📅 Updated: July 2026💸 Money Transfer Guide🕐 15 min read · 3,200 words
How to Send Money to an Inmate — The 2026 Guide
AllRecentArrests.us
· Published
· Updated
· 3200 words · 15 min read
For families and friends on the outside, putting money in an inmate's account is one of the most concrete ways to help. Those commissary and trust funds pay for hygiene items, extra food, stationery, and the credits that keep phone and email contact alive. For a lot of incarcerated people, the money loved ones send is the line between bare institutional life and a little everyday dignity.
Getting it there, though, isn't always simple. The accepted methods, fees, and limits shift from one facility and state to the next, and picking the wrong service — or leaving out a required detail — can get your funds delayed for weeks, flagged, or returned. This guide walks through every method available in 2026, including the federal Bureau of Prisons' official process, with step-by-step instructions, a full fee comparison, a state-by-state reference, and answers to the questions families ask most.
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⚡ Quick Answer
You'll need the inmate's full committed name, ID/register number, and current facility. Then use whatever that facility approves — most commonly JPay/ViaPath (jpay.com), Access Corrections (accesscorrections.com), or a USPS money order by mail. For federal inmates, the BOP uses MoneyGram (receive code 7932) and Western Union (code city FBOP, DC), or a USPS money order to its National Lockbox in Des Moines, IA. Electronic transfers can post within hours to a few business days; money orders are cheapest but slowest. Always keep your confirmation number.
1.9M
Incarcerated people in the US who rely on commissary funds
$1.6B+
Sent to inmate accounts by families each year
$300
Federal BOP cap per electronic (MoneyGram/WU) deposit
Hours–2 wks
Posting time, from fast electronic transfers to mailed instruments
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💸 Why Commissary Money Matters So Much
Prison meals meet legal standards but leave a lot to be desired, and issued hygiene supplies are bare-bones. Phone and email access run on account credits too. All of it flows from the inmate's commissary or trust account — and that account is funded only by prison-job wages (often just cents an hour), the occasional legal settlement, or money sent from outside.
For most people inside, outside support is the main source of those funds, and the difference it makes is immediate:
Food: Ramen, peanut butter, coffee, and snacks fill the gaps left by meals many find thin or unappealing.
Hygiene: Better soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant than the institution's basics.
Communication: At most facilities, phone and email credits come out of the same account — no balance often means no calls home.
Mental health: Books, magazines, and in some places tablets or music offer real relief from the monotony inside.
Stability: In some environments, having commissary items to share or trade carries real social weight.
If your immediate goal is getting calls working again, our
guide to adding money to an inmate phone account
has the provider-specific steps (ViaPath/ConnectNetwork, Securus, JPay, and ICSolutions).
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Run a full public records searchArrest records, criminal history, court filings, addresses and known relatives.
And if you've wondered what a typical day looks like for the person you're supporting, our guide on what life inside prison is really like shows exactly where commissary funds fit into it.
Every method relies on the same core details. Pull them together before you start — a mistake in any one field can send the money back, stall it, or drop it into the wrong account.
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Inmate's full committed name: the legal name on file with the facility, spelled exactly as their records show it, middle name included where relevant. Nicknames or shortened forms cause a mismatch.
Inmate ID number: called the inmate number, register number, booking number, SID, or DOC number (FDOC, TDCJ, CDCR, etc.) depending on the system. This is your most important identifier — verify it digit by digit.
Current facility and address: transfers happen without much notice, so confirm where the person is now. Use our inmate search tool to check the current facility.
Your own verified ID: most online services need your legal name, address, and some identity check (driver's license number or last four of your SSN) to satisfy anti-money-laundering rules.
Critical: If the inmate was moved since you last sent money, funds to the old facility can bounce back or sit in limbo for weeks. For federal inmates, the BOP also warns you to wait until the person has physically arrived at their assigned facility before sending. Always confirm the current location first.
👥 Who's Allowed to Send Money
Not everyone can send funds, and the rules shift by facility and state. The most common requirements are:
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Approved contact list: many facilities only accept deposits from people on the inmate's approved contact or visitor list. The inmate usually has to request your addition through their case manager.
Identity verification: most online services make you verify your identity with a government-issued ID — a federal requirement under anti-money-laundering rules.
No restriction orders: courts sometimes bar specific people from contacting or supporting an inmate, often for victim protection. If such an order applies to you, don't send money.
Age: most services require senders to be 18 or older.
When in doubt, call the facility. Its inmate accounts or financial services office can confirm whether you're eligible and which method to use. Jot down the name of whoever you speak with and the date.
💸 Method 1: JPay / ViaPath — Most Common
JPay / ViaPath🌟 Most Widely Used⚡ Fast (minutes–3 days)
💸 Fees: Roughly 5–15% per transaction (varies by state and amount)
🕐 Speed: Minutes to about 3 business days
🌐 Website: jpay.com
📱 App: Available on iOS and Android
JPay now operates under ViaPath Technologies (the company formerly known as GTL) and is the most widely used inmate money-transfer service in the country, serving hundreds of state and county systems. It also handles email, video, and phone credits at many facilities, so a single account often covers everything a family needs.
Go to jpay.com or open the JPay app and create an account with your legal name, email, and phone number.
Search for the inmate by name or ID and select their current facility.
Choose "Send Money" and enter the amount.
Add your payment method — credit card, debit card, or bank account.
Check the fee shown before confirming, then save the confirmation number.
Funds usually post to the inmate's account within minutes to about 3 business days.
JPay tip: Setting up the account and pre-loading a balance ahead of time makes emergency deposits quick. You can also schedule recurring transfers to send a set amount each month automatically.
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Run a full public records searchArrest records, criminal history, court filings, addresses and known relatives.
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, run by the Keefe Group, is the main deposit service for several state DOC systems — Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and others — and also operates lobby kiosks at many facilities. The online process closely mirrors JPay's.
Go to accesscorrections.com or open the app and create a free account.
Find the inmate by facility plus name or ID.
Choose "Send Money" and enter the amount.
Pay by credit card, debit card, or from a loaded Access Corrections wallet.
TouchPay runs under ViaPath's ConnectNetwork brand and serves many county jails plus some state systems. It's especially common for people held short-term while awaiting trial, and at some facilities it ties into the same platform used for phone and messaging.
Go to connectnetwork.com and log in or register.
Use the facility locator to find the facility, then search for the inmate.
Choose "Deposit Funds" and set the amount.
Pay by card, reading the fee disclosure closely before you confirm.
Save the confirmation — funds usually post within 1–2 business days.
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💸 Method 4: MoneyGram
MoneyGram💸 Lower Fees⚡ Federal: 2–4 hrs
💸 Fees: Roughly $2–$10 depending on amount and location
🕐 Speed: Federal deposits post in about 2–4 hours (sent 7am–9pm ET); others 1–3 days
🌐 Website: moneygram.com
📇 Available at: Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, and tens of thousands of locations
MoneyGram is the primary electronic option for the federal Bureau of Prisons and is also accepted by many state and county systems. You can send online, in the app, or in person, which helps if you don't have a bank card. The exact receive code and account format matter — get them right before you send.
Federal BOP (official method): Use MoneyGram's ExpressPayment program with receive code 7932. Company name: Federal Bureau of Prisons; City & State: Washington, DC. The account number is the inmate's eight-digit register number followed immediately by their last name, no spaces (for example, 12345678DOE), and the beneficiary is the inmate's full committed name. The limit is $300 per transaction. Wait until the inmate has physically arrived at their facility before sending. Questions about a federal deposit? Call the BOP Trust Fund line at 202-307-2712.
For a state or county facility, confirm it accepts MoneyGram and get the specific receive code. For federal inmates, use receive code 7932 as above.
Go to moneygram.com, the app, or a retail location (Walmart, CVS, etc.).
Choose "Pay Bills," enter the receive code, and the amount (federal: up to $300).
Enter the inmate's account number/reference exactly as required (federal: register number + last name).
Pay by card or cash and record the reference number.
Share the reference number with the inmate in case they need to follow up.
Important: Correctional receive codes and account formats differ from ordinary person-to-person transfers, and the wrong code sends money to the wrong place. Always get the exact code and format first — and for federal deposits, use the BOP's official code 7932 and register-number-plus-last-name format.
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💸 Method 5: Western Union
Western Union⚡ Federal: Fast🟡 Varies by State
💸 Fees: Roughly $5–$15+ depending on amount and location
🕐 Speed: Federal deposits post within hours; state/county 1–3 days
🌐 Website: westernunion.com
Western Union is the BOP's second official electronic method and is accepted by some state and county systems too, though at fewer facilities than JPay or MoneyGram as more systems move to dedicated platforms. When accepted, it works much like MoneyGram — you send to a facility code rather than to a person.
Federal BOP (official method): Use Western Union's Quick Collect program. Code city: FBOP, DC; company/facility name: Federal Bureau of Prisons. The account number is the inmate's eight-digit register number followed by their last name, no spaces (e.g., 12345678DOE), and the attention line is the inmate's full committed name. Send online, in the Send2Corrections app, at an agent, or by phone at 1-800-634-3422.
For a state or county facility, confirm it accepts Western Union and get the send-to code and reference details. For federal inmates, use code city FBOP, DC as above.
Go to westernunion.com, the app, or a retail location and start a Quick Collect transfer to the facility code.
Enter the inmate's account number/reference exactly (federal: register number + last name).
Pay by card or cash and save the MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number).
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Run a full public records searchArrest records, criminal history, court filings, addresses and known relatives.
💸 Fees: About $1.65 (up to $500) or $2.35 (up to $1,000)
🕐 Speed: Several business days after mailing (federal non-postal instruments held ~15 days)
📇 Available at: Any US Post Office
A US Postal Service money order is the cheapest route and is accepted by virtually every federal and state prison. The catch is speed — mailing plus processing takes days. Skip personal checks (most facilities reject them) and use only official USPS money orders, not the Western Union or MoneyGram versions, which route differently.
Federal BOP (National Lockbox): For federal inmates, mail a USPS money order or government check — no cash, personal checks, or non-postal money orders — to the BOP's centralized lockbox, addressed as: Federal Bureau of Prisons, [Inmate's Full Committed Name], [Inmate's 8-Digit Register Number], PO Box 474701, Des Moines, IA 50947-0001. USPS money orders and government checks post once processed; other accepted instruments are held about 15 days to clear.
Buy a USPS money order at any Post Office (max $1,000 each).
Make it payable to the inmate's full committed name exactly as facility records show it.
Note the inmate's ID/register number and facility on the memo line or an enclosed slip.
Mail it to the correct address — the facility's inmate accounts office for state/county, or the National Lockbox in Des Moines for federal inmates. Confirm the address first.
Photograph the money order before mailing and keep the receipt stub as proof and for any dispute.
Best for: Steady monthly support when timing isn't urgent, and for families who'd rather avoid digital services or want to keep fees to a minimum on larger amounts.
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💸 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 facilities keep a self-service kiosk in the visitor lobby that takes cash, credit, or debit for immediate deposits. Depending on the facility's contract, the kiosk is run by JPay/ViaPath, Access Corrections, or TouchPay. It's handy if you're already visiting in person, and funds usually post the same day or by the next morning.
Bring the inmate's full name and ID number, and arrive during visitor check-in hours (kiosk hours vary).
Enter the inmate's ID at the kiosk and confirm the name shown on screen.
Insert cash or swipe your card and enter the amount.
Review the on-screen fee and confirm.
Take the printed receipt and keep it — it's your only record of the deposit.
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📊 Fee and Speed Comparison (2026)
Use this table to size up every method at a glance and pick the right one for your situation:
Method
Typical Fee
Speed
Accepted By
Online?
Cash Option?
JPay / ViaPath
~5–15% of amount
Minutes–3 days
Most state prisons, many jails
✓ Yes
✓ Via kiosk
Access Corrections
~$4–$10 flat
Minutes–3 days
OH, IL, MI, and others
✓ Yes
✓ Via kiosk
TouchPay / ConnectNetwork
~$3–$12 flat
Same day–2 days
County jails, some state
✓ Yes
✓ Via kiosk
MoneyGram
~$2–$10
Federal 2–4 hrs; else 1–3 days
Federal BOP + many facilities
✓ Yes
✓ In store
Western Union
~$5–$15+
Federal hours; else 1–3 days
Federal BOP + some state
✓ Yes
✓ In store
USPS Money Order
~$1.65–$2.35
Several days by mail
Virtually all facilities + BOP lockbox
✗ No
✓ Cash only
Lobby Kiosk
~$3–$6 flat
Same day–next day
Facilities with kiosks
✗ In person
✓ Cash/card
Cost tip: For small amounts, a USPS money order is cheapest by far. When speed matters, MoneyGram and Western Union post to federal inmates within hours, while JPay/ViaPath and Access Corrections are the most reliable for state systems. Kiosks make sense when you're already at the facility.
🏘 Federal and State System Guide
The federal BOP and each state DOC contract with different vendors. Here's a quick reference for the largest systems:
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Run a full public records searchArrest records, criminal history, court filings, addresses and known relatives.
The BOP does not use JPay. Send funds three official ways: MoneyGram (ExpressPayment, receive code 7932, "Federal Bureau of Prisons," Washington DC), Western Union (Quick Collect, code city FBOP, DC), or a USPS money order to the National Lockbox at PO Box 474701, Des Moines, IA 50947-0001. Account number is the inmate's 8-digit register number + last name. Wait until the inmate has arrived at their facility.
California CDCR
California
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation uses JPay/ViaPath as its main online deposit service, with money orders also accepted. Online deposits are the fastest, most common route for CDCR facilities.
Texas TDCJ
Texas
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice takes deposits through JPay/ViaPath online and at lobby kiosks, plus USPS money orders mailed to the TDCJ Trust Fund office in Huntsville.
Florida FDC
Florida
The Florida Department of Corrections uses JPay/ViaPath as its primary service and also accepts money orders made out to the department with the inmate's DC number.
New York DOCCS
New York
New York DOCCS uses JPay/ViaPath for online transfers. Certified checks and money orders payable to the inmate's name and DIN (Department Identification Number) are accepted by mail.
Ohio ODRC
Ohio
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction uses Access Corrections (not JPay) for online deposits, with money orders also accepted. Check the ODRC site for the current trust-account mailing address.
Illinois IDOC
Illinois
The Illinois DOC runs deposits through Access Corrections. 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 systems vary the most. Many now use JPay/ViaPath, TouchPay, or Access Corrections, but smaller jails still lean on money orders or lobby cash deposits. Always call to confirm before sending.
Always verify directly: Vendor contracts change, and federal codes can be updated. This guide reflects 2026 — confirm the current accepted methods (and, for federal inmates, the codes on bop.gov/inmates/communications.jsp) before you send.
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📋 Limits, Balance Caps, and Mandatory Deductions
Deposit Limits
Most facilities cap how much you can deposit at once or over a period. Common ceilings include:
Federal BOP: up to $300 per electronic (MoneyGram/Western Union) transaction
Most state systems: around $200–$500 per online transaction; some allow more by money order
Balance caps: many facilities limit the total account balance (often ~$1,000, higher in some systems); excess may be held or returned
Deductions You Might Not Expect
In many states, part of every deposit is siphoned off before it reaches the inmate's usable balance. Those deductions can include:
Restitution: court-ordered victim payments are frequently taken automatically — sometimes 25–50% of each deposit
Court fees and fines: some states pull outstanding court costs from incoming deposits
Cost of incarceration: a few states deduct a daily "room and board" charge
Medical co-pays: unpaid co-pays may be debited automatically
Before sending a large amount: ask the inmate or their attorney whether deductions apply. If half of every deposit goes to restitution, a $100 deposit adds only $50 to their commissary balance — knowing that up front lets you plan.
Leftover Funds at Release
When someone is released, the balance left in their trust account goes back to them — usually as a check or release card on release day, or mailed within a few weeks. Any outstanding restitution, fines, or institutional debts are settled first. The person should confirm their final balance with the facility's financial office before or on release day.
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🛠️ When Funds Don't Arrive
Deposits do go sideways sometimes. Work through it in order:
Let the full processing window pass first. Electronic transfers can take up to a few business days, and mailed money orders longer. Don't open a dispute before the window closes.
Confirm where the inmate is. The most common cause is a transfer that happened after you sent the money. Use our inmate search tool to check they're still at the same facility.
Re-check the name and ID. One transposed digit routes funds to the wrong account. Contact the service with your confirmation number and have them audit the recipient details.
Call the service's support line with your confirmation number handy — JPay/ViaPath: 800-574-5729; Access Corrections: 866-295-7869; MoneyGram: 1-800-926-9400; Western Union: 1-800-634-3422. For a federal deposit, the BOP Trust Fund line is 202-307-2712.
Contact the facility's inmate accounts office. They can look up pending transactions by name and ID and tell you whether the money is in the system waiting to post.
File a formal dispute if you were charged but nothing arrived. Most services have a set dispute window — submit in writing and keep copies of everything.
Keep records: Save every confirmation number, receipt, and screenshot in one folder, digital or physical. It's the only proof you'll have if something goes wrong, and disputes are very hard to win without it.
Financial Support for Families
Sending money to someone inside is a real act of love — and it adds up fast. If keeping the deposits going on top of everyday bills is getting hard, help exists. Our guide to financial assistance programs for families of incarcerated people walks through government benefits, nonprofits, and emergency funds that can steady your household through it.
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Run a full public records searchArrest records, criminal history, court filings, addresses and known relatives.
What is the cheapest way to send money to an inmate?
A US Postal Service money order mailed to the facility (or, for federal inmates, to the BOP's National Lockbox in Des Moines, IA) is usually cheapest — the USPS fee is only about $1.65–$2.35. The catch is speed: mailed deposits take days to a couple of weeks to clear. Online services like JPay/ViaPath and Access Corrections post faster but charge roughly 5–15% or a flat fee, and lobby kiosks typically add $3–$6.
How long does it take for money to reach an inmate?
It depends on the method. Federal MoneyGram and Western Union transfers can post within a few hours when sent during business hours. State online transfers (JPay/ViaPath, Access Corrections, TouchPay) usually post within minutes to about 1–3 business days, and kiosk deposits often the same or next day. Mailed money orders take longer, and non-postal instruments to the federal lockbox are held about 15 days. Allow extra time around holidays and lockdowns.
How much money can you send to an inmate?
Limits vary by facility and state. Federal BOP electronic deposits (MoneyGram/Western Union) are capped at $300 per transaction. State systems usually allow around $200–$500 per online transaction, and many facilities cap the total account balance (often about $1,000). Commissary spending limits are separate from deposit limits.
Can anyone send money to an inmate, or only family?
It depends on the facility. Many only accept deposits from people on the inmate's approved contact list, which the inmate requests through their case manager, while some limit transfers to immediate family. Confirm the facility's policy first — unapproved senders may have funds returned or flagged.
What happens to an inmate's money when they are released?
At release, the remaining trust-account balance is returned to the person — usually a check or release card on release day, or mailed shortly after. Outstanding restitution, court fees, and institutional debts come out first. They should confirm their balance with the facility's financial office before or on release day.
What information do I need to send money to a prisoner?
You need (1) the inmate's full committed name exactly as facility records show it, (2) their ID number (inmate, register, booking, SID, or DOC number depending on the system), and (3) the facility's exact name and current address. Federal transfers use the eight-digit register number plus last name as the account number. Online services also require a verified account with your details. Double-check everything — errors can delay or lose funds.
A deposit can feel like a small thing, but to the person inside it's a clear signal that someone out here is thinking about them and believes in their future. Those funds buy better food, real hygiene items, the credits to call home, and the small daily comforts that quietly hold up morale and mental health through a long sentence.
It doesn't have to be complicated. Gather the right details, confirm what the facility accepts, pick the method that balances speed and cost for you, and hang on to every receipt. If something goes wrong, the steps in this guide will help you sort it out.
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Stop by our Prisoner Guides center for more on visitation, phone calls, writing letters, reentry, and everything else that helps your family stay connected.
Written and maintained by the AllRecentArrests.us editorial team. Fees, availability, facility contracts, and federal deposit codes change — confirm current rates, accepted methods, and (for federal inmates) the codes on bop.gov before sending funds. This article is for informational purposes only. Last updated: July 2026.
