If you’re confused about commissary providers, you’re not the only one.
💭 Why This Question Comes Up
You’re ready to send your loved one some money or a care pack, but then you realize: every facility works with a different commissary provider. And unless you know exactly which one your facility uses, you’re basically guessing. A lot of people make the mistake of sending money through the wrong site — and trust me, getting that money back is not fun.
🌐 The Big Names
Most jails and prisons in the U.S. partner with one of a handful of providers. The names you’ll see the most are:
- Access Corrections – huge network, handles deposits and care packs.
- TouchPay – very common, especially in county jails.
- JPay – often tied to tablets and communication services too.
- Securus – better known for phones, but some facilities use it for commissary deposits.
Each facility signs contracts with just one (sometimes two) of these. That’s why your provider might be different from someone else’s, even in the same state.
⚠️ Watch Out for Mistakes
This is where things get tricky. If you send money through the wrong provider, it won’t reach your loved one. Refunds? They’re complicated. Providers usually don’t return the service fee, and once funds hit, they belong to the inmate’s account — not the provider. Some people try doing chargebacks with their bank, but that can get you blocked from sending money in the future. Bottom line: make sure you’re using the right provider before you send anything.
🔎 Find the Right Facility & Service
If you’re not sure which commissary provider your facility uses, don’t guess. Use our
Search Tool
to check. Just pick the state, select the facility, and you’ll instantly see which provider is approved for commissary, phones, or care packs. It’s the fastest way to avoid mistakes and save yourself the headache.
👍 Bottom Line
Every facility works with a specific commissary provider, and knowing the right one is the key to making sure your loved one actually gets your support. Don’t roll the dice — double-check with the official source or use the Search Tool before sending money. It’ll save you time, fees, and stress.