Putting money on a loved one's books is one of the most direct ways to improve their daily life inside. Commissary funds cover phone calls, food supplements, personal care, and the small daily necessities that make incarceration more bearable. But every facility uses specific approved money transfer services and sending money through an unapproved channel means delays, fees, or the money not 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 take to post, deposit limits and frequency restrictions, how to send money from outside the United States, and what to do when a transfer does not post as expected. The practical guidance here is built around getting money where it needs to go efficiently and without unnecessary fees. See also our sections on Commissary, Money Transfer, and Inmate Phone Calls.
Related InmateAid Services
Subject: Send inmate money
You will need to go to the grocery or Wal-Mart to buy a prepaid card. They will work exactly the same as a credit card.
Subject: Send inmate money
The online transfer services will not accept international cards. InmateAid offers a solution for international members but since it is not part of our core business, the service fee for doing so is a bit pricey. We charge $15 for the service but you also will have to pay the transfer fee for the service that the jail uses plus a credit card processing fee - the last two components are not fees for InmateAid but are necessary to get...
Read moreSubject: Send inmate money
When you add money to an inmate's phone account online, it typically posts almost immediately. Online deposits through platforms like Securus are processed in real time in most cases, which means your family member can often start making calls within minutes of the deposit being confirmed.
For SCI Smithfield in Pennsylvania, Securus Technologies handles the phone service. You can set up an account and make deposits at securustech.net. When you add funds, you will need the facility name and your inmate's...
Read moreSubject: Send inmate money
Inmates can spend between $50-75 per week at the commissary but that doesn't include telephone time. You should be careful with your budget and make sure that you are taken care of first. The prison system does a very good job of clothing and feeding the inmates. The commissary is for the "little extras" that help out. If you can spare $25 a week, that would not leave him hanging and would be enough to make his shopping at the...
Read moreSubject: Send inmate money
It is very unlikely that repeated requests for large amounts of money several times a week are only for basic commissary.
In most facilities, there are spending limits on commissary, either weekly or monthly. That alone usually prevents someone from legitimately needing frequent large deposits just for food or hygiene items.
When you see requests happening that often, especially asking for money to be sent to another inmate’s account, it usually points to something else going on. Common reasons include:
Owing money to...
Read moreSubject: Send inmate money
There is no maximum limit on how much money you can send to an inmate's commissary account at Cuyahoga County. The practical minimum is around $10, though the transfer fees associated with sending money mean the actual amount received will be slightly less than what you send depending on the service used.
Most transfer services, whether Western Union, JPay, or the facility's own deposit system, charge a transaction fee that comes out of the total. Factor that in when deciding how...
Read moreSubject: Send inmate money
Your inmate can request a check be sent home, back to the person that deposited it in the trust account or to be transferred to another facility if they do that. The money is definitely returned, the inmate is the decision maker as to where.
Subject: Send inmate money
At Ohio Reformatory for Women, you will need the inmate’s ID number to send money, whether you use a service or mail.
Why the ID number matters:
It ensures the money is applied to the correct inmate account
Facilities process thousands of deposits, so names alone are not enough
Your options:
1. Western Union or electronic services:
Require the inmate ID number to complete the transaction
Fastest way once you have the correct information
2. Money order by mail:
Some facilities may accept it, but
You will still usually need the ID number listed on the money order
How...
Read moreSubject: Send inmate money
At Mecosta County Jail, Western Union is not supported for sending money to inmates.
The standard method is by money order:
Send a money order by mail
Include the inmate’s full name and ID number clearly
Mail it to:
Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office
225 S. Stewart
Big Rapids, MI 49307
Tips to avoid delays:
Double-check the inmate’s name and ID number
Do not send cash
Follow any specific jail rules listed on their website or by phone
If you want a more convenient option, InmateAid can also prepare and send a money order on your behalf, which helps avoid...
Read moreSubject: Send inmate money
Depending on YOUR abilities, we estimate $50-75 per week is a generous amount. If you are funding the telephone, then you might adjust that number higher or lower. Be mindful that an inmate will spend whatever you send them, so only do what you can afford.
