How to deposit funds, commissary, and payment options
Adding money to an incarcerated person's trust account typically works through vendor options like online or mobile portals, phone deposits, lobby kiosks, or U.S. Postal money orders—exact choices depend on the facility and vendor. Trust funds cover commissary, phone time, hygiene items, and other approved purchases, though balances may be reduced by court-ordered restitution or other authorized deductions. Mule Creek uses Securus for communications. You'll need an online Securus account for video calls and electronic messaging, but not for free telephone calls. If you're new, use the visitation portal's
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
Still have money in a ViaPath balance while Mule Creek State Prison switches to Securus? What you do next depends on whose balance it is. Here's how refunds work and what to do now.
Yes. Mule Creek uses Securus, and you need an online account for video calls and electronic messaging. You do not need a Securus account for free telephone calls.
Common options include online or mobile vendor portals, phone deposits, lobby kiosks, and U.S. Postal money orders. Accepted methods and fees vary by facility and vendor, so confirm what’s allowed before you send money.
Posting times depend on the vendor and the deposit method. Electronic deposits often post faster, while mailed money orders typically take longer—check the vendor’s stated posting times for the option you’re using.
Setting up video visits with someone at Mule Creek State Prison means working through Securus. You'll create an account, add funds via AdvanceConnect, enable Video Connect, then schedule and join your session.
Mule Creek State Prison’s phone transition is scheduled for March 9, 2025. CDCR has also said transition dates are tentative, so treat this as the planned date and keep an eye out for any last-minute changes.
If your loved one is at Mule Creek State Prison, you need to save anything you want to keep before the tablet swap. Photos, e-messages, and other media purchased through ViaPath won't transfer to the new Securus tablets. Incarcerated people will turn in their ViaPath device and get a new one. Mule Creek's exchange window runs March 10–13, with the phone transition on March 9—so handle any saving or refund requests before that week.
