Free Guide to Sending Money to Inmates

Understanding the Different Ways Money Reaches Inmates

When someone you know is incarcerated, sending money can feel confusing because there isn't just one way to do it. Different facilities use different systems, and understanding your options before you send anything is important. The main methods include depositing funds into commissary accounts, sending money through third-party services, mailing physical checks or money orders, and using cash at facility kiosks if the prison allows it.

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Each prison system—whether federal, state, or local—operates its own version of how inmates access money. Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities use a system called TRULINCS, while state prisons might use JPay, Securus, or their own internal systems. Some smaller county jails use entirely different platforms. This matters because the money doesn't go directly to the inmate's pocket. Instead, it goes into an account, and the inmate uses that money to buy items from the prison commissary (also called the "canteen"), make phone calls, send emails, or cover other approved expenses.

The timing of when money arrives also varies by method. Mailed checks might take 7-14 days to process and appear in an account. Money orders are similar. Third-party online services can sometimes deposit funds within 24 hours, though some facilities batch process deposits less frequently. Facility kiosks offer the fastest option if they're available—funds can appear in minutes.

Takeaway: Before sending any money, contact the facility directly to find out which payment methods they accept. Ask about processing times and any fees involved. This one phone call can save you from sending money through a method the facility doesn't use.

How to Find Your Facility's Payment System

The first and most critical step is identifying which system your specific facility uses. This is not something you can guess or assume—different prisons use different vendors, and sending money to the wrong system is a real possibility that could delay funds or lose them temporarily.

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Start by contacting the facility's main phone number and asking for the business or commissary office. Tell them you want to send money to an inmate and ask three specific questions: (1) Which company handles their money deposits? (2) What are the different ways you can send money? (3) Are there fees for each method, and who charges them? Write down the answers. If you're dealing with a federal facility, you can also check the Federal Bureau of Prisons website, which lists approved vendors for each facility.

If you know the inmate's identification number (also called inmate number or booking number), have that ready when you call. It makes the conversation faster. If you don't have it, the facility can usually look someone up by name and date of birth, though it may take longer.

For state facilities, the state department of corrections website typically lists which payment system each prison uses. For county jails, the county sheriff's office website or the jail's website usually has this information. Some facilities even have staff dedicated to answering money-transfer questions.

Common third-party companies managing inmate accounts include JPay, Securus, MoneyGram, Western Union, and TouchPay. Each has its own website and phone number. However, the existence of an account doesn't mean that specific facility uses it—so don't create an account until you've confirmed the facility uses that service.

Takeaway: Make one phone call to the facility first. It takes 10 minutes and prevents mistakes that could delay funds by days or weeks.

Step-by-Step Process for Online Money Transfers

Most people now send money online rather than through the mail or in person, because it's faster and creates a clear record. The online process is straightforward once you know which system the facility uses, but the exact steps differ slightly depending on the vendor.

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For JPay, one of the largest providers, the process looks like this: Visit the JPay website and search for the inmate using their name and inmate number. Create an account with your own email and password. Add a payment method—debit card, credit card, or bank account. Select the inmate from the search results. Choose how much money to send and confirm the transaction. JPay charges a fee (typically $1.95 to $9.95 depending on the amount), though some states subsidize or eliminate these fees. The money typically appears in the inmate's account within 24 hours for online transfers.

Securus operates similarly but with some differences in fees and processing. MoneyGram and Western Union work through their websites or in-person locations (Western Union is at many grocery stores and pharmacies). When using these services, you select "inmate" as the transfer type and provide the facility name, inmate name, and inmate number. Processing times are similar—usually 24 hours or less.

Some facilities allow you to deposit money directly into the inmate's account through the facility's own website or kiosk system. These are the fastest options and often have lower or no fees. However, this is becoming less common as more facilities contract with third-party companies.

Keep a record of every transfer you make. Write down the confirmation number, amount sent, date sent, and expected delivery date. If money doesn't appear within the promised timeframe, this record helps you follow up with the service provider.

Takeaway: After your first transfer, you'll be familiar with the system. Most people can complete a transfer in under five minutes once they know which platform to use.

Mailing Money Orders and Checks

Not everyone is comfortable with online payments or has a debit/credit card. Mailing money orders or checks is an older method that still works, though it's slower and requires more care in execution.

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Money orders are safer than personal checks because they can't bounce and they're traceable. You can buy money orders at banks, post offices, grocery stores, and many retailers for a small fee (usually $1-5). Never send cash through the mail—it's both illegal in some contexts and highly risky because it can be lost or stolen.

When sending a money order or check, follow these rules: Make it payable to the facility, not the inmate. Write the inmate's full name and inmate number clearly on the memo line. Include a separate note inside the envelope with the inmate's name and inmate number written again. Address the envelope to the facility's business office or commissary office, not to the inmate directly. Include your return address so the facility can contact you if there's a problem.

Processing time for mailed funds is significant. Plan for 7-14 days from when you mail it until the money appears in the inmate's account. This is because the mail has to travel to the facility, be opened and sorted by staff, be matched to the correct inmate account, and finally be deposited. During holidays or when facilities are short-staffed, this can take even longer.

The downside of mailing is that you lose tracking ability once it's in the mail. You won't know if it arrived or when it was processed. If the money doesn't appear after three weeks, contact the facility to ask if they received it. Have your money order receipt number ready.

Some facilities have specific mailing addresses for money deposits that's different from the main facility address. Ask the facility staff for the correct address before you mail anything.

Takeaway: Money orders are reliable for people without online payment methods, but plan for a two-week wait. Online transfers are worth learning if you send money regularly.

Understanding Fees and Charges

A significant part of what you need to know about sending money to inmates is understanding where fees come from and how much they actually cost. This is one area where being informed saves you real money over time.

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Third-party payment services charge fees for processing transfers. JPay, for example, charges between $1.95 and $9.95 depending on whether you choose standard processing (24 hours) or faster processing. Securus has similar fees. MoneyGram and Western Union charge fees both for sending and sometimes for the receiving facility to process the money. These fees go to the companies managing the transfers, not to the facility or the inmate.

Some states have worked to reduce these fees or make them free. Several states have eliminated JPay fees or partnered with state systems to offer free deposits. A few states allow free deposits through their own websites. This varies significantly by state, so it's worth asking the facility if