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.