How to Add Money to an Inmate's Account at Yellowstone County: TRUST (commissary) vs. COMMUNICATIONS (phone/video)

Yellowstone County uses two different inmate accounts for different purposes. The TRUST account (often called commissary) covers day-to-day purchases - snacks, hygiene items, that kind of thing. The COMMUNICATIONS account is separate and pays for phone time, extra video visits, and electronic messages. Put money into the wrong account and it won't be available for what you expected. Take a minute to pick the right option before you pay.

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• ✓ Add TRUST (commissary) funds online through Team3 Inmate Canteen.
• ✓ Add TRUST (commissary) funds in person using the Blue Kiosk in the detention facility lobby.

You can also fund the TRUST (commissary) account by mail, but the facility only accepts money orders - no cash, no checks. Make the money order out to the inmate and address it exactly like this: Inmate's Full Name, Inmate's Jacket Number, ATTENTION MAIL OFFICER, 3165 King Ave E, Billings, MT 59101.

To add money to the COMMUNICATIONS account, use NCIC - either through the NCIC website or by calling 1-800-943-2189. This is the account that covers communication costs like phone time and video-related options, so use it when your main goal is helping them stay in touch.

Transfers between accounts aren't equal in both directions. Inmates can move money from their TRUST (commissary) account into their COMMUNICATIONS account, though fees apply. But they can't move money from COMMUNICATIONS back into TRUST. If you load COMMUNICATIONS by mistake, those funds won't turn into commissary money later.