Money order vs. online deposit: Which costs less for Alabama DOC deposits?

When you send money to someone in Alabama DOC, the fee doesn't get added on top of your deposit - it comes out of it. That means your loved one receives the deposit minus the service charge, not the full amount you intended to send.

For deposits between $300.01 and $900.00, here's how the fees break down: internet deposits cost $7.95 per transaction, phone deposits run $9.95, and walk-in deposits (retailer/CashPayToday) are $3.95. Money orders? Listed as "No Charge" in that same range.

For deposits between $300.01 and $900.00, money orders can be the cheapest option since ADOC doesn't charge a transaction fee for them. Compare that to $7.95 for internet, $9.95 for phone, or $3.95 for walk-in. If you can buy a money order for less than those fees, you'll come out ahead.

But cost isn't everything. Mailed money orders can take up to a week to process, while online or phone deposits through Access Secure Deposits typically post within 24 hours. There's also a daily limit of $900.00 for money order deposits, so plan accordingly for larger amounts. One more thing: ADOC charges a $25 handling fee for any returned money order or check. That can wipe out your savings fast if something goes wrong.

Quick Checklist

• ✓ If you’re depositing $300.01–$900.00, compare the channel fee (internet $7.95, phone $9.95, walk-in $3.95) against what it costs you to buy a money order (ADOC lists money order deposits as “No Charge” in this band).
• ✓ Remember the fee comes out of the amount you deposit - your loved one receives the deposit minus the service charge.
• ✓ If speed matters, factor in timing: Access Secure Deposits (online/phone) can deposit funds within 24 hours, while mailed money orders can take up to a week to process.
• ✓ Stay under the daily limit for money order deposits: $900.00.
• ✓ Double-check everything before you mail it - ADOC charges a $25 handling fee for any returned money order or check.