Sending money: vendor options, account details, and important tips
The first step for sending money in Ohio is identifying the right deposit method for the specific facility. Some county jails use third-party vendors like Access Corrections, which offers online and mobile-app deposits along with a customer service phone line for live help. ODRC facilities can be stricter about who is allowed to deposit at all; ODRC policy states that only approved visitors may deposit funds using the approved ODRC process. For federal facilities, the BOP lists MoneyGram ExpressPayment and Send2Corrections/Western Union as options. MoneyGram uses a specific account-number format tied to the person's register number and last name, along with a receive code.
- Confirm the exact vendor for the facility. Do not assume the vendor is the same across Ohio, even within the same county.
- Match the account format to the system you are using. For federal MoneyGram ExpressPayment, the BOP publishes a specific account-number format and receive code.
- Plan around processing windows. For federal MoneyGram, the BOP publishes posting timeframes based on when the funds are sent.
- Keep receipts and confirmations. If something posts incorrectly, the reference number is usually what support will ask for.
Tip: If you're using Access Corrections and hit a snag, the vendor publishes a live, bilingual support number. Vendor support can usually tell you whether a transaction completed, even if the facility can't discuss account details with you.
Common Questions
Q
Who can deposit money onto an inmate's account?
It depends on the facility and system, but you should not assume anyone can deposit. ODRC policy states only approved visitors may deposit funds to an incarcerated person’s account using the approved ODRC process, and some facilities also use third-party vendors for deposits. Always verify the accepted vendor and any “approved visitor only” restriction on the facility’s instructions before you send money.
Q
What vendors/processes are commonly used in Ohio for sending funds?
Examples documented in the evidence include Access Corrections for some county facilities, and MoneyGram ExpressPayment or Send2Corrections/Western Union for federal facilities. Vendor availability and required account formats can change by facility, so confirm the accepted method on the specific facility’s instructions before you pay.
Find an Inmate
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
