If someone you love is incarcerated, you’ve probably heard the word “commissary” but might be unsure what it means or how it works. You’re not alone. Navigating the system of sending money to inmates can be confusing and overwhelming.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about inmate commissary accounts in straightforward language. We’ll cover how to send money to inmate in prison, what they can buy, and the services you’ll use like Access Access Corrections and Touch Pay.
What Exactly is a Commissary?
A commissary is essentially the prison store or canteen where incarcerated individuals can purchase items that aren’t provided by the facility. Think of it as a combination of a convenience store and Amazon for inmates.
For your loved one inside, the commissary is more than just a place to buy snacks—it’s a vital resource for maintaining health, hygiene, and connection with the outside world. The ability to make purchases significantly impacts their quality of life.
How Money Works in Prison
Unlike the outside world, cash is not used inside prison facilities. Instead, inmates have accounts that hold funds which they can spend at the commissary. When you send money to inmate in prison, it gets deposited into this account.
Common Terms for Prison Money
Commissary
The most common term. “Do you have commissary?” means “Do you have money in your account?”
Books
“I’ll put money on your books” is how most people refer to adding funds to an inmate’s account.
Canteen
An older term still used in some facilities, referring to both the store and the money.
What Can Inmates Buy?
The specific items available vary by facility, but most commissaries offer a range of products. Here’s what your loved one can typically purchase:
Food & Snacks
Ramen noodles, tuna, coffee, crackers, candy, soda. These items supplement institutional meals.
Hygiene Products
Soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, and quality toilet paper. Essential for health and dignity.
Clothing
Underwear, socks, t-shirts, and sometimes shoes. Often these must be purchased from commissary.
Stationery
Writing paper, envelopes, and stamps. Crucial for maintaining family connections.
Entertainment
Radios, playing cards, puzzles, and sometimes books. Important for mental health.
OTC Medications
Pain relievers, antacids, and vitamins. Often limited and expensive.
How to Send Money to an Inmate
When you need to send money to inmate in prison, you have several options. It’s crucial to use approved methods to ensure your funds reach your loved one safely.
Online Deposits
The easiest and most common method is using online services like Access Access Corrections or Touch Pay. These platforms allow you to transfer funds electronically using a debit or credit card.
Phone Deposits
Most service providers offer phone-based deposit systems where you can call and make payments using your card.
Walk-in Kiosks
Some facilities have kiosks in their lobbies where you can deposit cash directly into an inmate’s account.
Important Warning
Never send cash or personal checks through the mail! They will likely be rejected, lost, or stolen. Always use official channels like Access Access Corrections or other approved providers to ensure your money reaches your loved one.
Key Service Providers
Most facilities contract with specific companies to handle inmate accounts. Here are the major providers you might encounter:
Access Corrections
One of the largest providers serving many state and county facilities. Their platform allows you to easily send money to inmate accounts online.
TouchPay/GTL
A major provider that services many correctional facilities across the country. They offer online, phone, and kiosk payment options.
Pro Tip: Always check with the specific facility to determine which provider they use before attempting to send money. Using the wrong service will result in your payment being rejected or delayed.
Helpful Tips for Families
Based on experience from other families, here are some tips to make the process smoother:
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Budget Accordingly: Commissary items are often significantly more expensive than outside stores. A bag of chips that costs $1 outside might cost $5 inside. Plan your support accordingly.
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Communicate About Needs: Ask your loved one what they actually need rather than assuming. Sometimes practical items like stamps and hygiene products are more needed than snacks.
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Be Consistent: Regular, smaller deposits are often more helpful than occasional large ones. This helps with budgeting inside.
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Understand Restrictions: Facilities have different rules about account limits, approved items, and purchasing schedules. Learn the specific rules for your loved one’s facility.
Understanding how to navigate the inmate commissary system is one of the most practical ways you can support your incarcerated loved one. While the process might seem confusing at first, services like Access Access Corrections and Touch Pay have made it easier to safely send money to inmate accounts.
Remember that your support provides more than just material goods—it offers comfort, dignity, and maintained connection during a difficult time. By learning the system, you’re providing crucial support that significantly impacts your loved one’s quality of life.
Have Questions or Experiences to Share?
We’d love to hear from you. Share your questions or experiences with inmate commissary systems in the comments below.
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