Penmate Inmate Support Guides
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Every Way You Can Add Money to an Inmate's Commissary Account (ConnectNetwork)

If your loved one's facility uses ConnectNetwork for commissary (called Trust Fund), you have several ways to add money — including 24/7 options that process quickly.

• 3 min read • in.gov
Every Way You Can Add Money to an Inmate's Commissary Account (ConnectNetwork)

A Trust Fund deposit puts money into an incarcerated person's commissary account through ConnectNetwork. Choose an automated option - website, mobile app, toll-free phone, or kiosk - and your deposit gets transmitted to the facility within one business day. When the funds actually become available depends on the facility's own posting schedule.

Once the money hits their account, they can spend it at commissary just like any other balance.

Automated Options

  • ✓ ConnectNetwork website - You can make deposits anywhere you have Internet access, 24/7. Deposits made through this automated channel are transmitted to the facility within one business day.
  • ✓ ConnectNetwork mobile app - Mobile-friendly deposit options are available, so you can add funds from your phone. App deposits are also transmitted to the facility within one business day.
  • ✓ Toll-free phone - Deposits are accepted 24/7 by phone, and phone deposits are transmitted to the facility within one business day.
  • ✓ On-site kiosk (where available) - Kiosk deposits are another automated option, and they’re transmitted to the facility within one business day.

Need it fast? Automated deposits (website, app, phone, or kiosk) are transmitted to the facility within one business day.

Some facilities accept mailed deposits, usually by money order. This takes longer - you're at the mercy of mail delivery plus the facility's processing time. Rules vary, so check the instructions for your loved one's specific location before sending anything.

If timing matters, go with an automated deposit. They're transmitted within one business day.

Prefer to deposit by phone? ConnectNetwork has toll-free numbers for each service: AdvancePay (800) 483-8314; PIN Debit (855) 706-2445; Trust Fund (888) 988-4768.

Fees vary by facility - there's no standard rate. To see exactly what you'll pay, sign into your ConnectNetwork account and check the fee schedule for your loved one's location.

  1. Sign into your ConnectNetwork account - This is where the facility-specific fee information is shown.
  2. Select the facility and incarcerated person - Fees vary by correctional facility, so you need the correct facility picked.
  3. Review the Trust Fund deposit fees for that facility - Use what you see there to decide which deposit method makes the most sense for you.
Every Way You Can Add Money to an Inmate's Commissary Account (ConnectNetwork)

Choosing between speed and cost? Here's what matters: how fast the deposit reaches the facility, and what fees that facility charges. Automated deposits are transmitted within one business day - solid when your loved one needs funds soon. For the cheapest option, check your facility's fee schedule inside your ConnectNetwork account, since costs differ.

  • ✓ If speed is the priority: Use an automated option - ConnectNetwork website (24/7), mobile app, toll-free phone (24/7), or kiosk - since automated deposits are transmitted to the facility within one business day.
  • ✓ If keeping fees down is the priority: Sign into your ConnectNetwork account first and check the facility’s Trust Fund deposit fees, then pick the method that fits your budget.

Good to know: ConnectNetwork accepts deposits 24/7 through the website and toll-free phone. Automated deposits are transmitted to the facility within one business day.

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