When a loved one is incarcerated, you can help out with everyday necessities by depositing cash into their commissary account.
When somebody you care about is incarcerated, it can be difficult to stay connected and provide comfort. The legal hoops and hurdles can get in the way of the little things — like a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and other basic necessities we take for granted. Inmates often depend on their family and friends to send money.
What are my options?
Inmates are not allowed to have cash, which is considered contraband. Instead, they use an inmate account for all transactions.
Depending on the inmate’s facility, you may be able to deposit money directly into the inmate’s account online or by phone. With some jails and prisons, you’ll be required to use a proprietary system for commissary deposits. However, most also accept payments through JPay, a partnership with MoneyGram, and Western Union.
Using JPay/MoneyGram to send money to an inmate
JPay is a private corrections-related service provider that contracts with correctional facilities in 35 states. It’s not only for money transfers — it also provides email, video visitation and probation payments to inmates across the US. Money is typically delivered on the same day but could take longer, depending on the facility.
You have three options for payment through JPay:
- JPay’s website or by phone.
- In-person transfers at any of 40,000 MoneyGram agent locations nationwide.
- Online with a credit or debit card or bank account.
To deposit cash in person at a MoneyGram location, you’ll need to complete and present an ExpressPayment service form with your ID. Credit cards, debit cards and cash payments are accepted. The money is deposited to your love one’s account within minutes but may not be available for use until the next day.
To send money, you will need to know:
- The four-digit Receive Code that corresponds to the specific facility you’re sending money to.
- The inmate’s ID number — typically eight digits followed by the inmate’s last name.
Fees vary by facility.
Using Western Union to send money to an inmate
Western Union has a network of more than 45,000 agent locations across the US.
Through Western Union’s Inmate Service, you can send money:
- Online
- By phone
- Account deposit — often on the same day
To send money, you will need to know:
- The name of the facility you’re sending to
- The inmate’s ID number — typically eight digits followed by the inmate’s last name
Fees vary by facility but range from $9.95 for payment by credit or debit card to up to $29 for cash.
Other options by state
| State | Method of transfer |
|---|---|
| Alabama Idaho Kansas Nevada Oklahoma Oregon Utah | Access Corrections |
| California | Personal cashier’s check via lockbox Electronic funds transfer (EFT) US Post Office |
| Florida | In-person cash deposit at Video Visitation Center |
| Illinois | Global Tel Link Money order |
| Nevada | Touchpay credit and debit transaction |
When a loved one is incarcerated, it’s not always easy to know how to help. By sending money directly to their commissary account, you can rest assured that they’ll have the means to get by more comfortably while there.
