How to deposit funds, commissary, and payment options
Sending money to someone at FCI Sandstone? Don't mail it to the facility itself. Mailed funds must go to a designated processing center in Des Moines, Iowa—the prison won't accept money sent directly to its address. Deposited money goes into the inmate's commissary account, maintained by the Bureau. That's what your loved one uses for commissary purchases and items not regularly issued by the institution. Stick to approved deposit channels and always include the inmate's full name and booking/ID number. Common options include approved online vendors, lobby kiosks, or mail handled according to the vendor's rules.
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No. FCI Sandstone instructs senders not to mail money to the facility address; mailed funds must be sent to a processing center in Des Moines, Iowa.
Deposited funds are held in the inmate’s commissary account maintained by the Bureau. The account is used for purchases and items not regularly issued by the institution.
Common methods include approved online transfer services, lobby kiosks, or mail handled through the processing vendor. Follow the vendor’s instructions and include the inmate’s full name and booking/ID number—don’t mail cash directly to the institution.
Getting approved to visit in the federal system starts with paperwork, then moves into identity and background checks. Once you understand what the Bureau of Prisons is verifying—and what they keep on file—you can avoid delays and surprises.
Need to report a problem at Sandstone FCI—whether about an inmate or staff misconduct? The Bureau of Prisons has an online form for exactly this. Here's the step-by-step process, plus what to gather before you start.
Letters and standard parcels to FCI Sandstone go to one address. Freight and non-USPS deliveries use a different one. Getting this right is the fastest way to avoid returns and delays.
