Understanding Money Transfer Options for Incarcerated People
When someone you know is incarcerated, sending money can be an important way to help them purchase necessities, make phone calls, or cover commissary expenses. The process varies depending on which facility holds the person and which state or federal system they're in. This guide covers the main methods people use to transfer funds to incarcerated individuals and what to expect with each option.
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The most common way to send money is through the prison's commissary or inmate account system. Nearly every correctional facility in the United States operates a system where incarcerated people can receive funds and use them for approved purchases. These systems typically work through third-party money transfer companies that partner with the correctional institution. The incarcerated person can then spend their account balance at the prison commissary, which sells items like hygiene products, snacks, clothing, and writing materials.
Different facilities partner with different companies. Some prisons use one vendor exclusively, while others may allow multiple options. The most widely used services include JPay, Securus, GTL (Global Tel Link), and CorrLinks. Before sending money, you'll need to find out which company services the specific facility. This information is usually listed on the prison's official website or can be obtained by calling the facility directly.
Transfer methods typically include online transfers, phone transfers, and in some cases, mail-in payments. Online transfers are the fastest option, often crediting funds within one to two business days. Phone transfers may take slightly longer. Mail-in payments, if offered, can take one to three weeks depending on mail processing time at the facility.
Practical Takeaway: Start by identifying which correctional facility holds the person and visit that facility's official website or call the business office to learn which money transfer company they use. Write down the company name, website, and any account numbers you need.
Finding Your Facility's Money Transfer Provider
Locating the correct money transfer service is your first step. Each correctional facility contracts with specific vendors, and using the wrong company may result in delays or rejected payments. The good news is that this information is public and relatively straightforward to find.
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Most state and federal prisons list their approved money transfer providers on their official websites. You can typically find this information in a section labeled "Inmate Accounts," "Commissary," or "How to Send Money." If the website doesn't clearly state this, look for a PDF document that outlines visiting policies and inmate services. Many facilities include money transfer information in these comprehensive guides.
If you cannot find the information online, contact the facility's business office or inmate services department directly. Have ready the incarcerated person's full name and inmate number. Staff can tell you which company handles money transfers for that facility and may provide you with a direct phone number or website address.
The major companies serving the incarcerated population include:
- JPay: Serves approximately 1.5 million incarcerated people across multiple states and the federal system. Offers online transfers, phone transfers, and kiosk payments at certain locations.
- Securus Technologies: Operates in numerous states and facilities. Provides online and phone payment options.
- GTL (Global Tel Link): Serves state prisons, federal facilities, and local jails. Offers various payment methods including online, phone, and check by mail.
- CorrLinks: A federal system designed for Bureau of Prisons facilities. Allows online money transfers.
Some facilities may use multiple vendors, giving people options for where to send money. In these cases, compare the transfer fees and processing times to choose what works best for your situation.
Practical Takeaway: Visit the facility's official website and search for "money transfer," "commissary," or "inmate accounts." Write down the exact company name and any fees they charge per transaction.
Understanding Fees and Costs Associated with Money Transfers
When you send money to an incarcerated person, the money transfer company typically charges a fee. These fees vary by company and payment method, and understanding them helps you plan how much to send. Fees are deducted from what you send, meaning if you send $50 with a $3 fee, the incarcerated person receives $47.
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Transfer fees typically range from $1.50 to $4 per transaction, depending on the company and method used. Online transfers often have lower fees than phone transfers. For example, one major provider charges $1.95 for online transfers but $3.95 for phone transfers. Some companies offer reduced fees for larger transfers or loyalty programs for frequent senders.
Additional costs to consider include any charges the incarcerated person may face when withdrawing or using their account. Some facilities charge a small fee when someone withdraws cash from their inmate account, though this is less common. A few facilities also charge monthly maintenance fees on inmate accounts, though most do not.
It's worth noting that money transfer companies do not charge the incarcerated person for receiving funds. All fees are paid by the sender. However, the commissary itself may charge markup prices on items, which is a separate cost from the transfer fee. This means the same item in a regular store may cost less than it does in the prison commissary.
Some people choose to send smaller amounts frequently rather than one large amount, while others prefer to send larger sums less often. Calculate what makes sense for your budget. Frequent small transfers mean paying fees multiple times, but large transfers concentrate the fee into one transaction.
Practical Takeaway: Before sending money, visit the money transfer company's website and note the exact fee structure. Multiply the fee by how many times per year you plan to send money to understand your total cost. This helps you budget realistically.
Step-by-Step Process for Online and Phone Transfers
Once you've identified the correct money transfer company, sending funds is straightforward. Most companies offer multiple ways to send money, with online transfers being the quickest and often cheapest option.
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For online transfers, the typical process includes:
- Visit the money transfer company's website and create an account or log in if you already have one
- Enter the incarcerated person's full name, inmate number, and facility name exactly as it appears in the system
- Enter the dollar amount you want to send
- Review the fee that will be charged and the amount the person will receive
- Provide your payment information (debit card, credit card, or bank account)
- Complete the transaction and save your confirmation number
- The money typically appears in the inmate's account within one to two business days
For phone transfers, the process is similar but conducted over the phone:
- Call the money transfer company's phone number (usually found on their website)
- Have ready the incarcerated person's full name, inmate number, and facility name
- Have your payment method information available
- A representative will guide you through entering the transfer amount and payment details
- You'll receive a confirmation number to keep for your records
- Processing time is similar to online transfers, typically one to two business days
When entering information, extreme accuracy is critical. Even a small error in the inmate number or spelling of the name could cause the transfer to be rejected or sent to the wrong person. Take time to verify this information with the incarcerated person or through official facility records before sending.
Most money transfer companies maintain transaction history that you can view on their website. This allows you to track what you've sent and when it was received. Keeping these records is useful in case questions arise about a transfer.
Practical Takeaway: Create a document with the incarcerated person's correct full name, inmate number, and facility name spelled exactly as the system requires. Before each transfer, double-check this information against your document to prevent sending money to the wrong account.
Limits, Restrictions, and What Incarcerated People Can Purchase
Correctional facilities place