinks is the only approved messaging platform for all federal Bureau of Prisons facilities. These two platforms do not overlap and do not compete. If your loved one is in a state prison you need JPay. If they are in a federal prison you need CorrLinks. Using the wrong platform means messages never reach the inmate. Search our facility directory to confirm which provider serves the specific facility.
JPay Services
Communication services offered by JPay and what each one includes.
Messaging
Electronic messaging using a stamp-based system. Purchase stamps to send messages to incarcerated individuals. Messages are reviewed by facility staff before delivery.
Stamp prices vary by state, typically $0.33–$0.47 per stamp. One stamp = one standard message.
Set Up MessagingVideo Calls
Remote video visitation available at participating facilities. Schedule visits through the JPay app or website.
Not available at all JPay facilities. Check facility-specific availability before scheduling.
Set Up Video CallsPhoto Sharing
Send digital photos directly to incarcerated individuals through the JPay platform. Photos are reviewed for content compliance before delivery.
Typically $0.45–$0.65 per photo. Photos must comply with facility content guidelines.
Set Up Photo SharingPhone Calls
Phone calling services available at select facilities through JPay's phone platform.
Phone services at many CDCR and TDCJ facilities are managed by GTL rather than JPay. Confirm which provider handles phone at the specific facility.
Money Transfer
Send funds directly to an inmate's trust account for commissary purchases. Accepts debit cards, credit cards, and cash at MoneyGram locations.
Transfer fees apply. Typically 2.75%–$2.95 depending on transfer amount and method.
Set Up Money TransferJPay Coverage
Facility types and geographic regions served by this provider.
Facility Types
Geographic Coverage
35+ states nationwide
Coverage Notes
JPay is primarily a state prison provider. Coverage varies significantly by state, some states use JPay system-wide while others use it only at select facilities. JPay does not serve federal Bureau of Prisons facilities.
Facilities Served by JPay
Sample correctional facilities where this provider operates. Full coverage list available on the provider's website.
JPay Pricing Overview
Approximate pricing for common services. Exact rates may vary by facility and state contract.
JPay Fee Schedule
- Account Registration
- No cost to create a JPay account.
- Free
- Email Stamp
- Per stamp. Price varies by state contract.
- $0.33–$0.47
- Photo
- Per digital photo sent.
- $0.45–$0.65
- Money Transfer Fee
- Whichever is greater. Varies by method.
- 2.75% or $2.95
- Video Visit
- Per-minute or session pricing depending on facility.
- Varies
Prices are estimates based on publicly available information and may change. Confirm current pricing on the JPay website before use.
JPay — Pros & Cons
An honest look at the strengths and limitations of JPay.
Strengths
- Largest state prison network, covering 35+ states and 1,000+ facilities.
- All-in-one account covers messaging, photos, video, and money transfer.
- Well-designed mobile app available on iOS and Android.
- Messaging, photos, and money transfer in one platform reduces account management.
- Established platform with years of family communication experience.
Limitations
- Not available at federal Bureau of Prisons facilities. Use CorrLinks for federal inmates.
- Stamp-based pricing can feel confusing for first-time users.
- Transfer fees on money deposits add cost over time.
- Phone services at some facilities managed by a different provider (GTL).
- Video visitation not universally available. Availability depends on the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions: JPay
Common questions from families about using JPay.
- What is JPay?
- JPay is a digital messaging, money transfer, and video visit service for families of incarcerated people at state prisons. JPay is the most widely used state prison communication platform in the United States serving over 35 states and 1,000 plus facilities. JPay is owned by Aventiv Technologies. Create a free account at jpay.com or on the JPay mobile app.
- What is JPay used for?
- JPay is used for four main services. Electronic messaging using stamps to send messages and photos. Money transfers to inmate trust accounts for commissary purchases. Video visits scheduled from home. Tablet services for entertainment and education content on JPay facility tablets. Not all four services are available at every facility. Check the specific facility to see which services are active.
- What are JPay stamps and how much do they cost?
- JPay stamps are virtual credits used to send electronic messages. One stamp equals one standard message. One additional stamp attaches a photo. Stamps cost between $0.33 and $0.47 each depending on the state. You purchase stamps in advance in bundles. Stamps do not expire. Buy stamps through jpay.com or the JPay mobile app.
- What is the difference between JPay and CorrLinks?
- JPay serves state prisons. CorrLinks serves federal Bureau of Prisons facilities only. These are completely separate platforms. If your loved one is in a state prison use JPay. If they are in a federal prison use CorrLinks. Using the wrong platform means messages will never reach the inmate. Do not sign up for JPay for a federal inmate.
- How does JPay money transfer work?
- Log in to jpay.com and go to Send Money. Select the facility and enter the inmate DOC number. Choose a payment method. JPay accepts debit cards, credit cards, and cash at MoneyGram locations. Transfer fees are typically 2.75 percent or $2.95 whichever is greater. Funds are credited to the inmate trust account within one to two business days.
- How much does JPay charge to send money?
- JPay money transfer fees are typically 2.75 percent of the amount sent or $2.95 whichever is greater. For example, sending $50 would cost approximately $3.33 in fees. Using a debit card instead of a credit card avoids additional cash advance fees that your bank may charge. Always check the fee before confirming the transaction in your JPay account.
- Does JPay accept Cash App?
- JPay does not directly accept Cash App as a payment method. JPay accepts debit cards, credit cards, and cash at MoneyGram locations. If you want to use Cash App funds, transfer the money from Cash App to a linked debit card first, then use that debit card to make the JPay deposit. Always verify current accepted methods at jpay.com.
- What is a JPay cash advance fee?
- A cash advance fee is charged by your credit card company, not by JPay, when your card issuer classifies the JPay transaction as a cash advance. To avoid this fee, use a debit card instead of a credit card for JPay deposits. Debit card transactions are not classified as cash advances. Contact your card issuer if you see unexpected fees after a JPay transaction.
- Is JPay safe and legitimate?
- Yes. JPay is a legitimate company founded in 2002 and is the most widely used state prison communication platform in the United States. JPay is owned by Aventiv Technologies and serves over 35 states. JPay uses standard security for online transactions. Keep all transaction receipts and contact JPay customer service at jpay.com if there are issues.
- Is JPay free to use?
- Creating a JPay account is completely free. You pay only for the services you use. Stamps for messaging cost $0.33 to $0.47 each. Money transfer fees are typically 2.75 percent or $2.95. Video visits have per-session pricing. JPay does not charge for account creation or maintenance fees.
- Does JPay work for federal prisons?
- No. JPay does not serve federal Bureau of Prisons facilities. Federal inmates use CorrLinks exclusively for electronic messaging. If your loved one is in a federal prison do not sign up for JPay. Use CorrLinks instead. The inmate must send you a contact request from a TRULINCS terminal at the federal facility to start CorrLinks messaging.
- How do I find the inmate DOC number for JPay?
- The DOC number is the state Department of Corrections identification number. Use the state DOC offender search for the state where your loved one is incarcerated. For example tdcj.texas.gov for Texas, cdcr.ca.gov for California, gdc.georgia.gov for Georgia. You can also ask your loved one to provide their DOC number directly. Do not guess the number as sending to the wrong account causes delays.
Compare JPay With Other Providers
See how this provider stacks up against the alternatives.
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View GuideGet Started with JPay
Visit the official JPay website to create your account, or browse supported facilities and compare alternatives to find the best option for your family.