How to Send Money to an Inmate in Jail or Prison

Sending money to an incarcerated loved one is one of the most important things you can do to support them. Having funds available gives them access to phone calls, commissary items, personal care products, and other basic necessities that make a significant difference in daily life inside.

Here is how to send money depending on where your loved one is housed.

For federal inmates the Bureau of Prisons works with MoneyGram as its primary approved money transfer service. You can send funds online, by phone, or in person at a MoneyGram location. You will need your inmate's full name, their eight digit BOP inmate ID number, and the facility name.

For state inmates the approved money transfer service varies by state and facility. Common providers include JPay, Access Corrections, and TouchPay. Your loved one's facility page on InmateAid includes information on which provider is approved for their specific location.

For county jail inmates most counties work with one of the same providers or have their own online deposit system accessible through the jail's website.

InmateAid's Send Money service provides a convenient additional option for depositing funds directly to your inmate's account. You can get started at inmateaid.com without needing to navigate multiple provider websites.

A few things to keep in mind. Always use your inmate's exact legal name and correct ID number when sending funds. An error on either can result in the money not reaching their account. There is always a fee for sending money regardless of which service you use. Fee amounts vary by provider and transaction amount.