How to send money, use kiosks, and order commissary

In county jail settings, money typically goes into an inmate trust account because inmates cannot have money in their possession. Walworth County Jail explains that it creates an inmate trust account, and its system is provided by its commissary vendor, Aramark Correctional Services. For deposits, Walworth lists several options: a reverse ATM device at the Sheriff's Office for cash and credit or debit deposits, online deposits through the vendor service, and a deposit-by-phone option at 1-877-650-4249. The vendor charges convenience fees on deposits, but Walworth County does not charge additional fees. Other jails may use lobby kiosks. Manitowoc County states its jail lobby kiosk accepts cash or credit card deposits (MasterCard, Visa, or Discover). If you plan to mail a deposit, Walworth states cashier checks or money orders can be sent, but personal checks will not be deposited. A jail deposit fee applies to deposits sent in by mail.

For Wisconsin DOC facilities (state prisons), Wisconsin DOC directs families to use Access Corrections to deposit funds for a person in DOC care. Gift cards, cash, and personal checks sent by mail are unacceptable and will be returned to sender. If you're ordering "package" items instead of putting money on the account, Wisconsin DOC describes a specialty commissary program that allows approved personal care items to be purchased quarterly, with a $150 maximum spending limit per DOC resident, per vendor, per quarter, plus a $20 minimum order.