5 Ways to Send Money to an Inmate (and the One Important Requirement You Must Meet First)
Before you send money to someone in the Georgia Department of Corrections system, there's one requirement that can stop you cold: you must be on the recipient's approved visitor list. GDC applies this rule to every payment method they offer. If you're not approved, your payment won't go through - no matter which option you choose.
Not on the approved list yet? You'll need to start the visitation approval process first. GDC uses a Visitation Request Form - fill it out and submit it to the facility where your loved one is incarcerated.
Once you're approved, you have options. GDC offers five different ways to send money to an incarcerated friend or family member. The quickest way to see current steps for each method is their
At a glance: GDC lists five ways to send money to someone incarcerated. Check their “How Do I Send Money” page for the current method list and the exact steps for each option.
Fees can be the deciding factor, especially if you're sending money regularly. JPay internet transfers have tiered fees based on the amount: $0.01–$20.00 costs $3.50 per transaction, $20.01–$100.00 costs $5.00, and $100.01–$300.00 costs $6.50. If you're stretching a small budget, those tiers add up fast. Sometimes one larger transfer costs less than several small ones.
Prefer to pay in person? GDC lists walk-in deposits through MoneyGram at $4.95 per transaction for amounts up to $5,000.00. A practical choice when you can't - or don't want to - handle it online.
Good to know: GDC lists lockbox/money order deposits as FREE on its send-money page, which can be a helpful option if you’re focused on avoiding transaction fees.
Hit a snag? Payment won't go through, unsure which option to pick, or need help completing a transaction? GDC says you can call the number on their page and speak with a live agent, available 24/7.
Practical Next Steps
- ✓ Confirm you’re on the recipient’s approved visitor list before you try any payment method.
- ✓ Use GDC’s “How Do I Send Money” tool to pick one of the five approved methods and follow the current steps.
- ✓ Compare fees before you submit: JPay internet transfers use tiered transaction fees, MoneyGram walk-in deposits list a per-transaction fee, and lockbox/money order deposits are listed as free.
- ✓ Keep your receipt or confirmation information until the funds show as posted.
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