JPay: Sending Money to Inmates - A Comprehensive Guide

Send money through JPay using a computer or telephone.

More than 30 states use JPay to allow people to send money or provide other services to inmates. The company offers communication and payment services to individuals involved with community corrections, and to families and friends of inmates in state correctional institutions and county jails. These services include inmate email, video visitation and online payments to inmates.

Money Transfer Options

Although JPay offers several ways to send money to inmates, correction and detention officials determine which options are available to inmates housed in their facilities. Sending money can be done online through the JPay website or MoneyGram agents. You also can call JPay at 1-800-574-5729 to send money. JPay also offers the Money Order Lockbox Service for electronic processing of money orders. It charges a small fee for each service.

Payment Types and Designations

You may use your credit or debit card to make payments to inmates through JPay. You can send recurring payments, or send money to multiple inmates. JPay allows you to specify how the inmate uses the money you send -- for instance, you can send money for a commissary account or an inmate trust account. When you are logged in to the JPay account, the system will display the payment options available for the inmate and the facility where she is housed.

Facility Search

JPay provides an online search engine to look for participating jails and prisons. Use the Availability and Pricing page to find the state and facility where the inmate is housed and view the pricing for JPay services. Each facility listing includes a map to the facility and the address and phone number. The listing also includes the JPay services available and the rates charged. If the facility you are searching for is not listed, contact the facility to find out if another company provides the service.

Registration and Account Creation

Begin the registration online at the JPay.com website by performing an inmate search. Enter the state in which the inmate is incarcerated, and the inmate identification number provided by the state's correction department. After the system locates the inmate and you select the correct name, continue the registration process by creating a user name and password. You will create a JPay account through which you can send money to the inmate using the options available