Learn About Paying Commissary for Incarcerated People

Understanding Commissary Systems in Correctional Facilities

Commissary is a store system that operates inside jails and prisons where incarcerated people can purchase items using money in their accounts. Rather than providing all hygiene products, snacks, and personal items through the facility, most correctional institutions allow incarcerated individuals to buy these goods themselves. The commissary serves as an internal marketplace, similar to a small retail shop, but with restrictions on what can be purchased.

Commissary systems exist in nearly all U.S. correctional facilities, though the specific rules, prices, and available items vary significantly between institutions. Federal prisons, state prisons, county jails, and local detention centers each operate their own commissary systems with different policies. The system has been in place for decades, though the specific items and pricing structures have changed over time based on facility policies and state regulations.

The basic concept is straightforward: incarcerated people receive a commissary list showing available items and prices, place orders during designated times, and the items are delivered to their housing units. Payment comes from money in their account, which typically includes funds deposited by family members, money earned from work assignments, or money the person brought into the facility at intake.

Common commissary items include toiletries (soap, toothpaste, shampoo), snacks (chips, candy, instant noodles), beverages (coffee, juice packets), writing supplies, and sometimes clothing or shoes. Each facility decides which items to stock based on their rules and security concerns. For example, some facilities restrict certain items that could be used to create weapons or cause harm.

Practical takeaway: Commissary is an internal store system, not a government benefit program. Understanding how your specific facility's commissary works requires reviewing their written policies and commissary lists, which should be available during intake orientation or from housing unit staff.

How Money Gets Into Incarcerated People's Accounts

There are several ways money can be deposited into the commissary accounts of incarcerated people. The most common method is when family members or friends send money directly to the facility. Each correctional institution has specific procedures for receiving deposits, and these procedures vary widely depending on whether the facility is county-based, state-run, or federal.

Family members can typically deposit money through several methods. Many facilities now accept online deposits through third-party money transfer services, which charge fees ranging from $1.50 to $4.00 per transaction. Some facilities still accept checks or money orders mailed to the facility's commissary office. A few facilities allow in-person cash deposits, though this has become less common for security reasons. Western Union and MoneyGram also facilitate deposits at many facilities, though these services add their own transaction fees.

Another significant source of account funds is prison work programs. Incarcerated individuals who work jobs within the facility—whether in food service, maintenance, laundry, or administrative roles—earn money that goes directly into their commissary accounts. Wages vary dramatically, from nothing in some jurisdictions to a few dollars per month in others. A few states pay higher wages, with maximum earnings reaching $20-30 per month in some programs, though this is still modest compared to outside employment.

Money can also enter accounts through legal settlements or court judgments in the person's favor. Additionally, some facilities allow incarcerated people to bring personal funds at intake, which are deposited into their accounts. It's important to note that commissary accounts are separate from funds used for restitution, court fees, or child support, which may be prioritized differently under state law.

Practical takeaway: To send money to an incarcerated person, first contact the facility's commissary office to learn their specific deposit methods, fees, and any restrictions. Write down the exact procedure and any account numbers needed to ensure deposits reach the correct person.

Understanding Commissary Costs and Pricing Structures

Commissary prices are typically marked up significantly compared to retail prices, though the extent of the markup varies by facility and state. Research by the Prison Policy Initiative found that incarcerated people pay 50 to 100 percent more for items in prison commissaries than the general public pays for identical items in stores. A package of instant noodles that costs $0.25 in a grocery store might cost $0.80 in a prison commissary. A tube of toothpaste costing $2.00 outside could cost $4.50 in commissary.

These price increases exist for several reasons. Facilities justify higher prices by citing operational costs of running the commissary system, including staff salaries, delivery logistics within the facility, and loss due to theft or damage. Some states also use commissary profits to fund facility operations or training programs. In some jurisdictions, a portion of commissary revenues goes into general facility funds rather than supporting the commissary itself.

Basic hygiene items tend to be available at most facilities, though not always stocked regularly. Deodorant might cost $1.50-$2.50, while a bar of soap costs $0.75-$1.25. Feminine hygiene products are available at facilities housing women, typically at $0.50-$1.00 per item, though some advocacy organizations have pushed for these to be provided free rather than purchased. Some states have begun providing free menstrual products in response to legal challenges and advocacy efforts.

Food and beverage items make up a large portion of commissary purchases. Instant noodles, crackers, and candy are among the most popular items. A small bag of chips might cost $0.50-$1.00, while a candy bar costs $0.75-$1.50. Beverages like instant coffee or powdered drink packets cost $0.50-$1.50 each. These higher prices, combined with limited account balances, mean incarcerated people must carefully budget their commissary spending.

Some facilities have minimum account balances required to make purchases or minimum purchase amounts per order. These policies affect how people manage their money and when they can buy needed items. A few states have implemented commissary price caps or regulations, though most states leave pricing decisions to individual facilities.

Practical takeaway: Before sending money, research your specific facility's commissary price list (usually available online or by calling) to understand realistic costs and help decide how much money to send.

Fees and Costs Associated with Sending Money

When family members send money to incarcerated people, they encounter multiple layers of fees that reduce the amount actually reaching the account. Understanding these fees helps families budget appropriately and send sufficient funds to account for the charges.

Third-party money transfer services are the most common deposit method for facilities that accept online payments. Companies like Securus, JPay, and others charge between $1.50 and $4.00 per transaction, depending on the facility and service. A $50 deposit might cost $53.50-$54.00 after fees. Some services charge percentage-based fees rather than flat fees, which makes larger deposits proportionally more expensive. Over a year, a family sending $50 monthly faces $18-$48 in annual fees just for deposits.

Credit card processing fees are often added to online transfers. The money transfer service itself charges a fee, and the facility or its financial processing partner may charge an additional handling fee. These layers of charges mean families sometimes lose 5-8 percent of the total amount sent through fees alone.

Mailed checks or money orders have different costs. Postal fees are minimal, but money order fees at post offices or retail locations range from $0.65-$1.25 per money order. Additionally, mailing takes 7-14 days, meaning the person won't have access to funds immediately. Some facilities also charge processing fees for mailed deposits, though this is less common.

In-person cash deposits, where available, typically avoid transaction fees but require travel to the facility. However, visiting hours at many facilities are limited, and not all facilities accept in-person deposits anymore due to security policies.

An important consideration: these fees are separate from commissary markups. A family member spending $50 to send money might only $46-$48 actually reaches the commissary account, and then prices within commissary are inflated compared to outside retail. This compounding effect significantly impacts how far money stretches.

Practical takeaway: Contact your facility's commissary office to learn the exact fee structure for each deposit method available, then calculate the actual amount that will reach the account after all fees are deducted.