How to Send Money to an Inmate at FCI McDowell — Why You Can't Mail Cash and How to Use MoneyGram
Trying to put money on someone's account at FCI McDowell? Here's the most important thing: you can't send funds directly to the prison. Here's what actually works—and how to set up MoneyGram correctly the first time.
FCI McDowell won't accept money sent to the facility's street or mailing address. Any funds you mail need to go to the Bureau of Prisons processing center in Des Moines, Iowa. This isn't a McDowell-specific rule - it applies to all federal inmates everywhere. Send money to the prison address and it'll get delayed or rejected.
Warning: Don't mail cash or checks to FCI McDowell's facility address. For mailed deposits, send to the processing center in Des Moines, Iowa - otherwise your payment won't be accepted.
- Enter the account number in BOP format - Use the inmate’s eight-digit register number (no spaces or dashes) followed immediately by the inmate’s last name. Example (illustrative only): 12345678DOE.
- Set the company name - For MoneyGram ExpressPayment, enter Federal Bureau of Prisons as the company name.
- Use the required city and state - Enter Washington, DC for the city and state.
- Use the correct receive code - The MoneyGram ExpressPayment receive code is 7932.
Tip: Double-check the account number format: 8-digit register number + last name, no spaces or dashes. Make sure you use receive code 7932. One typo can delay funds or send them to the wrong person.
Timing matters if your loved one needs to shop commissary soon. Funds sent between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. EST post within 2–4 hours. Send after 9:00 p.m. EST? The money won't show up until 7:00 a.m. EST the next morning.
Practical Checklist
- ✓ Confirm the inmate’s eight-digit register number and the exact spelling of their last name (you’ll need both for the MoneyGram account number).
- ✓ Do not send money using FCI McDowell’s facility address; if you’re sending funds through the mail, address them to the processing center in Des Moines, Iowa.
- ✓ Confirm the MoneyGram ExpressPayment receive code: 7932.
- ✓ Keep your MoneyGram receipt (or confirmation details) until the funds show as posted.
Trying to hit a commissary deadline? Send during the day. Transfers between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. EST post within 2–4 hours. Anything after 9:00 p.m. EST won't post until 7:00 a.m. EST the next morning.
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