The basic process: who handles the money and how it moves

Money on an inmate tablet goes through a commissary account, not directly onto the device itself. You send money to the facility's commissary system, and the inmate uses that balance to buy items through the tablet's store app. The process differs by facility and by which company runs the commissary — the two largest are JPay and Securus, but some facilities use their own systems.

Most facilities let you fund an account online through the commissary provider's website, by phone, or sometimes in person at the facility. You'll need the inmate's full name, booking number or inmate ID, and the facility name. The money typically appears in the account within one to three business days, though some methods are faster.

Some facilities charge a fee to add money — this varies widely and can be anywhere from a flat amount per transaction to a percentage of what you send. Ask the facility directly what their fee structure is, because it's not always posted online.

Key Takeaways

  • Money goes into a commissary account managed by the facility, not onto the tablet itself, and the inmate spends it through the tablet's store app.
  • The two largest commissary providers are JPay and Securus, but you need to know which one your specific facility uses before you can send money.
  • You can usually fund an account online, by phone, or in person, and you'll need the inmate's full name, booking number, and facility name.
  • Money typically appears in the account within one to three business days, though some methods are faster and some facilities charge a transaction fee.
  • Call the facility's commissary office directly if you're unsure which provider they use or what the current fees are.

Finding out which commissary system your facility uses

Before you can send money, you need to know whether the facility uses JPay, Securus, or a local system. The fastest way is to call the facility's commissary office directly — they can tell you in one call and give you the exact website or phone number to use.

If you can't reach them by phone, check the facility's official website. Most post a link to their commissary provider on the main page or under "Inmate Services" or "Commissary." If the facility has its own system, the instructions will be there too.

Do not assume based on the state or county — neighboring facilities often use different providers. Getting this wrong means your money goes nowhere and you have to contact the provider to redirect it, which can take extra days.

Sending money through JPay

JPay operates in most states and handles commissary for hundreds of facilities. Go to jpay.com, create an account with your email and a password, and search for the inmate by name and facility. Once you find them, you can add money using a debit card, credit card, or bank account.

JPay charges a transaction fee that varies by payment method — typically $1.95 to $2.95 for card payments and sometimes less for bank transfers. Money sent before 2 p.m. Eastern time on a business day usually appears the next day; money sent after that or on weekends appears the day after next.

You can also call JPay at 1-800-574-5729 to add money by phone, though this method may have a higher fee. Some facilities also allow you to add money in person at a kiosk in the lobby, but this is less common.

Sending money through Securus

Securus handles commissary for facilities across the country, particularly in the South and Midwest. Visit securustech.net, create an account, and search for the inmate. You can fund the account with a debit card, credit card, or bank account.

Securus charges a transaction fee that typically ranges from $1.50 to $3.00 depending on your payment method. Money sent during business hours usually appears within 24 hours; weekend and evening deposits may take longer.

You can also call Securus at 1-844-594-2086 to add money by phone. Some facilities allow phone deposits directly through the facility's commissary office, which may have different fees — ask when you call to confirm the facility's preferred method.

Facility-run commissary systems

Some facilities, particularly smaller jails and some state prisons, run their own commissary systems instead of using a third-party provider. These facilities usually accept money by mail, in person, or through a local payment system. Call the facility's commissary office to find out their specific process.

If the facility accepts mail, send a check or money order made out to the facility's commissary account, with the inmate's full name and booking or ID number written clearly on the envelope. Include a return address in case there's a problem. Mail typically takes 5 to 10 business days to process, so plan ahead.

Some facilities accept Western Union or MoneyGram at a local agent, which is faster than mail. The commissary office can tell you whether this option is available and what the process is.

What happens after you send the money

Once the money appears in the commissary account, the inmate can see the balance on their tablet and use it to purchase items through the commissary app. Most facilities limit what can be bought — typically hygiene items, snacks, clothing, and sometimes phone time or email credits. The inmate cannot withdraw the money as cash.

If you send money and it doesn't appear after the expected time, contact the commissary provider or facility directly. Have your transaction confirmation number ready. Sometimes money gets held if there's a discrepancy in the inmate's name or booking number, and the commissary office can release it once they verify the information.

If the inmate is released or transferred, the remaining balance may be refunded to you or transferred to their new facility, depending on the system. Ask the commissary office what their policy is.

Fees and limits you should know about

Transaction fees vary by provider and payment method, but expect to pay between $1.50 and $3.00 per deposit. Some facilities also charge a monthly commissary fee or a percentage of each purchase, which comes out of the balance you send.

Most facilities set a maximum balance limit — often $200 to $500 — so the inmate cannot accumulate large amounts. If you try to send money and the account is at the limit, the deposit will be rejected and you'll need to wait until the inmate spends some of the balance.

Some facilities restrict how often you can send money, such as once per week or once per month. The commissary office can tell you what the limit is for your specific facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money if I don't know the inmate's booking number?

Most providers let you search by name and facility alone, so you don't need the booking number to start. However, if there are multiple people with the same name at the facility, you may need the booking number to make sure you're sending money to the right person. Call the facility to confirm the correct number before you send.

What if I send money to the wrong facility by mistake?

Contact the commissary provider or facility when ready with your transaction confirmation number. They can usually redirect the money to the correct facility or refund it, but this takes extra time — sometimes several days. It's worth double-checking the facility name before you submit payment.

Can the inmate's money be taken for fines or restitution?

Yes. Facilities can place a hold on commissary accounts to cover court-ordered fines, restitution, or facility fees. If money you send disappears without the inmate being able to spend it, ask the facility whether a hold has been placed and what it's for.

Is there a faster way to send money than online?

Some facilities accept in-person deposits at a kiosk in the lobby, which can be when ready or next-day. Phone deposits through the commissary provider are also fast — usually next-day. Mail and bank transfers are slowest, taking 5 to 10 business days. Ask the facility which method is fastest for them.

What if the inmate is transferred to another facility?

Contact the original facility's commissary office to find out whether the balance transfers automatically or whether you need to request a transfer. Some systems move the money; others refund it to you. Get this in writing so you know what to expect.