📅 Updated: May 2026💸 Money Transfer Guide🕐 15 min read · 3,100 words
How to Send Money to an Inmate in the US — Complete Guide (2026)
AllJailSearch.us
· Published
· Updated
· 3100 words · 15 min read
For families and friends of incarcerated people, sending money to an inmate is one of the most direct and meaningful ways to provide support. Commissary funds cover everything from basic hygiene products to phone call credits, supplemental food, and stationery for letters home. For many inmates, the funds their family sends are the difference between bare institutional life and a small measure of day-to-day dignity.
But the process of actually getting money into an inmate's account is not always straightforward. The rules, accepted payment methods, fees, and sending limits vary by facility — and sometimes by state. Using the wrong service or missing a required piece of information can result in funds being returned, delayed for weeks, or flagged for review. This guide covers every method available in 2026, with step-by-step instructions, a full fee comparison, state-specific systems, and answers to the most common questions families encounter.
⚡ Quick Answer
To send money to an inmate, you need their full committed name, inmate ID number, and current facility name. Use the facility's approved transfer service — most commonly JPay (jpay.com), Access Corrections, or a USPS money order mailed directly to the facility. Online transfers through JPay post in 1–3 business days for a fee of roughly 5–15%. Money orders are cheapest but slowest (5–10 business days). Always save your transaction confirmation number.
1.9M
Incarcerated people in the US who rely on commissary funds
$1.6B+
Sent to inmate accounts by families annually
5–15%
Typical fee range charged by money transfer services
1–10
Business days for funds to post, depending on method
💸 Why Commissary Money Matters So Much
Institutional meals in prison are adequate by legal standards, but far from satisfying. Institutional hygiene supplies are basic at best. Phone calls and email on prison systems require account credits. All of these come from the inmate's commissary or trust account — and the only way to fund that account is through their prison job wages (which average $0.14–$1.41 per hour), legal settlements, or money sent by people on the outside.
For most inmates, outside support is the primary source of commissary funds. The practical impact is real and immediate:
Food: Ramen noodles, peanut butter, coffee, and snacks supplement institutional meals that many inmates find insufficient or unpalatable.
Hygiene: Better soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant than the institutional-issued basics.
Communication: Phone call credits and email stamps are purchased through the same account in most facilities — no commissary money often means no calls home.
Mental health: Books, magazines, and in some facilities tablets and MP3 players provide essential psychological relief from the monotony of incarceration.
Safety: In some prison environments, having commissary goods to share or trade provides a measure of social capital and protection.
If your main goal is restoring call access quickly, use our
guide to adding money to prison phone accounts
for carrier-specific funding steps (GTL, Securus, ViaPath/JPay, and ICSolutions).
If you've ever wondered what daily life looks like for the person you're supporting, our guide on what life inside prison really looks like gives a complete picture of how commissary funds fit into an inmate's daily reality.
📋 What You Need Before Sending
Every transfer method requires the same core information. Gather this before you attempt any transaction — an error in any of these fields can cause the funds to be returned, delayed, or applied to the wrong account.
Inmate's full committed name: This is the legal name on file with the facility — exactly as it appears in their records, including middle name if applicable. Nicknames or shortened names will cause a mismatch.
Inmate ID number: This is variously called the inmate number, register number, booking number, SID (State ID), or FDOC/TDCJ/CDCR number depending on the system. This is the most critical identifier — double-check it.
Current facility name and address: Inmates are transferred without always notifying family in advance. Verify the current location before sending. Use our inmate search tool to find the current facility.
Your own verified ID information: Most online services require your legal name, address, and a form of identity verification (driver's license number, last 4 digits of SSN) to comply with anti-money-laundering regulations.
Critical: If an inmate has been transferred to a different facility since you last sent money, funds sent to the old facility may be returned — or may sit in limbo for weeks. Always confirm the current facility before initiating any transfer.
👥 Who Can Send Money — Eligibility Rules
Not everyone can send money to an inmate. Eligibility rules vary by facility and state, but here are the most common requirements:
Approved contact list: Many facilities require that the sender be on the inmate's approved contact or visitor list before money transfers are permitted. The inmate must request the addition of your name through their case manager.
Identity verification: Most online transfer services require you to verify your identity with a government-issued ID. This is a federal compliance requirement under anti-money-laundering rules.
No restriction orders: Courts sometimes issue orders prohibiting specific individuals from contacting or financially supporting an inmate — usually related to victim protection. If such an order applies to you, do not attempt to send money.
Age requirements: Most services require senders to be 18 or older to create an account and send funds.
When in doubt, call the facility directly. The facility's financial services office or inmate accounts department can confirm whether you are eligible to send funds and what method to use. Keep a note of the name of whoever you speak with and the date.
💸 Method 1: JPay (ViaPath Technologies) — Most Common
JPay / ViaPath🌟 Most Widely Used⚡ Fast (1–3 days)
💸 Fees: Approx. 5–15% per transaction (varies by state and amount)
🕐 Speed: 1–3 business days
🌐 Website: jpay.com
📱 App: Available on iOS and Android
JPay, now operating under ViaPath Technologies following a merger with Global Tel Link (GTL), is the most widely used inmate money transfer service in the US. It serves hundreds of state and county correctional systems. JPay also handles email, video visitation, and phone credits for many facilities — making it a one-stop platform for many families.
Go to jpay.com or download the JPay app. Create an account with your legal name, email address, and phone number.
Search for the inmate by name or ID number and select their current facility.
Click "Send Money" and enter the amount you wish to send.
Enter your payment method — credit card, debit card, or bank account.
Review the fee amount shown before confirming. Save the transaction confirmation number.
Funds typically post to the inmate's account within 1–3 business days.
JPay tip: Creating a JPay account and loading funds in advance makes sending quick during emergencies. You can also set up recurring transfers if you want to send a regular monthly amount automatically.
💸 Method 2: Access Corrections (Keefe Group)
Access Corrections📊 Widely Used in State Systems⚡ Fast (1–3 days)
💸 Fees: $3.95–$9.95 flat fee or percentage (varies)
🕐 Speed: 1–3 business days
🌐 Website: accesscorrections.com
📱 App: Available on iOS and Android
Access Corrections, operated by the Keefe Group, is the primary money transfer service for several state DOC systems including Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and others. It also operates lobby kiosks at many facilities. The process is nearly identical to JPay.
Visit accesscorrections.com or download the app and create a free account.
Search for the inmate by facility and name or ID.
Select "Send Money" and enter the transfer amount.
Pay by credit card, debit card, or from a loaded Access Corrections wallet.
Review fees and confirm. Save your transaction receipt.
TouchPay, operating under the ConnectNetwork brand via GTL/ViaPath, serves county jails and some state systems. It is particularly common for short-term detainees awaiting trial in county facilities. The platform also integrates with phone and messaging services for some facilities.
Visit connectnetwork.com and register or log in.
Find the facility using the facility locator and search for the inmate.
Select "Deposit Funds" and choose the amount.
Complete payment by card. Review the fee disclosure carefully before confirming.
Save the confirmation. Funds typically post within 1–2 business days.
💸 Method 4: MoneyGram
MoneyGram💸 Lower Fees
💸 Fees: $1.99–$6.99 (send online or in person)
🕐 Speed: 1–3 business days
🌐 Website: moneygram.com
📇 Available at: Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, and 40,000+ locations nationwide
MoneyGram is accepted by many state correctional systems and county jails as an alternative to facility-specific services. It can be used online or in person at retail locations, making it accessible for those without bank cards or who prefer in-person transactions. Always confirm the specific receive code or facility reference number required before sending.
Call the facility or check their website to confirm they accept MoneyGram and to get the specific receive code for inmate accounts.
Visit moneygram.com, the MoneyGram app, or a retail location (Walmart, CVS, etc.).
Select "Send Money" and enter the receive code provided by the facility.
Enter the inmate's full name and ID number in the reference fields.
Pay by card or cash. Record the confirmation/reference number provided.
Share the reference number with the inmate so they can follow up if funds don't arrive.
Important: MoneyGram send codes and account structures for correctional facilities differ from standard person-to-person transfers. Using the wrong code will send funds to the wrong account. Always get the exact receive code from the facility first.
💸 Method 5: Western Union
Western Union🟡 Limited Availability
💸 Fees: $5.00–$15.00+ depending on amount and location
🕐 Speed: 1–3 business days
🌐 Website: westernunion.com
Western Union is accepted by a smaller number of correctional facilities than JPay or MoneyGram, and its availability has decreased in recent years as facilities have moved to dedicated inmate banking platforms. Check whether the specific facility accepts Western Union before using this method. When accepted, the process is similar to MoneyGram — a facility-specific code is required.
Confirm the facility accepts Western Union and obtain the send-to code and any required reference information.
Visit westernunion.com or a retail location and initiate a transfer to the correctional facility code.
Include the inmate's full name and ID number in the message/reference fields.
Pay by card or cash and save the Western Union MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number).
💸 Fees: $1.65 (up to $500) or $2.20 (up to $1,000)
🕐 Speed: 5–10 business days after mailing
📇 Available at: Any US Post Office
US Postal Service money orders are the cheapest option available, with fees of just $1.65–$2.20. They are accepted by virtually all federal and state prisons. The drawback is speed — between mailing time and facility processing, it can take 5–10 business days for funds to post. Do not use personal checks — most facilities will not accept them. Only use official USPS money orders, not Western Union or MoneyGram money orders (which have different routing).
Visit any US Post Office and purchase a USPS money order for the desired amount (max $1,000 per money order).
Make it payable to the inmate's full committed name exactly as it appears in facility records.
On the memo line or on a separate enclosed note, write the inmate's ID number and the facility name.
Mail it to the facility's inmate accounts office address — NOT to the inmate's housing unit directly. Confirm this address with the facility.
Photocopy or photograph the money order before mailing. Keep the receipt stub — it is your proof of purchase and the basis for any dispute.
Best for: Regular monthly support where timing is not urgent. Families who prefer to avoid digital services or who are sending larger amounts and want to minimize fees significantly.
💸 Method 7: Lobby Kiosks and Cash Deposits
Lobby Kiosks⚡ Same Day / Next Day
💸 Fees: $3–$6 flat fee per transaction (typical)
🕐 Speed: Same day or next business day
📇 Location: In person at the facility lobby
Many correctional facilities have self-service kiosks in the visitor lobby that accept cash, credit cards, or debit cards for immediate deposits to inmate accounts. These kiosks are operated by JPay, Access Corrections, or TouchPay depending on the facility's contract. They are convenient when visiting the facility in person and typically post funds the same day or by the following morning.
Bring the inmate's ID number and full name. Arrive during the facility's visitor check-in hours (kiosk availability varies).
At the kiosk, enter the inmate's ID number and confirm the name match on screen.
Insert cash or swipe your card and enter the desired amount.
Review the fee on screen and confirm the transaction.
Collect and save the printed receipt — it is your only record of the transaction.
📊 Full Fee and Speed Comparison (2026)
Use this table to quickly compare every method and choose the best option for your situation:
Method
Typical Fee
Speed
Accepted By
Online?
Cash Option?
JPay / ViaPath
5–15% of amount
1–3 business days
Most state prisons, many jails
✓ Yes
✓ Via kiosk
Access Corrections
$3.95–$9.95 flat
1–3 business days
OH, IL, MI, and others
✓ Yes
✓ Via kiosk
TouchPay / ConnectNetwork
$2.95–$11.95 flat
Same day–2 days
County jails, some state
✓ Yes
✓ Via kiosk
MoneyGram
$1.99–$6.99
1–3 business days
Many facilities (confirm first)
✓ Yes
✓ In store
Western Union
$5.00–$15.00+
1–3 business days
Limited (declining)
✓ Yes
✓ In store
USPS Money Order
$1.65–$2.20
5–10 business days
Virtually all facilities
✗ No
✓ Cash only
Lobby Kiosk
$3–$6 flat
Same day–next day
Facilities with kiosks
✗ In person
✓ Cash/card
Cost tip: For amounts under $50, USPS money orders are the cheapest option by far. For amounts over $100 where speed matters, JPay and Access Corrections are the most reliable. Lobby kiosks are best when you are already at the facility for a visit.
🏘 State and Federal System Guide
Different state DOC systems and the federal BOP have contracted with different providers. Here is a quick reference for the most populous systems:
Federal BOP
Federal Bureau of Prisons
The BOP uses TRULINCS (Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System) for messaging. For money, use FBOP's online deposit system at bop.gov or send a USPS money order payable to the inmate's name and register number, mailed to the specific facility's lockbox address. JPay is not used for federal BOP institutions.
California CDCR
California
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation uses JPay as the primary online deposit service. Money orders are also accepted. Online deposits are the fastest and most common method for California state prisons.
Texas TDCJ
Texas
Texas Department of Criminal Justice accepts deposits through JPay online and via lobby kiosks at many facilities. USPS money orders are also accepted mailed to the TDCJ Trust Fund Office in Huntsville.
Florida FDOC
Florida
Florida Department of Corrections uses JPay as the primary service. The FDOC also accepts personal money orders (not just USPS) made out to the Florida Department of Corrections with the inmate's DC number.
New York DOCCS
New York
New York DOCCS uses JPay for online transfers. Certified checks and money orders payable to the inmate's name and DIN (Department Identification Number) are also accepted by mail.
Ohio ODRC
Ohio
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction primarily uses Access Corrections (not JPay) for online deposits. Money orders are also accepted. Check the ODRC website for the current inmate trust accounts mailing address.
Illinois IDOC
Illinois
Illinois DOC uses Access Corrections as its primary deposit platform. Money orders made out to the inmate's full name and IDOC number are also accepted at the facility level.
County Jails
County and City Jails
County jail systems are the most variable. Most now use JPay, TouchPay, or Access Corrections, but many smaller county facilities still rely primarily on money orders or cash deposits at the lobby window. Always call to confirm before sending.
Always verify directly: Contracts between DOC systems and money transfer vendors change. This guide reflects 2026 status — confirm current accepted methods at the facility's official website or by calling the inmate accounts office before initiating a transfer.
📋 Sending Limits, Spending Limits, and Mandatory Deductions
Sending Limits
Most facilities place limits on how much can be deposited at once or within a given time period. Common limits include:
Federal BOP: Up to $300 per transaction; specific monthly limits may apply
Most state systems: $200–$500 per online transaction; some allow more via money order
Account balance caps: Many facilities limit the total account balance to $1,000–$5,000; excess funds may be held or returned
Mandatory Deductions — What You May Not Know
In many states, a portion of every deposit is automatically redirected before reaching the inmate's usable commissary balance. These deductions may include:
Restitution: Court-ordered payments to victims are often automatically deducted — sometimes 25–50% of every deposit
Court fees and fines: Outstanding court costs may be deducted from incoming deposits in some states
Cost of incarceration: A small number of states deduct a daily "room and board" charge
Medical co-pays: If the inmate has outstanding medical co-pays, these may be debited automatically
Before sending a large amount: Ask the inmate or their attorney whether any automatic deductions apply to their account. If 50% of every deposit is going to restitution, your $100 deposit only adds $50 to their commissary balance. Knowing this upfront helps you plan accordingly.
What Happens to Remaining Funds at Release
When an inmate is released, the remaining balance in their trust account is returned to them — typically as a check issued on release day or mailed to their home address within a few weeks. Any outstanding restitution, fines, or institutional debts are settled first. The inmate should confirm their remaining balance with the facility's financial office before or on their release date.
🛠️ Troubleshooting: When Funds Don't Arrive
Transfer problems do happen. Here is a systematic approach to resolving them:
Wait the full processing window first. Online transfers can take up to 3 business days; money orders can take up to 10. Do not start a dispute process until the full window has passed.
Verify the inmate's current location. The most common reason funds don't arrive is that the inmate was transferred after you sent the money. Use our inmate search tool to confirm they are still at the same facility.
Check the inmate's name and ID number for errors. A single digit transposition in the ID number sends funds to the wrong account. Contact the transfer service with your confirmation number to audit the recipient information.
Contact the transfer service's customer support. Have your transaction confirmation number ready. JPay: 800-574-5729. Access Corrections: 866-295-7869. For USPS money orders, call 800-868-7111.
Contact the facility's inmate accounts office directly. They can search for pending transactions by name and ID number and tell you if the funds are in the system awaiting posting.
File a formal dispute if funds were charged but not received. Most services have a 90-day dispute window. Submit in writing and keep copies of all correspondence.
Record-keeping habit: Save every transaction confirmation number, receipt, and screenshot in a dedicated folder — physical or digital. This is the only documentation you have if something goes wrong. Disputes without documentation are very difficult to resolve.
Financial Support for Families
Regularly sending money to a loved one inside is a genuine act of love — but it adds up, and the financial pressure on families of incarcerated people is real. If you are finding it difficult to keep up with commissary deposits on top of everyday household expenses, there is support available. Our guide on financial assistance programs for families of incarcerated people covers government benefits, nonprofit organizations, and emergency funds that can help stabilize your household during this difficult period.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to send money to an inmate?
The cheapest method is a US Postal Service money order mailed directly to the facility — fees are just $1.65–$2.20 for amounts up to $500. However, processing takes 5–10 business days. Online services like JPay are faster (1–3 days) but charge 5–15% transaction fees. Lobby kiosks at the facility are convenient but typically have fixed fees of $3–$6 per transaction.
How long does it take for money to reach an inmate?
Processing times vary by method: online transfers (JPay, Access Corrections, TouchPay) typically post within 1–3 business days; cash deposits at lobby kiosks may post same day or next day; money orders mailed to the facility can take 5–10 business days to process once received. Allow additional time around holidays, weekends, and facility lockdowns.
How much money can you send to an inmate?
Sending limits vary by facility and state. Federal BOP allows up to $300 per transaction with monthly limits in some facilities. State limits typically range from $200–$500 per transaction. Some facilities place overall balance caps on inmate accounts (commonly $1,000). Weekly or monthly commissary spending limits are separate from deposit limits.
Can anyone send money to an inmate, or only family?
It depends on the facility. Many require the sender to be on the inmate's approved contact list, which the inmate must request through their case manager. Some facilities restrict money transfers to immediate family only. Always confirm the specific facility's policy before attempting a transfer, as unapproved senders may have funds returned or flagged for review.
What happens to an inmate's money when they are released?
Upon release, remaining trust account funds are returned to the inmate via check or cash on release day, or mailed shortly after. Outstanding restitution, court fees, and institutional debts are settled first. The inmate should confirm their balance with the facility's financial services office before or on their release date.
What information do I need to send money to a prisoner?
You need: (1) the inmate's full committed name exactly as it appears in facility records, (2) the inmate's ID number (also called register number, booking number, SID, or DOC number depending on the system), and (3) the exact name and current address of the facility. For online services, you also need a verified account with your own personal details. Double-check all information before submitting — errors can delay or lose funds.
Sending money to an inmate might seem like a small thing, but for the person inside, it is a direct signal that someone on the outside is thinking about them, supporting them, and believing in their future. Commissary funds mean better food, real hygiene products, the ability to make phone calls home, and the small daily comforts that make an enormous difference in morale and mental health during a long sentence.
The process does not have to be complicated. Know what information you need, confirm the facility's accepted methods, choose the service that balances speed and cost for your situation, and save every receipt. And if you run into problems, the resources in this guide will help you get them resolved.
Visit our Inmate Resources center for more guides on visitation, phone calls, writing letters, reentry, and everything else your family needs to stay connected and supported.
This guide was written and maintained by the AllJailSearch.us editorial team. Transfer service fees, availability, and facility contracts change frequently — confirm current rates and accepted methods directly with the facility or service provider before sending funds. This article is for informational purposes only. Last updated: May 2026.
