TouchPay
Kiosk and online commissary deposits for correctional facilities
- 50+
- States Covered
- 1,200+
- Facilities Supported
- 1 of 5
- Services Offered
- No
- Mobile App Available
TouchPay Inmate Communication Overview
TouchPay is a commissary deposit and inmate money transfer platform that operates as part of the GTL (ViaPath Technologies) family of services. It is one of the most widespread inmate deposit solutions in the country, providing families with multiple ways to send funds to an incarcerated individual's trust account: online through the TouchPay website, by phone through an automated system, or in person at a TouchPay kiosk installed in facility lobbies. With coverage at more than 1,200 facilities across all 50 states, TouchPay and its sister platform Access Corrections together cover the majority of GTL-contracted facilities for commissary deposits.
TouchPay kiosks are a familiar feature at county jail lobbies across the United States. They accept cash and card payments, process deposits quickly, and provide a receipt. For families who prefer in-person deposits, the kiosk method eliminates the need to set up an online account or navigate a website. Online deposits through touchpaydirect.com work similarly to Access Corrections — families search for the facility, enter the inmate's ID, choose a payment method, and submit. Funds are typically credited within one to two business days, depending on the facility's account processing schedule.
TouchPay handles commissary deposits only. It does not provide phone calls, video visits, messaging, or photo services. Families at GTL-contracted facilities who need phone and video services must use a separate GTL calling account through telmate.com or the GTL Connect app. Families who need messaging at a state prison must use JPay. Understanding that commissary deposits, phone calls, messaging, and video visits are often on separate platforms at the same facility is key to setting up communication correctly from the start.
TouchPay Services
Communication services offered by TouchPay and what each one includes.
Messaging
TouchPay does not provide messaging services.
For messaging at state prisons, use JPay. For county jails, use GettingOut or the facility's messaging provider.
Video Calls
TouchPay does not provide video visitation services.
For video visits at GTL facilities, use the GTL Connect app or telmate.com.
Photo Sharing
TouchPay does not handle photo delivery.
For photo services, use JPay, TextBehind, or Pigeonly depending on facility availability.
Phone Calls
TouchPay does not handle phone call accounts.
For phone at GTL facilities, use telmate.com or the GTL Connect app to fund your calling account.
Money Transfer
Deposit funds to inmate commissary trust accounts via TouchPay kiosk, online at touchpaydirect.com, or by phone.
Cash and card accepted at kiosks. Online accepts debit and credit cards. Processing fees apply. Funds typically credited within one to two business days.
Set Up Money TransferTouchPay Coverage
Facility types and geographic regions served by this provider.
Facility Types
Geographic Coverage
All 50 states, with both online and kiosk options at many facilities
Coverage Notes
TouchPay is most commonly found at GTL-contracted facilities. For facilities outside the GTL network, Access Corrections, JPay, or Securus are the typical deposit platforms.
TouchPay Pricing Overview
Approximate pricing for common services. Exact rates may vary by facility and state contract.
TouchPay Fee Schedule
- Kiosk Deposit (Cash)
- Flat fee or percentage. Varies by facility contract.
- Fee applies
- Online Deposit
- Debit or credit card. Fee varies by amount and facility.
- Fee applies
- Phone Deposit
- Automated phone deposit line. Typically slightly higher than online.
- Fee applies
Prices are estimates based on publicly available information and may change. Confirm current pricing on the TouchPay website before use.
TouchPay — Pros & Cons
An honest look at the strengths and limitations of TouchPay.
Strengths
- In-person kiosk option is convenient for families who prefer cash or want immediate confirmation.
- Available at 1,200+ facilities across all 50 states.
- Multiple deposit methods — kiosk, online, and phone — give families flexibility.
- No account required for kiosk deposits, which is useful for one-time or infrequent use.
- Part of the GTL family, so widely recognized at county jails with GTL contracts.
Limitations
- Money transfer only. No phone, video, messaging, or photo services.
- Processing fees apply across all payment methods.
- Families at GTL facilities still need a separate account for phone calls.
- Kiosks are only useful for in-person visits — remote families must use the online option.
- No mobile app. Web-based online deposits only.
Frequently Asked Questions: TouchPay
Common questions from families about using TouchPay.
- What is the difference between TouchPay and Access Corrections?
- Both are commissary deposit platforms in the GTL (ViaPath) family. TouchPay emphasizes kiosk deposits — the machines you see in jail lobbies — and also offers online and phone deposits. Access Corrections is a primarily web-based platform used at many of the same facilities. In practice, the two platforms often serve the same facilities under different access points. If one does not list your facility, try the other.
- How do I use a TouchPay kiosk to send money?
- Find a TouchPay kiosk at the facility's lobby or visiting area. Select the facility on the screen, enter the inmate's ID or booking number, insert cash or a payment card, and confirm the deposit amount. The machine will print a receipt confirming the transaction. Funds are typically credited within one to two business days.
- Can I deposit money online through TouchPay?
- Yes. Visit touchpaydirect.com and search for the facility. Enter the inmate's ID, choose a payment method — debit or credit card — and complete the deposit. You do not need to create an account for a one-time deposit, though creating an account saves your information for faster future deposits.
- Does TouchPay handle phone calls or video visits?
- No. TouchPay handles commissary deposits only. For phone calls at GTL facilities, create a separate calling account through telmate.com or the GTL Connect app. For video visits, use the same GTL account. These are separate from your commissary deposit.
- How long does a TouchPay deposit take to process?
- Funds are typically credited to the inmate's trust account within one to two business days after the deposit is submitted. Kiosk deposits process at the same speed as online deposits. Deposits made on weekends or holidays may take an additional day to process depending on the facility's account update schedule.
Related Providers
Other inmate communication providers you may want to consider.
Access Corrections
50+ states
Commissary deposits and money transfers for incarcerated individuals
View GuideGet Started with TouchPay
Visit the official TouchPay website to create your account, or browse supported facilities and compare alternatives to find the best option for your family.