If someone you love is locked up in South Carolina, getting money into their account covers commissary - food, hygiene, phone time, writing supplies - and keeps the connection alive. South Carolina's state prison system runs a cashless operation: incarcerated people are not permitted to have U.S. currency, and all spending flows through a personal account called the Cooper Trust Fund. ViaPath Technologies (formerly GTL, now rebranding under the ConnectNetwork name) is the exclusive money transfer provider for SCDC.
A significant policy change took effect November 3, 2025. As of that date, deposits to inmate financial accounts are restricted to individuals listed on the inmate's approved visitor list. If you have been sending money but are not an approved visitor, you can no longer make deposits until your visitor application is approved.
South Carolina splits adult custody into two systems: the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) for state sentences, and county jails operated by county sheriffs. SCDC operates 26 institutions across the state. South Carolina has 46 counties, each with its own detention facility.
Step one: get on the approved visitor list
As of November 3, 2025, SCDC requires all depositors to be on the inmate's approved visitor list. This applies to every deposit method - online, phone, walk-in, and money orders. Individuals not on the approved list cannot deposit funds.
Apply online at scdoc.gtlvisitme.com. The process includes identity verification and background checks. SCDC notes that families who regularly send money but are not yet approved visitors should apply as soon as possible to avoid disruption.
The Cooper Trust Fund
Every SCDC inmate has a Cooper Trust Fund Account. The back of the inmate's ID card contains a magnetic strip that functions as a debit card for purchases within the institution. Funds deposited through ViaPath/ConnectNetwork are credited to this account. Inmates use it for commissary purchases and other spending inside the institution.
State prisons: SCDC and ViaPath/ConnectNetwork
ViaPath is the exclusive money transfer provider for SCDC. The brand name is transitioning from GTL to ViaPath - you may see either name or ConnectNetwork on their webpages and apps.
Online through ConnectNetwork - go to web.connectnetwork.com, create or log in to your account, and select "South Carolina Dept. of Corrections" as the facility. Deposit using a credit or debit card. This is the fastest method. Fees apply.
By the ConnectNetwork mobile app - download the free app for Android (Google Play) or iPhone/iPad (App Store). Same process as the website. Fees apply.
By phone - call 888-428-1845 and follow the automated prompts. To speak with a live agent 24 hours a day, seven days a week, call customer service at 877-650-4249. Credit or debit card required. Fees apply.
Walk-in retail (no money order, pay with cash or debit) - cash deposits are available at more than 26,000 retail locations nationwide including Walmart, ACE, Kmart, and Kroger. Start online at ConnectNetwork.com, select "Walk-In Retail (Pay in Cash)" to set up the payment, then bring the PaySlip and cash to your local store to complete the transaction.
Money orders by mail (no fee) - the only no-fee option. Money orders must be sent to the ViaPath/GTL lockbox - not to SCDC or to an individual facility. Money orders sent to a facility will be returned.
Starting November 3, 2025, all money orders also require:
- The sender's name on the money order must exactly match the name on the inmate's approved visitor list
- The sender's Visitor ID Number must be included on the money order
Find your Visitor ID: log into the ViaPath/GTL app (Account Settings -> Manage Visitors -> Manage Visitor Group) or log into scdoc.gtlvisitme.com (Visitor ID appears in the top right corner).
Make the money order payable to "TouchPay Holdings, LLC." Include the completed deposit slip (available in English and Spanish at doc.sc.gov). Mail to:
TouchPay Holdings SCDOC
PO Box 649535
Dallas TX 75264-9535
Funds are available within three business days of receipt. When deposit slips are incomplete or illegible, the money order is returned to the sender.
Fee schedule
| Deposit amount | Online | Phone | Money order | Walk-in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0.01 to $50.00 | $4 | $5 | No fee | $4.95 |
| $50.01 to $100.00 | $6 | $7 | No fee | $4.95 |
| $100.01 to $200.00 | $8 | $9 | No fee | $4.95 |
| $200.01 to $300.00 | $10 | $11 | No fee | $4.95 |
The SCDC number is required
The SCDC inmate ID number is required for all deposit methods. Find it using the SCDC Inmate Search at doc.sc.gov/inmate-search-disclaimer.
Electronic messaging through GettingOut
Electronic messaging at SCDC is separate from the Cooper Trust Fund deposits. To send messages, create an account at gettingout.com and purchase stamps using a Visa or Mastercard credit, debit, or prepaid debit card. The GettingOut app is available for iOS and Android. Note: electronic messaging is disabled for inmates in Restrictive Housing Units (RHU).
Phone calls through GTL/ViaPath
Domestic phone calls from SCDC are billed at 5.5 cents per minute (rate effective February 1, 2019). Calls to cell phones must be prepaid - set up an AdvancePay account at ConnectNetwork.com. Inmates can call up to 20 different phone numbers (their Personal Allowed Number list, which builds automatically from numbers called).
SCDC contact
P.O. Box 21787
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 896-8500
doc.sc.gov
County jails: vendor varies by county
South Carolina has 46 counties, each with its own detention facility operated by the county sheriff. County jails operate independently from SCDC and set their own deposit vendors. Many use kiosk systems in the lobby and online payment platforms. The only reliable way to find the current deposit vendor for a specific South Carolina county jail is to check that county sheriff's website or call the facility directly.
Accounts do not transfer between vendors. When your person moves from a county jail to an SCDC state prison, you set up new deposits through ConnectNetwork using the SCDC inmate number - after getting on the approved visitor list.
Federal custody in South Carolina
If your person is in federal Bureau of Prisons custody in South Carolina - including FCI Williamsburg, FCI Estill, or FCI Edgefield - deposits go through the BOP Trust Fund via Western Union, MoneyGram at retail, or online at bop.gov. You need the eight-digit BOP register number. Do not use SCDC methods for federal inmates.
What to know before you send anything
The November 3, 2025 policy change is critical. Deposits are now restricted to approved visitors only. Apply at scdoc.gtlvisitme.com before trying to send anything.
ViaPath/ConnectNetwork is the exclusive SCDC vendor. JPay and Access Corrections are not authorized for SCDC state prison deposits.
Money orders go to TouchPay Holdings SCDOC, PO Box 649535, Dallas TX 75264-9535 - not to SCDC or any facility. Include the deposit slip. Starting November 3, 2025, your name must exactly match your approved visitor list name, and your Visitor ID Number must appear on the money order.
Money orders are the only no-fee option. Online, phone, and walk-in deposits all carry fees.
The Cooper Trust Fund is the inmate's only spending account. Depositing funds there covers commissary. GettingOut is separate and covers messaging only.
Related pages:
/prisons/south-carolina
How to write a letter to someone in a South Carolina facility
Send mail and photos through InmateAid
Arrest Record Search (affiliate)
Frequently asked questions
What vendor does South Carolina DOC use for inmate deposits?
ViaPath Technologies (formerly GTL), accessed through ConnectNetwork. Online at web.connectnetwork.com, mobile app, phone at 888-428-1845 (automated) or 877-650-4249 (live agent), walk-in at retail locations, or money orders mailed to TouchPay Holdings SCDOC, PO Box 649535, Dallas TX 75264-9535.
Do I need to be on the approved visitor list to send money?
Yes, as of November 3, 2025. Deposits to SCDC inmate accounts are restricted to individuals on the inmate's approved visitor list. Apply at scdoc.gtlvisitme.com.
What is the Cooper Trust Fund?
Every SCDC inmate's personal spending account. The magnetic strip on their ID card functions as a debit card for this account inside the institution. All deposits through ViaPath/ConnectNetwork go into the Cooper Trust Fund.
What is the no-fee way to send money to a SCDC inmate?
Mail a money order payable to "TouchPay Holdings, LLC" with the completed deposit slip to TouchPay Holdings SCDOC, PO Box 649535, Dallas TX 75264-9535. No transaction fee. Funds available within 3 business days. Starting November 3, 2025, your name must match your approved visitor list exactly and your Visitor ID Number must be on the money order.
What is the Visitor ID and where do I find it?
Your unique ID in the SCDC visitor management system. Required on mailed money orders. Find it: ViaPath/GTL app (Account Settings -> Manage Visitors -> Manage Visitor Group) or at scdoc.gtlvisitme.com (top right corner next to Log Off).
Is JPay still accepted for South Carolina DOC?
No. ViaPath/ConnectNetwork is the exclusive SCDC deposit vendor. JPay is not authorized for SCDC state prison deposits.
What is the phone number for SCDC money deposits?
Automated: 888-428-1845. Live agent 24/7: 877-650-4249.
How do I send electronic messages to an SCDC inmate?
Through GettingOut (gettingout.com) - a separate platform from the Cooper Trust Fund. Purchase stamps with a Visa or Mastercard. Note: messaging is disabled for RHU inmates.
What is the current phone call rate at SCDC?
5.5 cents per minute for domestic calls (effective February 1, 2019). Set up AdvancePay at ConnectNetwork.com for cell phone calls.
How do I send money to someone in federal prison in South Carolina?
Use the BOP Trust Fund - Western Union, MoneyGram, or bop.gov. South Carolina federal facilities include FCI Williamsburg, FCI Estill, FCI Edgefield. You need the eight-digit BOP register number. ====================================================================
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