Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Sending Money

How to Send Money to an Inmate (JPay options, fees, and what NOT to mail)

Sending money to someone in custody is pretty straightforward once you know your options. Here's a breakdown of JPay's deposit methods, what fees look like, and the one mailing mistake you absolutely need to avoid.

• 2 min read Verified from official sources

Need the money to arrive fast? Start with an online JPay deposit using a credit or debit card. It's the quickest way to get funds into an inmate's account, and it's usually the easiest option for covering commissary needs without waiting on mail processing.

Can't use the website? You can also make a deposit by phone. Call JPay toll-free at 1 (800) 574-5729 to process a payment.

If you prefer to pay with a money order, go through JPay's money order process. Do not mail money directly to VADOC facilities or headquarters. That includes checks, cash, or anything else with monetary value. Mailed payments will be rejected.

JPay charges deposit fees based on how much you send. Here are some example online deposit fee tiers so you can estimate your total before submitting a payment.

  • ✓ Online deposit $0.00 to $20.00: $2.95 fee
  • ✓ Online deposit $20.01 to $100.00: $5.95 fee
  • ✓ Online deposit $100.01 to $200.00: $7.95 fee
  • ✓ Online deposit $200.01 to $300.00: $9.95 fee

Note: Fees can change. Check the current JPay fee schedule before sending money so you're not caught off guard at checkout.

If timing matters, go with the online credit or debit card option. It's the fastest method, making it the best choice when your loved one needs funds right away.

Money orders take longer because they have to be physically received and processed. Once JPay gets a money order, funds are typically available to the inmate within three business days. Plan ahead if you're trying to cover something by a specific date.

  1. Keep proof of payment - If you send a money order, hold onto your receipt so you have a record while it is in transit and being processed.
  2. Use phone or online for faster action - If you need to send money quickly, use online deposit (credit or debit) or call JPay at 1 (800) 574-5729.
  3. Do not put money in the mail to a facility - Do not mail checks, cash, or other items of monetary value to VADOC facilities or headquarters. Mailed money will be rejected.

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