The basic process: most facilities use a third-party vendor

To put money on an inmate's tablet, you typically go through the facility's contracted vendor rather than the facility itself. The vendor operates the tablet system and handles all account funding. You will need the inmate's full name, their facility location, and their inmate number — the same information you would use to send mail or money through commissary.

The most common vendors are JPay, Securus, and GTL (Global Tel Link), though some facilities use smaller regional providers. Your first step is to find out which vendor your facility uses. You can do this by calling the facility's main number and asking which company operates the tablet system, or by visiting the facility's official website — most post this information in their inmate services section.

Once you know the vendor, you create an account on their website or app, add the inmate's information, and fund the account using a debit card, credit card, or bank transfer. The money then appears in the inmate's tablet account, usually within one to three business days, though some vendors offer same-day or next-day funding for a higher fee.

Key Takeaways

  • The facility's contracted vendor — usually JPay, Securus, or GTL — handles tablet funding, not the facility itself.
  • You need the inmate's full name, facility location, and inmate number to set up an account and fund their tablet.
  • Money typically appears in the inmate's account within one to three business days, though expedited options may be available for an extra fee.
  • Each vendor has its own website and app; you cannot mix vendors or transfer money between them.
  • Some facilities cap how much money can be on an inmate's account at one time, so check your facility's rules before funding.

Finding your facility's vendor and account setup

Call the facility's main number and ask which company operates their inmate tablet system. Have the inmate's name and number ready when you call, as staff may ask for it. If you cannot reach anyone by phone, check the facility's official website — most corrections departments list approved vendors on their inmate services or commissary pages.

Once you have the vendor name, go to their website directly. Do not click links from a search result or email; type the vendor's official web address into your browser. Create an account using your own name and contact information, then add the inmate's details. You will be asked for their full legal name, inmate number, and the facility name and location. Double-check spelling on the inmate's name and the exact facility name — a small error can delay funding.

Some vendors also offer mobile apps that work the same way as their websites. The app may be faster if you fund regularly, but the website version works just as well for a one-time transfer.

Payment methods and processing times

Most vendors accept debit cards, credit cards, and bank transfers. Debit and credit cards are processed when ready, and the money usually reaches the inmate's account within one to three business days. Bank transfers (ACH) are slower — typically five to seven business days — but some vendors do not charge a fee for them, while card payments usually include a processing fee of $1 to $3 per transaction.

Some vendors offer expedited funding: same-day or next-day deposit for an additional fee, usually $1.50 to $2.50 on top of the standard processing fee. This option is useful if the inmate needs money urgently, but it costs more. Check the vendor's website for the exact fees and timing available at your facility, as they vary by location.

Keep your receipt or confirmation number from the transaction. If the money does not appear in the inmate's account after the stated processing time, you can use this number to contact the vendor's customer service and track the transfer.

Account limits and facility rules

Many facilities set a maximum balance on inmate tablet accounts — commonly $100 to $500 at any one time. This is a security measure to prevent large sums from being lost, stolen, or used for contraband. Before you fund an account, check whether your facility has a cap. You can find this information on the vendor's website, in the facility's inmate handbook, or by calling the facility's commissary office.

If the account is already at the limit, the vendor will reject your transfer or hold it until the balance drops below the cap. Some facilities allow you to fund the account anyway and the money will be added once the inmate spends down their balance; others will not accept the transfer at all. Knowing the limit ahead of time prevents wasted fees and confusion.

What the inmate can use tablet money for

Money on the tablet is typically used for the inmate's commissary account — the digital store where they can purchase snacks, hygiene items, phone time, and sometimes books or other approved items. The exact items available depend on the facility and the vendor. Some facilities also allow tablet money to be used for video visits, emails, or other services offered through the tablet system.

The inmate controls how they spend the money once it is in their account. You cannot restrict it to certain items or vendors. If you want to may support the money is used for a specific purpose, you will need to discuss that directly with the inmate.

Troubleshooting common problems

If money does not appear after the stated processing time, first check that you entered the inmate's name and number correctly. A single digit wrong in the inmate number will send the money to the wrong account. Contact the vendor's customer service with your confirmation number and the inmate's details; they can trace the transfer and redirect it if needed.

If you get an error message when trying to fund the account, the most common causes are a typo in the inmate's information, an account that has not been fully set up yet (wait 24 hours and try again), or the facility's account balance cap being reached. Check each of these before contacting customer service.

If the vendor's website is down or you cannot create an account, try again in a few hours. Vendor websites sometimes go offline for maintenance, usually in the evening. If the problem persists, call the vendor's customer service line — the number is on their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money directly to the facility instead of through the vendor?

No. Facilities do not accept direct payments for tablet accounts. You must go through the facility's contracted vendor. If you send money to the facility by mail or in person, staff will direct you to the vendor's website or phone number.

What if I do not know the inmate's number?

Call the facility and provide the inmate's full legal name and date of birth. Staff can look up the inmate number for you. Have this information ready before you try to set up a vendor account, as you will need it to complete the process.

Can I fund the account from outside the United States?

Most vendors accept international credit and debit cards, but some do not. Check the vendor's website or call their customer service to confirm. International transfers may take longer and may include currency conversion fees.

Is there a way to get the money back if the inmate is released or transferred?

Policies vary by vendor and facility. Some vendors allow you to request a refund of unused balance; others transfer the balance to the inmate's account at their new facility if they are transferred. Contact the vendor directly to understand the refund or transfer policy.

Can I set up automatic recurring payments?

Some vendors offer automatic monthly or weekly transfers if you set them up through your account. Check the vendor's website for this option. You can usually pause or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account settings.