When someone you care about is incarcerated, one of the most meaningful things you can do is put money on their books. This guide walks you through every method available, the fees involved, and exactly how commissary works on the inside.

What Does “Money on the Books” Mean?

In jails and prisons across the United States, “money on the books” refers to funds deposited into an inmate’s commissary account. Think of it as an internal bank account that allows inmates to purchase everyday necessities beyond what the facility provides.

While facilities do supply basic meals, bedding, and hygiene items, the quality and quantity are often minimal. Commissary funds let inmates buy better food, personal hygiene products, writing supplies, and other approved items that make daily life more manageable. For many inmates, commissary isn’t a luxury — it’s a lifeline.

Online Deposit Methods

Depositing money online is the fastest and most convenient option for most families. Here are the major providers that handle inmate deposits across the country:

JPay (Now Part of ViaPath Technologies)

JPay is the most widely used inmate deposit service in the United States, serving state prisons and some county jails. In 2022, JPay merged with GTL under ViaPath Technologies, but the JPay platform and brand still operate for money transfers.

• Website: JPay.com
• Fees: $3.50 for deposits up to $20, scaling up to $6.95 for deposits of $100–$200
• Payment methods: Debit card, credit card (higher fee), or checking account (lowest fee)
• Processing time: Typically within 24 hours for debit/credit; 3–5 business days for bank transfers
• App: Available on iOS and Android

GTL (Now ViaPath Technologies)

GTL handles deposits at many county jails and some state facilities. Like JPay, it now operates under the ViaPath Technologies umbrella.

• Website: GTL.us (ConnectNetwork)
• Fees: $3.50–$6.95 per transaction depending on the deposit amount
• Payment methods: Debit or credit card
• Processing time: Usually within 24 hours

Access Corrections

Access Corrections serves a significant number of county jails, particularly in mid-sized and smaller facilities.

• Website: AccessCorrections.com
• Fees: $3.50–$5.95 depending on amount deposited
• Payment methods: Debit card, credit card
• Processing time: 24–48 hours

TouchPay (Keefe Group / TKC Holdings)

TouchPay is another widely used platform, especially for lobby kiosks in jails. Their online portal allows remote deposits as well.

• Website: TouchPayDirect.com
• Fees: $3.50–$5.95 for online deposits
• Payment methods: Debit card, credit card
• Processing time: Typically 24 hours

How do you know which provider your facility uses? Check the facility’s website, call the jail directly, or search for the facility on each provider’s website. Most provider sites let you look up a facility by state and county.

In-Person Deposits: Lobby Kiosks

Many jails and prisons have self-service kiosks in their lobbies where you can deposit money in person. These kiosks are typically operated by the same companies that handle online deposits (JPay, TouchPay, etc.).

• Cash accepted: Most kiosks take cash, which avoids the card processing fee
• Fees: Vary by facility — some charge a flat fee, others charge a percentage. Typical range is $2.50–$5.00
• Processing time: Usually posted to the inmate’s account within a few hours
• Availability: During facility visiting hours or lobby hours (check with the facility)

Lobby kiosks are a good option if you live near the facility and want to avoid online processing fees. Some kiosks also let you deposit using a debit card.

MoneyGram and Western Union

Some facilities still accept deposits via money order services. This option is becoming less common as facilities move to digital platforms, but it remains available in certain locations.

MoneyGram

• Available at Walmart, CVS, and other retail locations
• Fees start around $1.99 for small amounts, but can reach $10+ for larger transfers
• Processing time: 2–5 business days after the facility receives the transfer
• You’ll need the inmate’s full name, ID number, and the facility’s receive code

Western Union

• Available at many retail locations nationwide
• Similar fee structure to MoneyGram
• Processing time: 2–5 business days
• Some facilities no longer accept Western Union — always verify first

Money Orders by Mail

You can also mail a money order directly to the facility. This is the slowest method but sometimes the cheapest. Purchase a money order from USPS ($1.75–$2.40), a bank, or a retail store, then mail it to the facility’s designated address with the inmate’s name and booking/ID number clearly written.

Processing time for mailed money orders is typically 5–10 business days.

Step-by-Step: How to Deposit Money on JPay

Since JPay is the most commonly used platform, here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Go to JPay.com or download the JPay app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Create an account using your email address. You will need to verify your identity.
3. Find the inmate by searching with their name and state, or by entering their inmate ID number directly.
4. Select “Send Money” from the inmate’s profile page.
5. Enter the amount you want to deposit. The site will display the fee before you confirm.
6. Choose your payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account (ACH).
7. Review and confirm the transaction. You will receive an email confirmation.
8. Funds typically appear in the inmate’s account within 24 hours for card payments.

Tip: Using a bank account (ACH transfer) through JPay usually has a lower fee than using a debit or credit card, but the transfer takes 3–5 business days to process.

How Commissary Works Inside

Once money is on an inmate’s books, here is how they actually use it:

Ordering Process

Most facilities have a set commissary day — typically once per week. Inmates fill out a paper order form (sometimes called a “commissary sheet”) or use an electronic ordering system. The order is processed, and the items are delivered to the inmate’s housing unit, usually within a day or two of the order.

Spending Limits

Facilities set weekly or biweekly spending limits on commissary purchases. These limits typically range from $50 to $150 per week, depending on the facility. The spending limit exists separately from the deposit limit — an inmate may have $300 on their books but can only spend $75 per commissary day.

Commissary Prices

Prices at commissary are generally higher than retail. Common examples:

• Ramen noodles: $0.35–$1.00 per pack
• Candy bar: $1.50–$2.50
• Shampoo: $2.00–$5.00
• Stamps: close to USPS rates
• Writing tablet: $1.00–$2.00
• Athletic shoes: $25.00–$75.00

What Can Inmates Buy with Commissary Funds?

Available items vary by facility, but most commissaries carry:

• Food and snacks: Ramen, chips, cookies, coffee, drink mixes, tuna, rice, summer sausage
• Hygiene and toiletries: Shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, lotion, soap
• Writing supplies: Envelopes, stamps, pens, paper, greeting cards
• Clothing: Socks, underwear, thermal wear, athletic shoes (at some facilities)
• Electronics: Tablets (at facilities that allow them), headphones, batteries
• Phone time: Funds can often be transferred to a phone account for calls
• Over-the-counter medications: Ibuprofen, antacids, cold medicine

Commissary items also serve as an informal currency inside. Ramen noodles, stamps, and coffee are commonly traded between inmates.

Deposit Limits

Most facilities limit how much money can be deposited into an inmate’s account within a given time period. Typical limits are:

• County jails: $100–$200 per week
• State prisons: $200–$300 per week or $500–$1,000 per month
• Federal prisons: $320 per month through the trust fund (commissary) system

These limits can change, and some facilities make exceptions for specific purchases like shoes or electronics. Always check with the individual facility for their current deposit limits.

If an inmate’s account balance exceeds a certain threshold (often $300–$500), some facilities will restrict additional deposits until the balance is drawn down.

Tips for Sending Money

• Always verify the provider first. Sending money through the wrong provider means your deposit won’t reach the inmate. Call the facility or check their website.
• Double-check the inmate’s ID number. A wrong number means the money goes to the wrong person, and getting it back can take weeks.
• Use debit instead of credit. Credit card transactions often carry higher fees than debit cards through these services.
• Send on a schedule. Regular, smaller deposits are often more practical than one large sum, especially with weekly spending limits.
• Keep receipts and confirmation numbers. If a deposit doesn’t post, you will need these to resolve the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for money to appear on an inmate’s books?

Online deposits via debit or credit card typically appear within 24 hours. Bank account (ACH) transfers take 3–5 business days. Money orders sent by mail can take 5–10 business days or longer. Lobby kiosk deposits usually post within a few hours.

Can I get a refund if I send money to the wrong inmate?

It depends on the provider and the facility. Contact the deposit service (JPay, GTL, etc.) immediately with your confirmation number. Refunds are possible but can take several weeks. Some facilities will help facilitate the correction if the funds haven’t been spent.

What happens to money on an inmate’s books when they are released?

When an inmate is released, any remaining funds on their commissary account are returned to them. The facility typically issues a check or loads the balance onto a debit release card. Processing times vary — some facilities hand over the funds on release day, while others mail a check within 30 days.

Is there a minimum deposit amount?

Most online platforms have a minimum deposit of $5 to $20, depending on the provider. There is no universal minimum — it depends on the service the facility uses. Lobby kiosks may have different minimums than online platforms.

Can I deposit money for an inmate in another state?

Yes. Online deposits work regardless of your location. You can send money from any state to any facility that uses an online deposit system. For money orders by mail, simply mail to the facility’s address. The only method that requires proximity is the lobby kiosk.

Do inmates have to pay taxes on commissary deposits?

Commissary deposits are not considered taxable income for inmates. The money is treated as a gift. However, some facilities may deduct a portion of deposits for court-ordered obligations such as restitution, fines, or child support — often around 20–25% of each deposit.