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.
Subject: Money transfer
Just send us an email and we will send you the balance. We cannot make that transfer for you, unfortunately.
Subject: Money transfer
Their counselor provides a slip of paper that they have received a deposit into their inmate trust account
Subject: Money transfer
His account balance is considered personal financial information and falls under the same privacy protections that cover everything else about an inmate's record. The facility is not required to share it with anyone outside, including parents, and most of the time they will not.
That said, calling the counselor is your best shot at getting any information at all, and how you approach that call matters more than most people realize. Come in as a concerned, cooperative parent who is trying...
Read moreSubject: Money transfer
No, the money does not follow them automatically and it will not be waiting in an account at the new facility.
Here is what actually happens. Before transport, or shortly after arrival at the new facility, the inmate will be asked to provide a mailing address where the remaining balance from their old account can be sent. That money gets issued as a check mailed to whoever they designate, typically a family member on the outside. It does not move electronically...
Read moreSubject: Money transfer
Lewis Prison, formally the Lewis Complex, is an Arizona Department of Corrections facility in Buckeye and there are several reliable options for getting money onto your inmate's books.
The three most commonly used services are JPay, MoneyGram, and Western Union. All three are established platforms that process inmate deposits and each charges a transaction fee that varies based on the amount being sent and the payment method you use. The fees are comparable across the three services but can differ enough...
Read moreSubject: Money transfer
Yes, if you have the facility and ID number correctly, they would get it in an hour with MoneyGram - if they are in federal
Subject: Money transfer
The range runs from getting by on very little to living as comfortably as the environment allows, and where your friend lands on that spectrum depends on what you are able to contribute without affecting your own finances.
At Florida Women's Reception Center or any Florida DOC facility, inmates can spend up to about $300 per month through commissary. That is the high end and at that level your friend would be eating well by prison standards, keeping fully stocked on...
Read moreSubject: Money transfer
Yes, 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..
Subject: Money transfer
Western 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
Subject: Money transfer
The inmate registration or ID number is what facilities use to route deposits, mail, and phone calls to the correct person. There are a few straightforward ways to find it.
If you know the state where your cousin is incarcerated, go directly to that state's Department of Corrections website and use their public inmate search. Most state DOC sites let you search by full legal name and date of birth and will return the inmate ID number along with current facility...
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