What a Commissary Deposit Is and How It Works
A commissary deposit puts money into an inmate's account at a correctional facility so they can buy items from the prison store — things like hygiene products, snacks, writing supplies, and phone credits. The inmate doesn't receive cash; instead, the money sits in an account they access through the facility's commissary system, usually by submitting a written order form or using a kiosk if the facility has one.
Each state prison system and county jail runs its own commissary, so the process and what inmates can buy varies by location. The facility where the person is held controls the rules: what items are allowed, how often orders are processed, and which deposit methods they accept. Some facilities accept deposits through third-party services, some take direct bank transfers, and some require you to mail a check or money order to the facility itself.
The money you deposit belongs to the inmate and stays in their account until they spend it. If they are released or transferred, the account balance may transfer with them or be returned to you — this depends on the facility's policy.
Key Takeaways
- Commissary deposits are held in an account at the facility, not given as cash, and the inmate spends it through the prison store.
- Each correctional facility sets its own rules about deposit methods, so you must contact the specific facility where the person is held to learn how to send money.
- Common deposit methods include third-party services like JPay or GTL, direct bank transfers, checks, and money orders mailed to the facility.
- The facility's commissary office can tell you the inmate's current account balance, any spending limits, and what items are not allowed.
Finding the Right Deposit Method for Your Facility
The first step is to contact the commissary office at the facility where the inmate is held. You can usually find the phone number on the state or county corrections website, or by calling the main facility number and asking to be transferred. Tell them you want to make a commissary deposit and ask which methods they accept.
Most state prisons and larger county jails use one of two major third-party services: JPay or GTL (Global Tel Link). Both let you deposit money online or by phone using a debit or credit card, and the money appears in the inmate's account within one to three business days. JPay also offers a mobile app. These services charge a fee — usually between $1.50 and $3.95 per transaction — that comes out of the amount you send.
Some facilities accept direct bank transfers or checks mailed to the commissary office. A few still require money orders only. The commissary office will tell you which method they use and whether there are any fees. If you are sending a check or money order, include the inmate's full name, inmate number, and facility name on the check itself or in a cover letter.
Setting Up a Deposit Through JPay or GTL
If the facility uses JPay, go to jpay.com, create an account with your email address, and search for the inmate by their last name and inmate number. Once you find them, you can add money to their account. You will need a debit or credit card. The site will ask you to confirm the inmate's facility and full name before processing the payment.
For GTL, the process is similar: visit the GTL website (usually listed on the facility's website), create an account, search for the inmate, and add funds using a card. GTL also offers a phone line if you prefer to deposit by phone rather than online.
Both services send a confirmation email after the deposit goes through. The inmate will see the money in their account within a few business days. Some facilities process commissary orders on specific days of the week, so the inmate may not be able to spend the money when ready even after it appears in their account.
What Happens After You Make a Deposit
Once the money is in the inmate's commissary account, they submit an order form (usually available in their housing unit) listing the items they want to buy. A facility staff member processes the order, deducts the cost from their account, and delivers the items. The timing varies — some facilities process orders weekly, others every two weeks.
The inmate can check their account balance by asking a staff member or, at facilities with kiosks, by checking the machine themselves. You can also call the commissary office to ask about their balance, though some facilities will only give that information to the inmate.
If the inmate is transferred to another facility, their commissary balance may transfer with them or may be forfeited depending on the state or county policy. Contact the new facility's commissary office to find out what happened to the account.
Deposit Limits and Restrictions
Most facilities set a maximum balance that an inmate can hold in their commissary account — commonly between $100 and $500, though this varies. If the account reaches the limit, you cannot deposit more money until the inmate spends some of it down. The facility's commissary office can tell you the current balance and the limit.
Some facilities restrict how much you can deposit in a single transaction. For example, a facility might allow deposits of no more than $50 at a time, or might limit you to one deposit per week. These rules are set by the individual facility, so ask when you call the commissary office.
Certain items are banned from the commissary at every facility — things like alcohol, drugs, weapons, and items that could be used to harm someone. The facility publishes a list of approved items. If an inmate tries to order something that is not allowed, the order is rejected and the money stays in their account.
Fees and What They Cover
Third-party services like JPay and GTL charge a transaction fee that is deducted from the amount you send. If you send $50 and the fee is $2.95, the inmate receives $47.05 in their account. The fee goes to the service provider, not to the facility.
If you mail a check or money order directly to the facility, there is usually no fee, but the deposit takes longer — typically one to two weeks to process. Some facilities charge a small processing fee even for mailed deposits, so ask when you call.
Phone deposits through GTL may have a higher fee than online deposits. Compare the cost before you choose your method.
If You Cannot Reach the Facility or Need Help
If the facility's commissary office does not answer or you cannot find their contact information, try calling the main facility number and asking to be transferred to commissary. You can also check the state or county corrections department website — most post commissary contact information and accepted payment methods for each facility.
If you are having trouble with a third-party service like JPay or GTL, contact their customer service directly. They can tell you whether a deposit went through, why a transaction was rejected, or how to resolve a billing problem.
Some facilities have a commissary handbook or information sheet available online or by mail that lists all the rules, approved items, and deposit methods. Ask the facility to send you one if you plan to make regular deposits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit money if I do not know the inmate's number?
Most third-party services require the inmate number to find the correct person, since many facilities have inmates with the same name. Call the facility's main number and ask for the inmate's number, or check any paperwork from the court or facility that may have it listed.
What if the inmate is transferred to a different facility?
Contact the new facility's commissary office and ask whether the old account balance transferred or was forfeited. You will need to set up a new deposit method for the new facility, as each facility manages its own commissary system.
Can I get a refund if I send money by mistake?
If you used a third-party service, contact their customer service when ready — some allow refunds within a short window if the money has not yet been added to the inmate's account. If the money is already in the account, you would need to ask the inmate to spend it or contact the facility's commissary office about a refund policy, which varies by location.
Are there limits on how much I can send at one time?
Yes, but the limit depends on the facility. Some allow up to $100 per transaction, others allow $50 or less. Call the commissary office to ask about their specific limit before you attempt a deposit.
Does the inmate pay taxes on commissary money?
No. Commissary deposits are not income — they are money you are sending to the inmate to spend on items. There are no tax consequences for either you or the inmate.