Sending Money: Kiosks, online deposits, and mail-in options

How you add money depends on the facility and account type. Yellowstone County Detention Facility has a TRUST (commissary) account that can be funded online, at a lobby kiosk, or by mailing a money order. There's also a separate COMMUNICATIONS account for phone time, extra video visits, and electronic messages. At Lewis and Clark County Detention Center, you can deposit funds at a lobby kiosk using cash or credit card. Cash deposits have a $4 funding fee, while credit card kiosk deposits cost $4 plus 4% processing. Lewis and Clark also accepts cashier's checks, bank checks, or money orders made out to "LCSO" (no personal checks). Write the inmate's name legibly on the memo line and mail it to LCSO at 406 Fuller Ave in Helena.

1. Pick the right account type for the goal. Some facilities separate TRUST (commissary) funds from COMMUNICATIONS funds used for calls, video visits, and electronic messages.
2. Gather the identifying details the facility asks for. Yellowstone County’s mail-in option requires the inmate’s full name and jacket number, and it must include “ATTENTION MAIL OFFICER” in the address.
3. If you mail a money order, follow the facility’s payee rules. Lewis and Clark County requires cashier’s checks, bank checks, or money orders made out to “LCSO” (no personal checks), and the inmate’s name must be written on the memo line.
4. If you set up an online deposit account, expect identity checks. Montana DOC states that creating an online deposit account requires the last four digits of the user’s Social Security number, and it provides a phone number for assistance.