Sending Commissary
How to Send Money to Facility
Sending money should be simple, but the details vary by facility and system. Here's what's confirmed, plus what you'll need to verify before submitting a payment.
Send Money and Commissary at Centinela State Prison.
Review available deposit, commissary, money order, and online payment information for sending money to an inmate at Centinela State Prison.
Overview
Before sending money to Centinela State Prison, confirm the incarcerated person's full name and booking or facility ID number. Then verify which deposit options the facility accepts. Common methods include online or mobile portals, phone deposits, lobby kiosks, and U.S. Postal money orders. Funds placed on a person's trust account typically go toward commissary purchases, phone time, hygiene items, and other approved expensesâthough court-ordered deductions may reduce the balance. Different vendors have different account setups: GTL's VisitMe includes a
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Quick Facts
- You can typically add money by online or mobile portals, phone deposits, lobby kiosks, or U.S. Postal money orders, but each facility accepts a different subset of these methods.
- Trust account funds generally pay for commissary items, phone time, hygiene products, and other permitted purchases and may be reduced by courtâordered deductions.
- Do not mail cash; most facilities refuse cash sent through the mail and will return it.
- Thirdâparty vendors vary: GTL VisitMe provides account creation and password recovery links, while Securus advises opening an account and requires one for video calls even though free telephone calls may not need an online account.
Send Money and Commissary Guides
Common Questions
How can I add money for someone at Centinela State Prison?
Common options include online or mobile portals, phone deposits, lobby kiosks, and U.S. Postal money orders. Before sending funds, confirm the person's full name and booking/facility ID, then verify which methods Centinela State Prison accepts.
Can I mail cash to someone at Centinela State Prison?
Noâdonât mail cash. Use an accepted method such as a money order or an approved vendor portal instead.
Do I need an account with a vendor to add funds or use messaging/video services?
Sometimes. Securus recommends opening an account and requires one for video calls, though free telephone calls donât always require an online account. GTLâs VisitMe includes account tools like a âCLAIM ACCOUNTâ link and password recovery options.
Other Guides for Centinela State Prison
CDCR Is Switching to Securus: What Families Need to Know Now
Securus is now the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's (CDCR) communications provider. If you want to stay ready for calls, video, and messaging when the rollout starts in September, the most important thing to do now is set up your Securus account.
Phone & Messaging
How to Contact an Inmate at Facility
Trying to stay in touch with someone at Centinela State Prison? The big update: telephone calling through Securus is rolling out starting in September.
How to Schedule Your First Visit Using GTL VisitMe for CDCR Facilities
Scheduling your first CDCR visit through GTL VisitMe comes down to logging into the right account, then reserving a time slot so you arrive with a confirmed visit in hand.