How to deposit funds, commissary, and payment options
FCI McDowell does not accept money sent directly to the institution. If you're mailing funds, address them to the BOP processing center in Des Moines, Iowa. The money goes into the inmate's commissary (trust) account, a bank-type account that holds funds for commissary purchases and services. Sending via MoneyGram? Enter the inmate's eight-digit register number immediately followed by their last name (no spaces or dashes) as the account identifier, and use Receive Code 7932. Transfers sent between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. EST typically post within 2 to 4 hours. After 9:00 p.m. EST, they post at 7:00 a.m. EST the next morning. First-time MoneyGram users need to set up a profile and pay with MasterCard or Visa.
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
If you want money to reach someone at FCI McDowell, you need to follow the Bureau of Prisons-approved process. The biggest mistake people make? Trying to mail cash or a money order directly to the prison.
No. Do not send money using FCI McDowell’s address. All mailed funds must be addressed to the BOP processing center in Des Moines, Iowa.
Use MoneyGram and enter the inmate’s eight-digit register number immediately followed by their last name (no spaces or dashes) as the account number, then use Receive Code 7932. Transfers sent 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST typically post within 2 to 4 hours; after 9:00 p.m. EST, they post at 7:00 a.m. EST the next morning. First-time users must create a profile and pay with MasterCard or Visa; agent locations are available at 1-800-926-9400 or www.moneygram.com.
Deposited funds go into the inmate's commissary (trust) account. This is a bank-type account that stores money from family or friends, which the inmate can use for commissary purchases and services.
Want to visit someone in federal custody? Getting approved starts with paperwork. The BP‑A0629 visitor questionnaire is the form the Bureau of Prisons uses to decide whether you'll be added to an inmate's visiting list.
Trying to get approved to visit someone in federal custody? The first hurdle is paperwork. Here's what the BP-A0629 background questionnaire covers, how it's used, and what can cause delays or denials.
Before you make the trip to FCI McDowell, call 603-342-4000 to confirm the current visiting schedule. The hours listed on the facility page reflect the typical schedule, but they don't always apply. People housed in a special housing unit often have a modified visiting schedule. The Warden can also restrict or cancel visits for safety and security reasons, including severe weather or other incidents that disrupt normal operations.
