How to Pay Commissary for Someone in Jail or Prison Online
What Online Commissary Payment Is and How It Works
Online commissary payment lets you send money to someone in custody so they can buy items from the prison or jail store—things like hygiene products, snacks, phone credits, or clothing. Instead of mailing a check or visiting in person, you pay through a website or app run by the facility or a third-party vendor. The money goes into an account tied to the person's inmate number, and they can spend it at the commissary window or kiosk.
Each facility uses its own system or contracts with a specific payment vendor. There is no single national website; you have to find the right one for the specific jail or prison where the person is held. The payment process is straightforward once you locate it, but the vendor, fees, and accepted payment methods vary by location.
Key Takeaways
- You must know the facility name and the inmate's full name and number before you can send commissary money online.
- Each jail and prison uses its own payment system or vendor, so you need to search for the specific facility, not use a general website.
- Online payments usually arrive within one to three business days, but some facilities process them daily and others weekly.
- Most vendors charge a processing fee (typically $1 to $3 per transaction) on top of the amount you send.
- You can usually pay by debit card, credit card, or bank transfer, but options depend on which vendor the facility uses.
How to Find the Right Payment System for a Specific Facility
Start by confirming the exact name and location of the facility where the person is held. A jail and a prison are different systems; a county jail holds people awaiting trial or serving short sentences, while a state or federal prison holds people serving longer sentences. The inmate's paperwork or a phone call to the facility's main number will confirm which one.
Once you have the facility name, search online for "[facility name] commissary online payment" or "[facility name] inmate account." Most facilities post a link on their official website or list the vendor name. Common vendors include JPay, Securus, GTL (Global Tel Link), Keefe Commissary Network, and Commissary Connex, but many facilities run their own systems. If the facility website does not list a vendor, call the commissary office directly and ask which system they use and for the website or app name.
Write down the vendor name, website, and the inmate's full name and number before you start. You will need all three to complete a payment.
Step-by-Step Process for Sending Money Online
Once you have located the correct vendor website or app, create an account using your email address and a password. You will be asked for your name, address, and phone number. Some vendors require you to verify your email before you can proceed.
Next, add the inmate's information. Enter their full name exactly as it appears on their paperwork and their inmate number. The system will search the facility's roster; if the name and number do not match, the system will reject it. Double-check spelling and numbers before submitting.
Choose the amount you want to send and select your payment method—usually a debit card, credit card, or bank account. Enter the payment details and review the total, which will include the amount plus the vendor's processing fee. Confirm the payment. Most systems show a confirmation number immediately; save or screenshot this for your records.
The money typically appears in the inmate's account within one to three business days, though some facilities process daily and others only on certain days of the week. The inmate will receive a notification (usually on a kiosk or in their unit) that money has been added.
Fees, Payment Methods, and Timing by Vendor
| Vendor | Typical Fee | Payment Methods | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPay | $1.95 to $2.95 | Debit card, credit card, bank account | 1 to 3 business days |
| Securus | $1.50 to $3.00 | Debit card, credit card, bank account | 1 to 2 business days |
| GTL (Global Tel Link) | $1.00 to $2.50 | Debit card, credit card, bank account | 1 to 3 business days |
| Keefe Commissary Network | $2.00 to $3.00 | Debit card, credit card | 1 to 2 business days |
| Facility-run systems | Varies ($0 to $2.00) | Varies by facility | Same day to 3 business days |
Fees are set by the vendor and the facility, not by you. Some facilities negotiate lower fees or offer fee-free options on certain days. If the fee seems high, ask the facility whether they have a lower-cost payment method—some allow mail-in checks or money orders with no fee, though these take longer.
Processing time depends on when you submit the payment and the facility's schedule. A payment sent on a Friday afternoon may not post until Tuesday. Some facilities process commissary deposits daily; others batch them weekly. If the inmate needs the money urgently, ask the facility when they process deposits and time your payment accordingly.
What Happens If Payment Fails or Money Does Not Appear
If your payment is declined, the vendor will usually show an error message. Common reasons include a mismatched inmate name or number, an incorrect or expired card, insufficient funds, or a card that the vendor does not accept. Check the inmate's name and number first; if those are correct, try a different payment method or contact your bank to confirm the card is active.
If the payment went through but the money has not appeared after the stated processing time, log into your vendor account and check the transaction status. Most vendors show whether a payment is pending, processed, or failed. If it shows processed but the inmate has not received it, contact the vendor's customer service with your confirmation number. If the vendor cannot locate it, ask the facility's commissary office to check their records.
Keep your confirmation number and receipt for every payment. If there is a dispute, you will need proof that you sent the money.
Limits on How Much You Can Send and How Much the Inmate Can Spend
Most facilities set a maximum amount per transaction (often $50 to $100) and a maximum account balance (often $200 to $500). These limits vary by facility and are meant to prevent large sums from accumulating. If you try to send more than the limit, the system will reject it or cap the amount.
Some facilities also restrict what items can be purchased or limit spending on certain days. These rules are set by the facility, not the vendor. If the inmate wants to know what they can buy or whether there are spending limits, they can ask at the commissary window or check any materials the facility gave them when they arrived.
If the inmate's account balance reaches the maximum, you cannot send more money until they spend some. There is no way around this through the online system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send commissary money to someone in a county jail and a state prison at the same time?
Yes, but you need separate accounts with each facility's vendor. The systems do not talk to each other. Create an account for each facility and keep track of which vendor and inmate number goes with which location.
What if I do not know the inmate's number?
Call the facility's main number and ask for the inmate's booking or inmate number. Have their full name and date of birth ready. Some facilities will not give this information over the phone for privacy reasons; if that happens, ask whether the inmate can call you or whether you can visit to get the number in person.
Can I get a refund if I send money by mistake?
Refund policies vary by vendor and facility. Some allow refunds if you request them within a certain time frame (usually 24 to 48 hours); others do not. Contact the vendor's customer service immediately with your confirmation number and explain the error. The sooner you contact them, the better your chances.
Is there a way to send money without paying a fee?
Some facilities allow fee-free deposits by mail (check or money order) or in person. These take longer—usually one to two weeks by mail—but cost nothing. Ask the facility whether they offer this option and what the mailing address is. Online payments are faster but always include a fee.
Can the inmate transfer money to another inmate or use it to pay fines?
No. Commissary money is for the inmate's personal use at the prison or jail store only. They cannot transfer it to another person or use it to pay court fines, restitution, or bail. The facility controls how the money can be spent.