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How to Send Money to Someone at Colorado State Penitentiary (and When It Arrives)

Sending money to someone at Colorado State Penitentiary is straightforward once you know your options. Here's how to deposit funds, when they'll actually be available, and why the spendable amount might be less than what you sent.

• 2 min read • cdoc.colorado.gov
How to Send Money to Someone at Colorado State Penitentiary (and When It Arrives)

The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) accepts deposits three ways: online, by phone, or in person with cash at participating retail locations. All deposits go through TouchPay Holdings, LLC (doing business as GTL Financial Services), so you'll see TouchPay or GTL branding during the payment process.

  • ✓ Online (credit/debit card) - make an electronic deposit through the TouchPay/GTL deposit service.
  • ✓ By phone (credit/debit card) - submit a card payment over the phone using the same deposit service.
  • ✓ In person (cash) - deposit cash at participating retail locations throughout the country, for credit to the inmate’s account (TouchPay/GTL).

Warning: Money orders and cash sent by mail are not accepted. Don’t mail cash or a money order to the facility for deposits.

Timing depends on when you submit. Deposits made before 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time are typically available the next day. Planning around a canteen order? Build in extra time. CDOC recommends allowing 2–3 days for funds to fully process, so send money a bit earlier than when your loved one will need it.

If the spendable balance doesn't match what you sent, withholding is likely the reason. By law, CDOC must deduct at least 20% of any deposit toward court-ordered fines, fees, restitution, or child support. That 20% comes off the top before the rest becomes available for spending.

Have questions about a specific deposit or missing funds? Contact the Inmate Bank at (719) 269-4271. Good to know: inmate accounts cover canteen purchases like phone time, stamps, food, clothing, and hygiene items. Funds follow the person across CDOC facilities, so deposits stay with them even after a transfer.

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