Penmate Inmate Support Guides
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How long does it take for money to show up in an inmate's account (ConnectNetwork)?

Getting money to someone quickly comes down to two things: the account type and how you deposit. Here's what to expect with ConnectNetwork—plus the one thing that matters most: your facility sets the final timeline for when funds become available.

• 3 min read • web.connectnetwork.com
How long does it take for money to show up in an inmate's account (ConnectNetwork)?

Quick Summary

  • ✓ AdvancePay deposits made through automated options (online, mobile app, phone, kiosk) are available immediately for use.
  • ✓ PinDebit deposits made through automated options (online, mobile app, phone, kiosk) are available immediately for use.
  • ✓ DebitLink deposits made through automated options (online, mobile app, phone, kiosk) are available immediately for use.
  • ✓ Trust Fund deposits made through automated options are transmitted to the facility within one business day.
  • ✓ Deposits made by mail or at retail locations are generally processed the next business day after they’re received.
  • ✓ Even if ConnectNetwork processes or transmits the payment quickly, the facility’s policies control when the incarcerated person can actually use the funds.

If you’re using the ConnectNetwork website or mobile apps, you can make a payment any time - those options accept Visa and MasterCard and run 24/7/365.

AdvancePay deposits hit immediately when you use automated channels - online, the mobile apps, the automated phone system, or a self-service kiosk. That makes these your best bet when timing is tight.

PinDebit and DebitLink work the same way. Deposits made online, in the app, by phone, or at a kiosk are available immediately. You'll find kiosks in facility visitation areas, government offices, probation offices, and courthouses - they're built for quick payments and deposits.

Tip: Need speed? Stick with automated methods - online or mobile (Visa and MasterCard, 24/7/365) or a kiosk for immediate deposits.

Trust Fund deposits work differently. ConnectNetwork transmits automated Trust Fund payments to the facility within one business day. But "transmitted" just means it's left ConnectNetwork's hands - there may still be a gap before the person inside can actually use it.

Note: Transmission time isn’t the same as availability. The facility’s policies determine when Trust Fund money is released for the incarcerated person to use.

Deposits by mail or at retail locations take longer. These are generally processed the next business day after they're received. And "after they're received" is key - mail transit time and weekends can stretch the actual wait.

Mailing an AdvancePay payment? The address depends on your account type. For GTL, DSI, and PCS accounts: AdvancePay Service Department, PO BOX 209722, Dallas, TX 75320-9722. For other VAC accounts: VAC Dept 2430, P.O. Box 2430, Dallas, TX 75312-2430.

Even after ConnectNetwork shows your payment went through, the facility decides when funds become usable. This matters most for Trust Fund deposits - ConnectNetwork may transmit within one business day, but facility policies control actual availability. If timing is urgent (commissary day, phone time, a deadline), check the facility's rules first.

How long does it take for money to show up in an inmate's account (ConnectNetwork)?

Practical Tips

  • ✓ Use automated deposits (online, mobile app, phone, or kiosk) for AdvancePay when you need the fastest availability.
  • ✓ Use automated deposits (online, mobile app, phone, or kiosk) for PinDebit when you need the fastest availability.
  • ✓ Use automated deposits (online, mobile app, phone, or kiosk) for DebitLink when you need the fastest availability.
  1. Confirm the facility’s release policy - availability is subject to facility policies, so the facility can affect when funds are usable.
  2. Use online or the app when you can - ConnectNetwork accepts Visa and MasterCard and runs 24/7/365, so you don’t have to wait for business hours to submit the payment.
  3. Save your confirmation - keep the receipt/confirmation details in case you need to reference the transaction while the facility finishes its side of processing.

Note: If money still hasn’t shown up when you expect it to, start by checking the facility’s policies - those rules control when funds are available to the incarcerated person.

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