The fastest way to send money: online, phone, kiosk, retail, or mail (ConnectNetwork comparison)

ConnectNetwork gives you several ways to send money: online through their website, via mobile apps, by phone with an automated system, at self-service kiosks, at retail locations (where you can pay cash), and by mail. Have a Visa or MasterCard? The website and apps are available 24/7, so you can submit a payment anytime. The automated phone system runs around the clock too. If you need to pay cash, retail locations are your best bet - there's a large network of participating stores, and some payments can also be made at Western Union using Quick Collect forms.

Need funds available right away? Automated deposits are your fastest option for certain account types. When you deposit to AdvancePay, PinDebit, or DebitLink through online, mobile, phone, or kiosk channels, the money is available immediately.

Trust Fund deposits work differently. Even through automated channels like online, app, phone, or kiosk, these deposits are transmitted to the facility within one business day. That's still fast - just not the instant availability you get with AdvancePay, PinDebit, or DebitLink.

Retail and mail can still make sense - especially if you don't have a card or need to pay cash - but they're not the fastest options. Deposits made at retail locations or sent by mail are generally processed the next business day after they're received. With mail, that "after they're received" part matters: delivery time adds extra days before processing even starts.

• ✓ Pay in cash at about 26,000 retail locations nationwide, including Walmart, ACE, Kmart, and Kroger.
• ✓ Use the walk-in retail cash option by starting the payment process online in your ConnectNetwork account, then finishing the transaction with cash at a participating store.
• ✓ If it’s offered for the payment you’re making, you can also use Western Union retail locations for select ConnectNetwork payments and deposits with a Quick Collect form.

Phone deposits work well if you can't get to a computer or kiosk and want to handle everything in one call. ConnectNetwork's automated voice system walks you through each step, accepts Visa and MasterCard, and is available 24/7. Before you call, have this ready: the account number, the facility name, the incarcerated person's information, and your payment details. Being prepared makes the call go much faster.

Even when ConnectNetwork processes your deposit quickly, the funds may not be usable right away. Availability depends on facility policies - so "immediate" on the payment side doesn't always mean "immediately spendable" on the inside.

Decision Checklist

• ✓ If you need funds available immediately for AdvancePay, PinDebit, or DebitLink, use an automated channel (online, mobile app, phone, or kiosk).
• ✓ If you’re sending money by retail or mail, plan for it to be processed the next business day after it’s received - plus any delivery time if you’re mailing it.
• ✓ If you only have cash, use the retail cash option: start the payment process online in your ConnectNetwork account, then complete it with cash at the participating store.

Paying with a card and want flexibility? Online and mobile are usually the easiest to fit into your day. The ConnectNetwork website and apps accept Visa and MasterCard and run 24/7 - no waiting for business hours to get your transaction started.