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How to send money to someone in jail
Don't let legal hurdles get in the way of sending money to loved ones.
Inmates often depend on deposits to their commissary accounts from family and friends. Depending on the facility, money transfers from JPay could be an option for getting money to an inmate.
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.
Our pick for cash transfers: MoneyGram
Send funds to more than 200 countries and territories around the world.
- Pick up cash within minutes.
- Send a transfer from one of the roughly 350,000 MoneyGram locations around the globe.
- Bank deposit available directly into your or the receiver's account.
- Mobile wallet deposit available.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Ask an Expert
How to registered the western union
Hi Narasimhamurthy,
Thanks for your inquiry.
You may sign up or register to Western Union by visiting their website. This is free to do and only requires you to provide your name, contact details, and information concerning your linked bank account, credit card or debit card.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Bella
What’s that max amount I can send inmates in South Carolina Dept of corrections per day,week”month
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch! We don’t have the information for the South Carolina Dept of Corrections but normally, a new inmate needs at least $100 to purchase sweatpants, sweatshirts, shorts and sneakers. On average, $40 to $80 a month allows for the purchase of basic necessities. For $100 to $200 per month, your loved one can afford a few extras beyond the basics. Generally, $300 a month is more than sufficient for basics necessities plus extra items that may bring more comfort.
Hope this was helpful. Don’t hesitate to message us back if you have more questions.
Best,
Nikki
What happens if I didn’t include inmate number on money orders?
Hey Amanda!
Thanks for your inquiry and for visiting our page.
If the inmate number and correctional ID is not included when sending money into the facility. the receiver won’t be able to collect the funds.
Hope this helps!
Regards,
Nikki
Dear, Expert,
I am trying already 7 months to find a way to send momey to a Nevada facility in Las Vegas, but there is only Access Corrections. The problem with that is that it is not possible to register on their site, if the state you are living in is not in the USA.
I am from the Netherlands, I asked my bank and another bank here, but a cashier check and money order is not in use here anymore. Please can you let me know if there is something I overlooked or another possibiity ,
Thank you, Robert
Hi Robert,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
I’m sorry to hear about the difficulty you are going through when it comes to sending money. If directly sending the money won’t work, what you can do is send the money to someone you trust in the US. From there, that someone can then send the money directly to that person in prison.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua