AdvancePay vs. PIN Debit for Cold Springs Calls: Which Option Is Right for Your Family?

Here's the basic split. AdvancePay is a prepaid account you set up as the outside contact - it lets you receive collect calls without surprise charges. PIN Debit works differently: you deposit money for the inmate to use, and call costs come out of their balance. Both run through ConnectNetwork (Global Tel*Link), so you're working in the same system either way. The real question is who controls the funds and how calls get paid.

AdvancePay is built for family and friends. You create a prepaid phone account through ConnectNetwork (Global Tel*Link), add money, and that balance covers your loved one's collect calls to you. Essentially, you're prepaying so their call goes through to your number - no standard collect billing involved.

• ✓ You control the balance and when (or whether) you add more funds.
• ✓ Your number can receive collect calls using the prepaid balance you set up.
• ✓ You can deny any collect or debit call if you don’t want to accept it.

PIN Debit is the "fund the inmate's calling" option. You deposit money through ConnectNetwork (Global Tel*Link), and the inmate manages the account from there - call charges come out of that balance when they dial out. You'll need their 7-digit state ID number to make a deposit, so grab that before you start.

• ✓ Choose AdvancePay if you want to set up a prepaid account tied to you as the recipient so you can receive collect calls.
• ✓ Choose PIN Debit if you want to deposit money for the inmate to use for calls (you’ll need the inmate’s 7-digit state ID for deposits).
• ✓ Pick the option that matches who should control the funds: you (AdvancePay) or the inmate (PIN Debit).

1. Decide how you want calls paid - Use AdvancePay if you want a prepaid account for receiving collect calls; use PIN Debit if you want to deposit funds for the inmate to spend on calls.
2. Use ConnectNetwork to get started - Both options run through ConnectNetwork (Global Tel*Link), so you’ll be setting things up in the same place.
3. Set up AdvancePay (if you’re receiving collect calls) - Create the prepaid account and add funds so calls can draw from that balance.
4. Deposit to PIN Debit (if you’re funding the inmate’s calling) - Have the inmate’s 7-digit state ID number ready before you make the deposit.
5. Keep your account active - If you’re using AdvancePay, use the account often enough to avoid long stretches of inactivity.

Going with AdvancePay? Keep an eye on inactivity. Accounts can go inactive and forfeit funds after 180 consecutive days without use (unless governing law or contract specifies a different timeframe). If you'd rather clear out your balance than let money sit, request a refund through customer service at 877-650-4249.

• ✓ Assume calls are recorded and monitored (except properly verified attorney calls).
• ✓ Plan conversations around the 20-minute limit per call.
• ✓ If you’re not getting calls, ask your loved one to check their approved call list - VADOC limits it to 15 numbers.
• ✓ Remember you can deny any collect or debit call if you don’t want to accept it.