How to Send Money to Someone in Federal Prison: MoneyGram ExpressPayment Step-by-Step

Money sent through MoneyGram ExpressPayment goes directly into the inmate's account at their Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facility. From there, they can use it for commissary purchases and other services. It's a solid option when speed matters - but it only works if the inmate is fully processed at their facility and you enter every detail exactly as the BOP requires.

Here's something useful: ExpressPayment deposits are processed seven days a week, including holidays. Weekends aren't dead time for posting.

Wait until the inmate has physically arrived at their BOP facility before sending anything. Even though deposits process daily (holidays included), sending too early can cause problems if the person hasn't been fully set up at the receiving location yet.

Step2 Account Info

• ✓ Account Number - the inmate’s eight-digit register number with no spaces or dashes, followed immediately by the inmate’s last name (example: 12345678DOE)
• ✓ Beneficiary - the inmate’s full committed name
• ✓ Company Name - Federal Bureau of Prisons
• ✓ City & State - Washington, DC
• ✓ Receive Code - 7932

Timing matters if you’re trying to get money posted the same day. Funds sent between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time are posted within 2–4 hours. If you send funds after 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time, they’re posted at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time the following morning.

1. Enter the Account Number exactly - Use the eight-digit register number (no spaces, no dashes) followed immediately by the last name (example: 12345678DOE).
2. Match the Beneficiary to the committed name - Use the inmate’s full committed name so the deposit routes correctly.

Not sure about the register number format? Slow down and double-check before you submit. A single extra space, a dash, or a last name that isn't attached directly to the eight digits can derail the whole posting.

If the money doesn't show up when expected, start by verifying what you entered - especially the Account Number format and the committed name. Then follow up through the institution's trust fund or commissary channels if you have them. For broader BOP questions, you can contact the BOP Central Office, though responses typically take 20–30 working days. For MoneyGram-specific issues like fees, payment options, or transaction status, contact MoneyGram directly - the BOP doesn't handle those details.