Most facilities use a third-party money service, not the prison itself
You cannot put money directly onto a tablet through the tablet itself. Instead, you send money to an account managed by the company that runs the tablet program at that specific facility. The inmate then uses that account balance to buy apps, games, books, or other content on the tablet.
The tablet program operator varies by facility. Common ones include JPay, Securus, Keefe Commissary Network, and others. You need to find out which company your facility uses before you can send money. Call the facility's main number and ask which tablet vendor they use, or check the facility's website.
Once you know the vendor, you will create an account on their website or app, add the inmate's information, and transfer money from your bank account, debit card, or credit card. The money appears in the inmate's account within one to three business days, depending on the vendor and payment method.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the facility directly to find out which company operates the tablet program there, since different prisons use different vendors.
- Create an account on the vendor's website or mobile app using the inmate's name, facility, and inmate number.
- Pay by bank transfer, debit card, or credit card; most vendors charge a processing fee of $1 to $3 per transaction.
- Money typically reaches the inmate's account within one to three business days, though some payment methods are faster than others.
- Check the vendor's website for any limits on how much you can send at once or per month, as these vary by company and facility.
Finding the correct vendor for your facility
The first step is confirming which company operates tablets at the specific facility where the inmate is housed. Call the facility's main phone line during business hours and ask the receptionist or a counselor which tablet vendor they use. Have the inmate's name and facility name ready when you call.
You can also ask the inmate directly if they have already used the tablet. They will know the vendor's name from the tablet's home screen or from talking to other inmates. If the inmate has not used it yet, they can ask a counselor or another inmate which vendor the facility uses.
Once you have the vendor name, search for that company online. The major vendors are JPay, Securus, Keefe Commissary Network, and Jpay. Go to their website and look for a section labeled "Send Money," "Add Funds," or "Fund an Account." Each vendor's process is slightly different, so follow their specific steps.
Creating an account and adding the inmate's information
On the vendor's website, click the option to create a new account or log in if you already have one. You will be asked for your own name, email address, phone number, and a password. Use an email address you check regularly, since the vendor will send confirmation emails and transaction receipts there.
Next, you will add the inmate's information. Have the inmate's full name, date of birth, facility name, and inmate number ready. Some vendors also ask for the inmate's housing unit or cell number, though this is not always required. Enter this information exactly as it appears in the facility's records, or the money may not reach the correct person.
After you enter the inmate's details, the vendor will confirm that the person exists in their system. If the inmate is not found, double-check the spelling of their name and the facility name. If the inmate is very new to the facility, there may be a delay of a few days before they appear in the vendor's database.
Choosing a payment method and sending money
Most vendors accept bank transfers, debit cards, and credit cards. Bank transfers are usually the cheapest option, with fees of $1 to $2, but they take two to three business days. Debit and credit card payments are faster—often within a few hours—but carry higher fees, typically $2 to $3 per transaction.
Enter your payment information on the vendor's find payment page. Do not use a public or shared computer for this step. Select the amount you want to send. Check whether the vendor has a daily or monthly limit; most allow $50 to $500 per transaction, with monthly caps ranging from $200 to $1,000 depending on the facility.
Review the total amount, including the fee, before you confirm the transaction. The vendor will send you a confirmation email with a transaction number. Save this number in case you need to contact the vendor about the payment later.
Timing and what the inmate sees
The money will appear in the inmate's tablet account within one to three business days for bank transfers, or within a few hours for card payments. The inmate does not need to do anything to receive it; the balance updates automatically on their tablet.
Once the money is in the account, the inmate can use it to purchase content available through the tablet's store. This might include games, books, movies, music, or other apps, depending on what the facility allows. The inmate cannot withdraw the money as cash or use it for commissary purchases through other channels.
If the money does not appear after the expected time, check your confirmation email for the transaction number and contact the vendor's customer service. Have the transaction number, inmate name, and facility name ready when you call.
Fees and limits you should know about
Every vendor charges a processing fee for sending money. These fees are not set by the facility or the state; they are set by the vendor and vary by payment method. Bank transfers usually cost $1 to $2, while card payments cost $2 to $3. Some vendors also charge a small monthly account maintenance fee if you maintain an account with them.
Facilities also set limits on how much money can be in an inmate's account at any one time. This limit is typically $200 to $500, though it varies by facility. If the inmate's balance is already at the limit, you will not be able to send more money until they spend some of it.
Some facilities also limit how much you can send in a single transaction or per month. These limits exist to prevent inmates from accumulating large amounts of money on the tablet. Check the vendor's website or call customer service to confirm the limits at your specific facility.
What to do if you have problems
If your payment is rejected, the most common reason is that the inmate's information does not match the facility's records exactly. Check the spelling of the name, the facility name, and the inmate number. Call the facility to confirm the correct spelling if you are unsure.
If the money was charged to your account but did not reach the inmate after three business days, contact the vendor's customer service with your transaction number. They can trace the payment and either complete the transfer or refund your money. Keep your confirmation email until the money appears in the inmate's account.
If the inmate's account is locked or suspended, the facility or vendor may have restricted it for a rule violation. Contact the facility's counselor or the vendor to find out why and whether the restriction is temporary or permanent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to an inmate's tablet if I do not know their inmate number?
Most vendors require an inmate number to prevent sending money to the wrong person. Call the facility and ask for the inmate's number, or ask the inmate to provide it during a phone call or visit. Without it, the vendor's system will not find the account.
What happens if I send money to the wrong facility by mistake?
The vendor's system will reject the payment if the inmate is not found at that facility. You will receive a notification, and your money will be refunded to your original payment method within a few business days. You can then resend it to the correct facility.
Can the inmate transfer money from their tablet account to someone else?
No. Money in a tablet account can only be used to purchase content on that tablet. The inmate cannot move it to another account, withdraw it as cash, or send it to another person. Once it is spent on tablet content, it is gone.
Is there a limit to how many times I can send money per month?
Most vendors do not limit the number of transactions, but they do limit the total amount per month. This is usually $200 to $1,000 depending on the facility. Check your vendor's website or call them to confirm the monthly cap at your specific facility.
What if the inmate is released or transferred to another facility?
If the inmate is transferred, any remaining balance on their tablet account may not transfer to the new facility if it uses a different vendor. Contact the original vendor to ask about the balance. If the inmate is released, the account is typically closed and any remaining balance is forfeited.