Understanding an Inmate's Commissary Account at FCI Morgantown

The commissary at FCI Morgantown works like a bank account for each inmate. Money in that account can be used to buy items that aren't part of the institution's standard issue. Anything your loved one wants or needs beyond the basics? Commissary funds are how they pay for it.

When family, friends, or other sources deposit money, it goes into the inmate's commissary account maintained by FCI Morgantown staff. This is standard across BOP-managed facilities: inmates don't receive cash directly. Instead, deposits land in their commissary account and stay there until spent.

1. Plan for the money to land in commissary - At FCI Morgantown (and other BOP-managed facilities), funds you send are deposited into the inmate’s commissary account.
2. Address mail deposits correctly - If you’re sending funds through the mail, do not address them to FCI Morgantown’s facility address.
3. Use the Des Moines processing center for mailed funds - Mailed funds must be addressed to the processing center in Des Moines, Iowa, so they can be properly received and deposited into the commissary account.

Once funds are in the account, your loved one can spend that balance on items the institution doesn't regularly issue. That's the whole point of sending money: it gives them a way to cover everyday needs and small comforts through commissary purchases.

• ✓ Ask for the current commissary item list and prices, since availability and pricing can change.
• ✓ Confirm which deposit methods are currently accepted for adding money to an inmate’s commissary account.
• ✓ Ask how your loved one can check their commissary balance and track purchases.