Comparing Money Transfer Fees for Iowa DOC: Access Corrections vs JPay (with Western Union notes)

Want to keep costs down when sending money to someone in the Iowa Department of Corrections? Here's the quick comparison: Access Corrections online fees start at $3.49, while JPay online fees range from $3.95 to $10.95 depending on your deposit amount. Both accept Visa- or MasterCard-branded credit or debit cards, so the real difference comes down to the fee shown for your specific amount.

Phone deposits cost a bit more. Access Corrections charges fees as low as $4.49 by phone at 1(866)345-1884. JPay phone deposits run $4.95 to $11.95 - call 1-800-574-5729. If you send money regularly, checking the fee for your exact amount can save you real money over time.

For the lowest fee, start with Access Corrections online. Iowa DOC lists rates starting at $3.49 for online deposits (including those made through CorrLinks). The phone option starts higher at $4.49, so online wins when everything else is equal.

JPay's pricing overlaps with Access Corrections for smaller amounts but climbs higher as you send more. Online runs $3.95 to $10.95; phone runs $4.95 to $11.95. Both accept Visa or MasterCard-branded debit or credit cards. For larger deposits, JPay may cost more than Access Corrections - compare the fee for your specific total before you hit submit.

Western Union is another option for Iowa DOC deposits, offering more flexibility in how you pay. You can use cash or a debit card, and you'll need the recipient's commissary number plus the facility name. The catch? Iowa DOC doesn't publish a Western Union fee table, so you can't reliably compare costs without checking directly with Western Union.

Western Union's Send2Corrections option works through their mobile app (available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store) or online. You'll need a credit or debit card to set it up. One useful feature: you can start the transaction online or in the app, then pay later with cash at a Western Union agent location. The system generates a tracking number (MTCN) so you can complete the payment in person.

Western Union also takes deposits by phone at 1-800-634-3422 (choose option 2). A credit or debit card is required. Since Iowa DOC doesn't list Western Union fees, confirm the total cost directly with Western Union before assuming it's the cheaper route.

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• ✓ Start with Access Corrections online if you can - Iowa DOC lists online deposit rates starting at $3.49, and it accepts Visa and MasterCard-branded credit or debit cards.
• ✓ Compare JPay’s online fee for your exact amount - Iowa DOC lists a $3.95 to $10.95 range depending on the deposit amount.
• ✓ If you’re depositing by phone, expect a higher starting point - Access Corrections phone fees are as low as $4.49 (1(866)345-1884) and JPay phone fees range from $4.95 to $11.95 (1-800-574-5729).
• ✓ Double-check your card type before you start - both vendors list Visa/MasterCard-branded credit or debit cards for online deposits, and phone deposits also use credit/debit cards.

Double-check fees whenever you change your deposit amount, switch from online to phone, or try a new provider. Iowa DOC lists Access Corrections online fees starting at $3.49 and JPay online fees from $3.95 to $10.95 - but Western Union fees aren't included. For the most accurate total, check current pricing on the vendor's site or call their support line.