If you have a loved one in jail or prison, you may want to put money on their books so they can purchase items such as snacks, toiletries, and stamps. The process of adding money to an inmate's account can vary depending on the facility, but there are generally a few common ways to do it.
One way to put money on an inmate's books is through the mail. You can send a money order or cashier's check to the facility where the inmate is being held. Be sure to include the inmate's name and ID number on the money order or cashier's check.
Another way to add money to an inmate's account is through a kiosk at the facility. These kiosks typically accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. You will need to know the inmate's name and ID number in order to use the kiosk.
How to Put Money on Inmates' Books
Here are 8 important points to keep in mind:
- Check facility rules.
- Use money order or cashier's check.
- Include inmate's name and ID.
- Use kiosk at facility.
- Know inmate's name and ID.
- Cash, debit, or credit cards.
- Online money transfer services.
- Deposit funds in person.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your loved one has the funds they need to purchase essential items while incarcerated.
Check facility rules.
Before you send money to an inmate, it's important to check the rules of the facility where they are being held. Each facility has its own policies and procedures for accepting money for inmates.
- Inmate identification.
You will need to know the inmate's full name and ID number. This information is usually found on the inmate's booking sheet or commitment papers.
- Allowed methods of payment.
Some facilities only accept money orders or cashier's checks, while others also accept cash, debit cards, or credit cards. Find out what methods of payment are accepted at the facility where your loved one is being held.
- Deposit limits.
Some facilities have limits on the amount of money that can be deposited into an inmate's account. Find out the deposit limit at the facility where your loved one is being held.
- Restricted items.
Some facilities have restrictions on the types of items that inmates can purchase with their funds. For example, some facilities may not allow inmates to purchase tobacco products or certain types of food.
By checking the facility rules before you send money to an inmate, you can avoid any problems or delays.
Use money order or cashier's check.
Many facilities only accept money orders or cashier's checks for deposits into inmate accounts. This is because these forms of payment are considered to be more secure than cash.
- Where to purchase.
Money orders and cashier's checks can be purchased at most banks, credit unions, and convenience stores.
- Make payable to.
Make the money order or cashier's check payable to the facility where the inmate is being held.
- Include inmate information.
In the memo line of the money order or cashier's check, include the inmate's full name and ID number.
- Send to facility.
Send the money order or cashier's check to the address of the facility where the inmate is being held.
Once the facility receives the money order or cashier's check, the funds will be deposited into the inmate's account.
Include inmate's name and ID.
It is very important to include the inmate's full name and ID number on the money order or cashier's check. This information is used to ensure that the funds are deposited into the correct inmate's account.
- Full name.
The inmate's full name should be written exactly as it appears on their booking sheet or commitment papers.
- ID number.
The inmate's ID number is usually a unique number assigned to them by the facility where they are being held.
- Where to find.
The inmate's full name and ID number can usually be found on their booking sheet or commitment papers. You can also contact the facility where the inmate is being held to obtain this information.
- Why it's important.
Including the inmate's full name and ID number on the money order or cashier's check helps to ensure that the funds are deposited into the correct inmate's account. Without this information, the facility may not be able to process the deposit.
By following these simple steps, you can help to ensure that your loved one receives the funds you send them in a timely manner.
Use kiosk at facility.
Many facilities have kiosks where you can deposit money into an inmate's account using cash, debit card, or credit card. These kiosks are typically located in the lobby or visitation area of the facility.
To use a kiosk, you will need to know the inmate's full name and ID number. You will also need to have a valid form of identification, such as a driver's license or passport.
Once you have located the kiosk, follow these steps:
- Select the inmate's name from the list of inmates.
- Enter the amount of money you want to deposit.
- Insert your cash, debit card, or credit card into the kiosk.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the transaction.
Once you have completed the transaction, the funds will be deposited into the inmate's account immediately.
Using a kiosk to deposit money into an inmate's account is a quick and easy way to get funds to your loved one. However, there may be a fee for using the kiosk. Be sure to check with the facility before using the kiosk to find out if there is a fee.
Knowalloyinmate's name and ID.
Before you can put money on an immate's books, you need to know their full name and ID number. This information is used to ensure that the money is deposited into the correct account.
- Where to find.
You can find the immate's name and ID number on their booking sheet or commitment papers. If you do not have access to these documents, you can contact the facility where the immate is being held to obtain this information.
- Why it's important.
It is very important to have the immate's correct name and ID number when depositing money into their account. Without this information, the facility may not be able to process the deposit.
- What to do if you don't know.
If you do not know the immate's name and ID number, you can contact the facility where they are being held to obtain this information. You can also ask the immate's family or friends for assistance.
By following these simple steps, you can help to ensure that your loved one receives the funds you send them in a timely manner.
Cash, debit, or credit cards.
Many facilities now allow you to deposit money into an inmate's account using cash, debit card, or credit card. This is a convenient option if you do not have a money order or cashier's check.
- Where to use.
You can typically use cash, debit card, or credit card at a kiosk located in the lobby or visitation area of the facility.
- What to bring.
You will need to bring the inmate's full name and ID number, as well as your valid form of identification.
- Fees.
There may be a fee for using cash, debit card, or credit card to deposit money into an inmate's account. Be sure to check with the facility before using this method to find out if there is a fee.
- Limits.
There may also be limits on the amount of money that you can deposit into an inmate's account using cash, debit card, or credit card. Be sure to check with the facility to find out what the limits are.
Using cash, debit card, or credit card to deposit money into an inmate's account is a quick and easy way to get funds to your loved one. However, it is important to be aware of any fees or limits that may apply.
Online money transfer services.
There are a number of online money transfer services that allow you to deposit money into an inmate's account. These services typically charge a fee, but they offer the convenience of being able to transfer funds from your bank account or credit card to the inmate's account in a matter of minutes.
- How to use.
To use an online money transfer service, you will need to create an account with the service. Once you have created an account, you will be able to transfer funds to an inmate's account by providing the inmate's name, ID number, and the facility where they are being held.
- Fees.
Online money transfer services typically charge a fee for their services. The fee varies depending on the service and the amount of money being transferred. Be sure to compare fees before choosing a service.
- Limits.
There may also be limits on the amount of money that you can transfer to an inmate's account using an online money transfer service. Be sure to check with the service to find out what the limits are.
- Security.
When using an online money transfer service, it is important to choose a reputable service that uses secure encryption technology to protect your personal and financial information.
Using an online money transfer service is a convenient way to get funds to your loved one quickly and easily. However, it is important to be aware of any fees or limits that may apply.
Deposit funds in person.
In some cases, you may be able to deposit funds into an inmate's account in person. This is typically done at the facility where the inmate is being held.
- Where to go.
To deposit funds in person, you will need to go to the lobby or visitation area of the facility where the inmate is being held.
- What to bring.
You will need to bring the inmate's full name and ID number, as well as your valid form of identification. You may also need to bring cash, a money order, or a cashier's check.
- Fees.
There may be a fee for depositing funds in person. Be sure to check with the facility before depositing funds in person to find out if there is a fee.
- Limits.
There may also be limits on the amount of money that you can deposit into an inmate's account in person. Be sure to check with the facility to find out what the limits are.
Depositing funds in person is a good option if you want to avoid paying a fee for using an online money transfer service. However, it is important to be aware of any fees or limits that may apply.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about putting money on inmates' books:
Question 1: What is the best way to put money on an inmate's books?
Answer 1: The best way to put money on an inmate's books depends on the facility where they are being held. Some facilities only accept money orders or cashier's checks, while others also accept cash, debit cards, or credit cards. You can find out what methods of payment are accepted at the facility where your loved one is being held by checking the facility's website or calling the facility directly.
Question 2: How much money can I put on an inmate's books?
Answer 2: The amount of money that you can put on an inmate's books varies depending on the facility. Some facilities have limits on the amount of money that can be deposited into an inmate's account, while others do not. You can find out the deposit limit at the facility where your loved one is being held by checking the facility's website or calling the facility directly.
Question 3: How long does it take for money to be deposited into an inmate's account?
Answer 3: The time it takes for money to be deposited into an inmate's account varies depending on the method of payment. Money orders and cashier's checks typically take a few days to be processed, while cash, debit cards, and credit cards are typically processed immediately.
Question 4: Can I send items to an inmate instead of money?
Answer 4: In some cases, you may be able to send items to an inmate instead of money. However, there are restrictions on what items can be sent to inmates. You can find out what items are allowed at the facility where your loved one is being held by checking the facility's website or calling the facility directly.
Question 5: What can inmates use the money for?
Answer 5: Inmates can use the money in their accounts to purchase a variety of items, such as food, clothing, toiletries, and stamps. Some facilities also allow inmates to use their money to purchase books, magazines, and other educational materials.
Question 6: Can I get a refund if I accidentally send too much money?
Answer 6: In some cases, you may be able to get a refund if you accidentally send too much money to an inmate's account. However, this is not always possible. You should contact the facility where your loved one is being held to inquire about their refund policy.
If you have any other questions about putting money on inmates' books, you can contact the facility where your loved one is being held. They will be able to provide you with more information.
Now that you know how to put money on an inmate's books, here are a few tips to help you make the process easier:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the process of putting money on an inmate's books easier:
Tip 1: Find out the facility's rules.
Before you send money to an inmate, it's important to find out the rules of the facility where they are being held. Each facility has its own policies and procedures for accepting money for inmates. You can find out the facility's rules by checking their website or calling them directly.
Tip 2: Choose the right method of payment.
Once you know the facility's rules, you can choose the right method of payment. Some facilities only accept money orders or cashier's checks, while others also accept cash, debit cards, or credit cards. Choose the method of payment that is most convenient for you.
Tip 3: Send the money in advance.
It's a good idea to send the money to the inmate's account in advance of when they need it. This will ensure that they have the funds they need to purchase items when they need them.
Tip 4: Keep a record of your transactions.
It's a good idea to keep a record of all of your transactions, including the date, amount, and method of payment. This will help you track your spending and ensure that the money is being deposited into the inmate's account correctly.
By following these tips, you can make the process of putting money on an inmate's books easier and more efficient.
Now that you know how to put money on an inmate's books and have some tips to make the process easier, you can help your loved one stay connected and supported while they are incarcerated.
Conclusion
Putting money on an inmate's books is a simple process that can make a big difference in their life. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your loved one has the funds they need to purchase essential items and stay connected with the outside world.
Here are some key points to remember:
- Check the facility's rules before sending money.
- Choose the right method of payment.
- Send the money in advance.
- Keep a record of your transactions.
By following these tips, you can make the process of putting money on an inmate's books easier and more efficient.
Putting money on an inmate's books is a way to show your loved one that you are thinking of them and that you support them. It can also help them to stay connected with the outside world and to maintain a sense of hope.