Ways to deposit money and buy commissary items
For commissary money and related purchases, many Michigan jails use third-party payment services. One example vendor, Express Account, advertises the ability to deposit money into commissary accounts, order care packages, and make bond and bill payments. You can make deposits and orders through its website, 24/7 phone support, and in-facility kiosks. Typically you select the facility, the resident, and the deposit type. In that example, commissary deposits are described as being made available instantaneously.
- ✓ The correct Ticket or Inmate Number (example formats can look like “Ticket 21NS12345” or “Inmate 12345”)
- ✓ A payment amount entered the way the portal requires (one example: no comma and no dollar sign)
- ✓ Billing information such as name, address, city, state, ZIP code, phone number, and email address
Warning: Don't mail cash, gift cards, or personal checks unless the facility explicitly allows it. One published mail-scanning FAQ states gift cards, cash, and personal checks are unacceptable and will be returned to sender. It directs people to a vendor deposit channel instead.
Common Questions
Q
Can I send money directly in the mail or with cash or gift cards?
Often, no. One published policy says gift cards, cash, and personal checks are unacceptable and will be returned to sender, and it directs people to use an approved deposit vendor instead. If you are sending a money order or check in a system that uses Access Secure Deposits, one example instruction says it must be made payable to “ACCESS SECURE DEPOSITS.”
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