The Basic Process for Funding a Securus Tablet Account

To add money to a Securus tablet account, you fund the inmate's commissary or phone account through Securus Technologies' website or mobile app. The money goes into a single account that the inmate can use for calls, messages, video visits, and tablet services—you do not load money directly onto the device itself. The tablet is just the tool the inmate uses to access the account you fund.

You will need the inmate's full name, their facility name, and their inmate number. Securus accepts payment by debit card, credit card, or bank transfer. Most deposits show up within one business day, though some facilities process them more slowly.

Key Takeaways

  • Money is added to the inmate's Securus account online, not loaded onto the tablet itself—the tablet is just how they access the account.
  • You need the inmate's full name, facility name, and inmate number to make a deposit.
  • Securus accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers through their website or mobile app.
  • Deposits usually arrive within one business day, but some facilities take longer to process them.
  • The inmate can use the money for calls, messages, video visits, and other services available through the tablet.

Setting Up Your Account on the Securus Website

Go to the Securus Technologies website and look for the option to add money or fund an account. You will be asked to create a login or sign in if you already have one. Enter the inmate's full name, their inmate number, and the name of the facility where they are held. Double-check the spelling of the facility name—if it does not match exactly, the system may not find the account.

Once you have located the inmate's account, you can choose how much money to add. There is usually a minimum deposit (often $10 to $25) and sometimes a maximum per transaction. You will see any fees Securus charges for the deposit before you confirm the payment.

Using the Securus Mobile App Instead

The Securus mobile app works the same way as the website. read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play, create or log into your account, and search for the inmate by name, number, and facility. The app lets you add money, check the account balance, and see transaction history in one place.

Some people find the app faster for repeat deposits because you can save the inmate's information after the first time. You still need a debit or credit card to complete each deposit, and the same one-business-day processing time applies.

Payment Methods and Fees

Securus accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. You can also pay by bank transfer (ACH), which sometimes has a lower fee than card payments but takes longer to process. When you enter your payment information, the website or app will show you the exact fee before you confirm—Securus fees vary and change, so check each time you deposit.

Some facilities partner with third-party payment processors that add their own fees on top of Securus's fee. If you see a higher-than-expected charge, that is usually why. The inmate receives the full amount you intended to deposit; the fees come out of what you pay, not from their account.

What Happens After You Make a Deposit

After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this for your records. The money usually appears in the inmate's account within one business day, but some facilities process deposits on a schedule—for example, only on weekdays or only once per day at a set time. If the deposit does not show up within two business days, contact Securus customer service with your confirmation number.

The inmate will see the new balance the next time they log into the tablet. They can then use it to make calls, send messages, purchase items from the commissary (if that service is available on the tablet), or pay for video visits. The balance stays in the account until it is spent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common error is entering the facility name incorrectly. Prisons, jails, and detention centers often have long official names that differ from what inmates or their families call them. If you cannot find the facility, try searching for just the city name or looking it up on the Securus website's facility directory before you start the deposit process.

Another mistake is using an outdated inmate number. If the inmate has been transferred to a different facility, their number may have changed. Ask them to confirm their current number and facility before you deposit money. Sending money to the wrong account means it will not reach them, and getting it back takes time.

Do not assume the deposit is when ready. If you deposit money and the inmate tries to use it when ready, it may not be there yet. Let them know to wait at least one business day before they try to make a call or send a message.

If You Cannot Find the Inmate's Account

If the system says it cannot find the inmate, check three things: the spelling of their full name (use the name exactly as it appears on their paperwork), the inmate number (ask them to confirm it), and the facility name (search the Securus facility list to see the exact official name). Facilities sometimes change names or are referred to differently in different systems.

If you have checked all three and still cannot find the account, contact Securus customer service. They can search by name and facility and tell you whether the inmate is in the Securus system at that location. Some facilities do not use Securus, so it is possible the inmate's facility uses a different service entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up automatic deposits so I do not have to add money every time?

Yes. The Securus website and app both have an option to set up recurring deposits on a schedule you choose—weekly, monthly, or another interval. You can change or cancel the recurring deposit at any time through your account settings.

What if the inmate is transferred to a different facility?

The money in their account usually transfers with them. However, some facilities use different systems, so confirm with the new facility that they use Securus. If they do not, you may need to withdraw the balance from the old account and deposit it into a new system.

Is there a limit to how much money I can add to the account?

Securus sets a per-transaction limit (usually $500 to $1,000, though this varies), but you can make multiple deposits. Some facilities also set their own caps on how much an inmate can hold in their account at one time. Check with the facility if you are trying to deposit a large amount.

Can I get a refund if I deposit money by mistake?

Contact Securus customer service right away with your confirmation number. They can sometimes reverse a deposit if it has not been used yet, but the process takes time and is not may provide. It is faster to prevent the mistake by double-checking the inmate's information before you confirm payment.

Do I need to be a family member to add money to an inmate's account?

No. Anyone can deposit money into an inmate's Securus account as long as they have the inmate's name, number, and facility. You do not need to prove a relationship or have the inmate's permission, though it is a good idea to tell them you are sending money so they know to expect it.