Money Transfer — Ask the Inmate
Getting money to an incarcerated loved one is one of the most practical and impactful things a family can do. Commissary funds cover phone calls, personal care items, food supplements, and small daily comforts that make a meaningful difference in quality of life inside. But every facility uses its own approved money transfer services and sending money through the wrong channel means delays, fees, or the money never arriving at all. This section covers which money transfer services are approved at federal and state facilities, how to find the right service for a specific institution, how long transfers typically take to post to an account, how much money can be sent and how often, and how to send money from outside the United States to a US correctional facility. The practical guidance here is written for first-time senders who need to get it right without the frustration of a failed transfer. See also our sections on Commissary, Send Inmate Money, and Inmate Phone Calls.
Related InmateAid Services
Just send us an email and we will send you the balance. We cannot make that transfer for you, unfortunately.
Read moreTheir counselor provides a slip of paper that they have received a deposit into their inmate trust account
Read moreYou might try calling the counselor. Since you are his parent, they might break protocol and tell you. This is normally privileged information but being a concerned parent they might give you some insight - but they definitely do not have to so be very polite.
Read moreThe money does not transfer. The inmate will give the staff an address to mail the remaining balance to. The new location most likely has a different system which makes transfer impossible.
Read moreWestern Union, MoneyGram or JPay - they all charge a small fee for the transaction. You will have to decide who has the best deal for you.
Read moreYes, if you have the facility and ID number correctly, they would get it in an hour with MoneyGram - if they are in federal
Read moreThis depends on YOUR wherewithal. We would advise giving only an amount that is not affecting your own ability to live. Inmates can spend up to about $300 month. If an inmate can spend the maximum, they would be "living large" inside. Any amount under $300 would be generous and acceptable. MoneyGram has the best service and the best rates...
Read moreYes, you can add just about any amount to your inmate trust account. But, beware that if you owe any restitution, court ordered payments, court costs, child support... anything that can be garnished will be garnished from that account if you place a noticable amount there. if you have nothing to worry about, deposit as much as you can. You will want to spend the max amount for commissary and telephone..
Read moreWestern Union Quick Collect. Deposit will post to offender’s account within 24 hours. For each Quick Collect transaction the following information must be provided: Pay to: TDCJ – Inmate Trust Fund Code City and State: TDCJ/TX Account number with facility: Offender’s TDCJ number and offender’s last name Attention: Offender’s last name and offender’s first name
Read moreAs you may or may not be aware, we are not a money transfer company. We have a simple solution that we offer for our international members. We will arrange to deposit any amount in an inmate account - you decide the method. We charge a service fee on top of whatever service charge Western Union charges plus the credit card merchant fee. The fees are steep but there are limited places to get money transferred from abroad. You email us what
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