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

Iowa DOC accepts electronic deposits through three vendors: Access Corrections, JPay, and Western Union. When comparing fees, stick to these three - they're the only methods Iowa DOC recognizes for electronic commissary deposits.

Access Corrections online deposits start at $3.49 according to Iowa DOC. You'll pay with a Visa- or MasterCard-branded credit or debit card. If that's what you have on hand, it's a simple option with the lowest starting fee.

Prefer to deposit by phone? Access Corrections takes calls at 1(866)345-1884. You'll pay by credit or debit card, with fees starting at $4.49 - a bit more than the lowest online rate.

JPay online deposits also use cards. The site accepts Visa- or MasterCard-branded debit and credit cards, so the payment method is similar to Access Corrections.

Here's where JPay differs: Iowa DOC lists online fees ranging from $3.95 to $10.95, depending on how much you send. The cheapest JPay fee starts slightly higher than Access Corrections' $3.49, and the price climbs with larger deposits.

JPay phone deposits go through 1-800-574-5729. Fees range from $4.95 to $11.95 based on the deposit amount. Like Access Corrections, the phone option costs more than the lowest online fee.

Western Union is another option Iowa DOC lists for deposits. You can pay with cash or a debit card. Iowa DOC also points families to Send2Corrections, available through the mobile app (Apple App Store and Google Play Store) or online. For Send2Corrections transactions done online or through the app, you'll need a credit or debit card.

Before starting a Western Union deposit, gather the key details. You'll need the recipient's commissary number and the name of the correctional facility. Entering this correctly ensures the money reaches the right person.

Want to pay in cash but set things up ahead of time? Iowa DOC describes a

How to Pick

• ✓ Price out the same deposit amount through both vendors before sending. Iowa DOC lists Access Corrections online rates starting at $3.49, while JPay’s online fees range from $3.95 to $10.95 depending on the deposit amount.
• ✓ If you’re sending a larger amount, pay attention to where you land in JPay’s fee range - your “cheapest” option can change as the deposit amount changes.
• ✓ If you’re only able to make a small deposit, compare the lowest listed starting points first ($3.49 vs. $3.95) and then confirm the final total on the payment screen.

1. Run a test checkout - Start an online deposit with Access Corrections and JPay and look for the fee shown for your exact deposit amount (Access Corrections lists rates starting at $3.49; JPay lists $3.95–$10.95 depending on amount).
2. Confirm by phone if you’re unsure - If you’d rather hear the total before paying, call Access Corrections at 1(866)345-1884 or JPay at 1-800-574-5729 and ask what fee applies to the deposit amount you’re planning to send.
3. Pick the method that matches your payment type - If you’re paying by card, both vendors support Visa/MasterCard-branded cards online; if you’re leaning toward cash-based options, check Western Union/Send2Corrections at checkout to see the total cost before completing the transfer.