Free Guide to Understanding Commissary Deposits

What Commissary Deposits Are and How They Work

A commissary deposit is money placed into an account held by an incarcerated person in a correctional facility. This account allows individuals in prison or jail to purchase items from the facility's store, known as the commissary. The commissary typically sells snacks, hygiene products, clothing, writing materials, and other approved items that inmates cannot bring from outside the facility.

When someone is incarcerated, they generally cannot keep cash or make purchases directly. Instead, money must be deposited into their commissary account through approved channels. Family members, friends, or the incarcerated person themselves (if they have outside funds) can initiate these deposits. Once money is in the account, the individual can use it to make purchases during designated commissary shopping times, which vary by facility but typically occur weekly or bi-weekly.

The commissary system serves several purposes. It allows incarcerated individuals to meet basic needs and personal preferences for items not provided by the facility. It also reduces security issues that could arise if people had direct access to cash or goods. Additionally, commissary sales generate revenue for correctional facilities, though this practice has become increasingly controversial due to concerns about pricing and the financial burden on families.

Different types of facilities operate commissaries differently. Federal prisons, state prisons, local jails, and private facilities each have their own rules about what can be purchased, pricing structures, and deposit procedures. Some facilities offer commissary accounts as a standard feature, while others may limit access or have restricted items lists. Understanding how your specific facility operates is important before making a deposit.

Practical takeaway: Before depositing money, contact the facility directly to confirm they have an active commissary system, understand their current deposit methods, and learn what items can actually be purchased with those funds.

Methods for Depositing Money Into Commissary Accounts

There are several ways to deposit money into a commissary account, and the available methods depend on the specific correctional facility. The most common methods include online deposits, mail deposits, phone deposits, and in-person deposits at the facility. Each method has different processing times, fees, and requirements that families should understand before choosing how to send money.

Online deposits have become increasingly common and are often the fastest method. Many facilities partner with third-party payment companies that allow deposits through their websites or mobile apps. To use online deposits, you typically need the incarcerated person's full name, inmate number, and facility name. Online deposits may be processed within 24 hours, though some facilities take longer. The convenience of online deposits often comes with a fee, typically ranging from $2 to $4 per transaction. Some payment processors charge flat fees, while others charge a percentage of the deposit amount.

Mail deposits involve sending a check or money order directly to the correctional facility. This method is free but takes significantly longer, usually 7 to 14 business days or more depending on the facility's mail processing procedures. When mailing deposits, you must include the incarcerated person's full name and inmate number on the check or money order. Many facilities require a specific mailing address for commissary deposits, which may differ from the main facility address. Mail should always be sent to the exact address the facility specifies to avoid delays or returned payments.

Phone deposits allow family members to call the facility or a payment service provider and deposit money over the phone using a debit or credit card. This method is relatively fast and convenient but may include processing fees. Phone lines for commissary deposits sometimes experience high call volumes, particularly on weekends and holidays, which can make reaching someone difficult. Some facilities have automated systems that allow deposits without speaking to anyone, while others require speaking with a staff member.

In-person deposits at the facility involve going to the facility's business office during specified hours and depositing cash or a check directly. This method is typically free and results in the quickest posting of funds, sometimes the same day. However, not all facilities allow in-person deposits, and those that do typically have limited hours. Transportation to the facility may not be practical for everyone, particularly in rural areas or for those without reliable transportation.

Practical takeaway: Call your facility's commissary or business office and ask which deposit methods they currently offer, what fees apply, and how long each method takes. Write down the exact mailing address or online portal information to avoid sending money to the wrong location.

Understanding Commissary Pricing and Account Costs

Commissary prices are typically significantly higher than what the same items cost in stores outside the facility. A bottle of shampoo that costs $3 in a retail store might cost $8 to $12 in a prison commissary. Candy bars, snacks, and beverages can cost two to three times their outside retail price. These markups help fund facility operations and have become a substantial source of revenue for many correctional departments. For families already struggling financially, these inflated prices can create a real burden.

Some facilities also charge fees for maintaining a commissary account. Monthly account maintenance fees ranging from $1 to $5 are not uncommon. Additionally, if an account reaches a certain balance level, some facilities charge account management fees or require the account to be "active" with regular transactions. These fees are deducted directly from the commissary balance, reducing the actual purchasing power of deposited money. Families should ask about all fees when setting up an account to understand the true cost of commissary deposits.

Pricing also varies considerably by facility type and location. Federal facilities typically have lower commissary prices than state or local facilities. Rural facilities may have higher prices due to transportation costs for goods. Private facilities sometimes have the highest prices, as they maximize revenue. The same item can cost different amounts depending on which facility someone is incarcerated in, even within the same state.

Some facilities publish their commissary price lists online or provide them upon request. Reviewing these price lists before depositing money can help families understand where money will be spent and budget accordingly. If price lists are not publicly available, families can request them directly from the facility's commissary office. This information helps people make informed decisions about how much money to deposit and which items represent reasonable purchases.

Over time, the costs of regular commissary deposits can be substantial. A family depositing $50 per month for someone incarcerated over several years could spend thousands of dollars. Understanding these costs upfront helps families set realistic budgets and make informed decisions about their ability to support commissary purchases on an ongoing basis.

Practical takeaway: Request a commissary price list from the facility and ask about all fees, including account maintenance charges and deposit transaction fees. Calculate what regular deposits would actually cost over time to plan your family budget accordingly.

What Items Can Be Purchased and Facility Restrictions

Commissary items vary by facility but generally fall into a few categories: food and beverages, hygiene and personal care products, clothing, writing supplies, and electronics. The specific items allowed and restricted depend on the facility's security policies and regulations. Understanding what can actually be purchased is important because families should not send money if the incarcerated person cannot use it for needed items.

Food and beverage items typically include snacks, candy, instant beverages like coffee and tea, and sometimes frozen or shelf-stable items. However, restrictions often apply to items that could be used as weapons, drugs, or contraband. For example, items with high alcohol content or items that could be fermented are often prohibited. Some facilities restrict items like peanut butter or honey because they can be used to create weapons or as bargaining chips in the inmate economy. Families should check what food items are specifically allowed before assuming their loved one can purchase any snack available on the commissary list.

Hygiene items like soap, toothpaste, deodorant, and shampoo are generally allowed, though facilities sometimes have restrictions on quantity or specific types. Some facilities prohibit certain items like nail clippers, razors, or electric toothbrushes due to safety concerns. Cosmetics like makeup may be restricted or prohibited entirely depending on the facility and security level. Women's hygiene products are essential items but sometimes have limited availability, making commissary access particularly important for women in custody.

Clothing restrictions vary significantly. Some facilities allow commissary purchases of basic clothing like socks, underwear, and t-shirts, while others provide all clothing and prohibit personal purchases. Shoe restrictions are common due to security concerns. Some facilities allow only specific types of shoes or prohibit certain brands and colors that could be gang-related.

Writing supplies like stamps, envelopes, paper, and pens are frequently available, which is important because incarcerated people often