Learn About Commissary Account Information

Understanding What a Commissary Account Is

A commissary account is a financial system used by correctional facilities, military bases, and other institutions to allow individuals to purchase items from an on-site store. In correctional settings, the commissary (sometimes called the "canteen" or "store") is where incarcerated individuals can buy personal hygiene products, snacks, clothing, and other approved items. The commissary account works like a debit account—money is added to it, and purchases are deducted from that balance.

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Commissary accounts function differently depending on the type of institution. In federal prisons, the Federal Bureau of Prisons manages commissary operations. State prisons, county jails, and local detention facilities each operate their own systems. Military commissaries operate similarly but serve active-duty members, retirees, and their families. The core concept remains the same: money is held in an account, and the account holder uses it to buy items from an approved list.

Funds in a commissary account typically come from several sources. Family members and friends can deposit money directly into the account from outside the institution. Some individuals receive money from wages earned while working in the facility (though these wages are typically quite low, sometimes ranging from a few dollars to under $1 per hour). Legal settlements, restitution payments, or other monetary transfers may also be added to the account. Prison staff or commissary workers manage these accounts and keep records of deposits and withdrawals.

The rules governing commissary accounts vary significantly by institution. Federal facilities have specific regulations about what items can be purchased and spending limits. State and local facilities may have their own rules. Some institutions limit the amount an individual can spend per week or month. Others restrict certain items entirely—for example, many facilities prohibit the purchase of items that could be used to create weapons or drugs. Understanding these institution-specific rules is important for anyone who uses a commissary account or manages deposits for someone who does.

Practical Takeaway: A commissary account is essentially a prepaid account used to purchase approved items from an institution's store. The specific rules, available items, and spending limits depend on which facility operates the account.

How Money Gets Added to a Commissary Account

There are several ways to add funds to a commissary account. The most common method is having family members or friends send money from outside the facility. Each institution has specific procedures for receiving deposits, and these procedures vary widely. Some facilities accept mail-in checks or money orders sent to the institution's business office. Others require deposits through third-party services that specialize in handling inmate financial transfers. A growing number of facilities offer online deposit systems where authorized individuals can transfer funds electronically using a website or mobile application.

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When depositing money through mail, the sending person must include specific information so the money reaches the correct account. This typically includes the account holder's full name, the institution's name and address, and sometimes a booking number, inmate number, or identification number. Money orders are often preferred over personal checks because they are more secure and process faster. Checks can take several weeks to clear, during which the money is not yet available in the account. Some institutions do not accept personal checks at all, requiring money orders or other payment methods instead.

Online and third-party deposit services have become increasingly popular. Services like JPay, Securus, GTL (Global Tel Link), and others allow authorized individuals to deposit money using a computer or smartphone from home or anywhere with internet access. These services typically charge a transaction fee—sometimes between 2 percent and 4 percent of the deposit amount, though fees vary. A $50 deposit might cost $2 to $3 in fees. While this adds to the total cost, many people find the convenience worth the expense. The money often appears in the commissary account within 24 to 48 hours when using these services.

Wages earned by individuals working in the facility provide another source of commissary funds. Prison jobs are typically low-paying—earnings range from a few dollars per month for kitchen or maintenance work to perhaps $25 to $50 per month for higher-skill positions. Some facilities automatically deposit a portion of wages into commissary accounts. The amount available for commissary purchases may differ from the total wages earned, as portions are sometimes allocated to pay court-ordered fines, restitution, or other obligations. Understanding how wages and deductions work at a specific facility requires checking that facility's policies.

Practical Takeaway: Money can be added to commissary accounts through mail deposits, third-party online services, wages earned in the facility, or legal settlements. Each method has different processing times and costs, so understanding your institution's specific procedures is essential.

Understanding Commissary Account Limits and Rules

Most correctional facilities enforce spending limits on commissary accounts. These limits control how much money an individual can spend during a set time period—usually per week or per month. The Federal Bureau of Prisons, for example, historically set limits on how much could be spent during each commissary shopping day. State and local facilities set their own limits, which may be higher or lower. A typical limit might be $75 to $150 per week or $200 to $400 per month, though these numbers vary considerably. These limits exist to prevent excessive spending, maintain order in the facility, and ensure that commissary shopping days run smoothly.

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Beyond spending limits, facilities maintain lists of items that cannot be purchased through the commissary. Prohibited items typically include anything that could pose a security risk, such as items that could be modified into weapons, containers that could hold drugs, or materials with sharp edges. Electronics, certain cosmetics, and items deemed too expensive are often restricted. Some facilities prohibit the purchase of items containing caffeine or sugar in high amounts. Tobacco products are prohibited in many facilities, though some still allow them. The list of prohibited items can be quite lengthy—some institutions maintain lists of 50 or more restricted items.

Account holders may encounter restrictions related to disciplinary status. Individuals in solitary confinement or segregation due to rule violations may have commissary privileges suspended temporarily. Some facilities restrict commissary access for people with outstanding debts or unpaid fines. Understanding how facility discipline affects commissary privileges is important, as a rule violation could result in temporary loss of commissary access until the restriction is lifted.

Account balances sometimes face claims from the institution for various reasons. If an individual owes restitution, court fines, or other financial obligations, the facility may deduct these from the commissary account. Facility fees for medical visits, copying legal documents, or other services may be deducted as well. In some cases, victims or their estates may make claims against a commissary account to recover damages. These deductions reduce the available balance, sometimes significantly. The order in which deductions are made—and which obligations take priority—is governed by federal and state law.

Practical Takeaway: Commissary accounts are subject to spending limits, restricted item lists, and potential deductions. Familiarizing yourself with your specific facility's rules prevents disappointment when trying to make purchases.

The Commissary Shopping Process and Available Items

How individuals shop from the commissary varies by facility but generally follows similar patterns. Many facilities operate on a scheduled basis—specific housing units or groups of people get designated commissary shopping days or times. For example, a facility might allow individuals from Units A and B to shop on Tuesdays, Units C and D on Wednesdays, and so on. This scheduling prevents overcrowding and helps staff manage the process efficiently. Some facilities allow shopping twice per month, while others permit weekly shopping. A few facilities have moved to an exchange system where individuals submit written orders that are filled by commissary staff rather than shopping in person.

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The items available through the commissary generally fall into several categories. Personal hygiene items are usually available, including soap, toothpaste, deodorant, and shampoo. Clothing items such as socks, underwear, and t-shirts are often sold. Snacks and beverages are typically available—candies, chips, instant noodles, coffee, and beverages ranging from water to juice. Stationery supplies like paper, pens, and stamps allow people to maintain contact with the outside. Shoes, electronics (in limited cases), and other personal items round out the selection. The exact items and brands available depend on what the facility's commissary vendor stocks and what facility rules allow.

Prices at commissary stores are generally higher than prices at retail stores outside the facility. A bottle of shampoo that costs $3 at a drugstore might cost $5 or $6 through the commissary. Snack items are often marked up 30