Money & commissary
How to Send Money to an Inmate
Putting money on an inmate's account helps them buy basics and stay in touch. Here are the usual methods, what they cost, and how to make sure the funds actually arrive.
Last updated 4 min read
Why inmates need money
Funds go into a commissary or trust account the inmate uses to buy items the jail does not provide for free — extra food, snacks, hygiene products, stationery, and over-the-counter goods. In many facilities the same balance also pays for phone calls, video visits, and electronic messages, so a deposit often covers both daily needs and staying connected.
Common ways to send money
Most jails offer several options through a contracted vendor:
- Online or mobile app — add funds instantly with a debit or credit card through the facility's deposit vendor.
- Lobby kiosk — a machine in the jail lobby that accepts cash or cards and posts quickly.
- Phone deposit — fund the account by calling the vendor's automated line.
- Mailed money order — slower, but an option where electronic deposits are not available.
Fees, limits, and timing
Each method usually carries its own transaction fee, and most facilities cap how much you can send at once or over a set period. Timing varies too: a kiosk or online deposit may post almost immediately, while a mailed money order can take several days to clear.
How to avoid mistakes
Before sending anything, call the jail to confirm the approved method for that specific inmate, because the rules change and the wrong vendor or format can bounce your payment back. Have the person's full name and booking number ready, since deposits are matched to the account by that number. As a rule, never mail cash, and do not assume a method works just because it worked at another county jail.