How to Send Money to an Inmate at Frank Lee: Four Ways Explained

There are four ADOC-accepted ways to send money to an inmate at Frank Lee: online through Access Corrections with a debit or credit card, by phone through Access Corrections with a debit or credit card, with cash at CashPayToday walk-in locations (you'll need to register and get a barcode first), or by mailing a money order with the ADOC deposit form. If speed matters most, some electronic options can post funds to the inmate account within 24 hours. If you'd rather save on fees, a mailed money order is the slow-and-steady route, though it can take up to a week to process.

1. Go to Access Corrections online - Start on the Access Corrections website and choose the option to make a deposit.
2. Create or sign into your account - You will be prompted to set up an account if you do not already have one.
3. Enter the inmate’s information - Add the recipient’s details (including their DOC/AIS ID) so the money goes to the right person.
4. Pay with a debit or credit card - Complete the deposit using your card details, then save your confirmation.

Online deposits are one of the faster options. In many cases, funds post to the inmate account within 24 hours. That's helpful if your loved one needs money for commissary or other purchases soon.

You can also deposit by phone through Access Corrections using a debit or credit card. The number is (866) 345-1884, and the service is available 24/7.

Phone deposits work well if you want help from a live agent and still need funds to post quickly (some can post within 24 hours). Just note the cost difference. For deposits in the $300.01 to $900.00 range, the phone fee is $9.95 compared to $7.95 online. Either way, fees are deducted from what you send.

1. Register with CashPayToday - Create your account on CashPayToday so you can generate the barcode you will need.
2. Get your barcode - CashPayToday provides a barcode tied to your deposit.
3. Bring cash and the barcode to a walk-in location - Pay in cash at a participating retailer. The ADOC deposit materials list common options such as Dollar General, Family Dollar, CVS, and 7-Eleven.
4. Keep your receipt - Hold onto it until the funds show up on the inmate’s account.

Walk-in cash deposits can also be fast. Some can post within 24 hours. Fees depend on the deposit range. For $300.01 to $900.00, the walk-in fee is $3.95, and fees are deducted from the amount you send.

If you prefer to mail a payment, send a money order made payable to Access Corrections, along with the completed ADOC deposit form, to: Access Corrections – Alabama DOC P.O. Box 12486 St. Louis, MO 63132

Want to avoid service fees entirely? Mailed money orders may be your best bet. For deposits in the $300.01 to $900.00 range, the listed fee for a money order sent by mail is "No Charge." When fees do apply to other methods, they're deducted from the total amount you send.

Fees and speed tend to trade places. For deposits between $300.01 and $900.00, here's how the fees break down: Internet $7.95, Phone $9.95, Walk-in $3.95, and Money Order (mailed) No Charge. When a fee applies, it's deducted from the total deposited amount, so the inmate receives your deposit minus the service fee.

• ✓ If you need funds to show up quickly, use an option that can post within 24 hours (online, phone, or walk-in).
• ✓ If you can wait, a mailed money order avoids the service fee in the $300.01 to $900.00 example, but mailed deposits can take up to a week to process.
• ✓ If you are comparing costs, walk-in is cheaper than Internet and phone in the $300.01 to $900.00 example, and phone is the most expensive of the three electronic methods in that same range.

Checklist Before

• ✓ Get the inmate’s DOC/AIS ID and confirm the spelling of their name before you submit anything.
• ✓ Pick the method that fits your situation: online card deposit through Access Corrections, phone deposit through Access Corrections, cash walk-in through CashPayToday (barcode required), or a mailed money order with the completed ADOC deposit form.
• ✓ If mailing, make the money order payable to Access Corrections and send it with the completed deposit form to the Access Corrections – Alabama DOC P.O. Box address.
• ✓ Save your receipt or confirmation number so you can track the deposit if there is a delay.