5 Ways to Send Money: Which ConnectNetwork Method Is Right for You?
Need to get money to someone fast — or can't use a card? The best ConnectNetwork option depends on which account you're funding and how you want to pay. Here's a breakdown of each method and what to expect for timing.
Speed matters? Automated deposits - online, through the mobile apps, by phone, or at a kiosk - are your fastest bet. Deposits to AdvancePay, PinDebit, and DebitLink accounts through these channels are available immediately. Trust Fund deposits work differently: automated Trust Fund deposits reach the facility within one business day, while mailed deposits or cash payments at retail locations are typically processed the next business day after receipt. For payment types, online and phone options take major credit cards (Visa and MasterCard). Prefer cash? You can pay at an in-person kiosk or use the retail cash option - start online, finish in-store.
Online deposits through the ConnectNetwork website or mobile apps are the easiest choice when you want flexibility. They accept major credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) and are available 24/7/365. Funding an AdvancePay, PinDebit, or DebitLink account this way? The deposit is available immediately - which makes online the go-to for last-minute needs.
Fastest option: Automated deposits to AdvancePay, PinDebit, and DebitLink accounts made online (or through the app) are available immediately for use.
Prefer to handle everything by phone? ConnectNetwork's automated phone system takes major credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) and runs 24/7/365. Deposits to AdvancePay, PinDebit, and DebitLink accounts through the phone system are available immediately. One heads-up: to make a Trust Fund and/or PIN Debit deposit, you may need the facility's
- ✓ Have a Visa or MasterCard ready for the automated phone payment system.
- ✓ If you’re making a Trust Fund and/or PIN Debit deposit, have the facility “Site ID” available in case it’s required.
- ✓ Save your receipt/confirmation details after you complete the transaction.
Kiosk deposits make sense if you're already heading to the facility area and want something quick and in-person. ConnectNetwork kiosks are often in visitation areas, government offices, probation offices, or courthouses. They accept major credit cards (Visa and MasterCard), and deposits to AdvancePay, PinDebit, and DebitLink accounts are available immediately.
Need to pay with cash but don't want to mail anything? The walk-in retail option is a solid middle ground. Cash deposits are available at about 26,000 participating retail locations nationwide. Here's how it works: start the payment process online in your ConnectNetwork account, then finish the transaction with cash at a participating store.
Western Union Quick Collect: At participating retail locations, you can make select ConnectNetwork payments by providing your account number, paying with cash, and leaving with a receipt.
Mail works if you prefer paper payment methods, but expect it to be slower than automated options. For AdvancePay mail deposits, ConnectNetwork lists specific addresses: for GTL/DSI/PCS accounts, mail to AdvancePay Service Department, PO BOX 209722, Dallas, TX 75320-9722; for other VAC accounts, mail to VAC Dept 2430, P.O. Box 2430, Dallas, TX 75312-2430. One thing to watch: at this facility, only money orders are accepted for Trust Fund deposits - no personal checks or cashier's checks.
- ✓ Confirm what the facility accepts for Trust Fund deposits before you mail anything.
- ✓ Use a money order for Trust Fund deposits (not a personal check or cashier’s check).
- ✓ Keep your receipt and any tracking details until the deposit shows as processed/available.
Processing time depends on both the deposit channel and the account type. Deposits through automated channels (online, mobile apps, phone, kiosks) to AdvancePay, PinDebit, and DebitLink accounts are available immediately - that's why they're the best choice when timing matters. Trust Fund deposits take longer even through automated methods: they're transmitted to the facility within one business day. Using mail or paying cash at a retail location? Plan for more lag - those deposits are generally processed the next business day after receipt.
Heads up: Even when ConnectNetwork processes a deposit quickly, when the funds are actually available can depend on the facility’s own policies.
- Check whether you’ll need a Site ID before you call - phone payments accept Visa and MasterCard 24/7, and Trust Fund and/or PIN Debit deposits may require the facility “Site ID.”
- If you’re paying cash at retail, start online first - begin the payment in your ConnectNetwork account, then complete the transaction in-store with cash.
- If you’re mailing a payment, match the address and follow money-order rules - AdvancePay has specific mailing addresses, and this facility accepts only money orders (not personal checks or cashier’s checks) for Trust Fund deposits.
Whichever method you choose, hang onto your receipt or confirmation number until the money shows up. Using mail or retail cash? Build in extra time - those deposits are generally processed the next business day after receipt, and the facility's own policies can still affect when funds actually become available.
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