Compare JPay, GTL, MoneyGram, Western Union, and free alternatives — fees, processing times, limits, and step-by-step instructions in one place.
All fees are approximate; confirm with the specific facility and provider before sending.
| Method | Transfer Fee | Processing Time | Max per Transaction | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPay | $1.50–$6.95 | 1–2 business days | $200–$500 (varies by state) | 30+ states via web or app |
| GTL (GettingOut) | $1.99–$5.99 | 1–2 business days | $200–$500 (varies by state) | States using GTL platform |
| MoneyGram | $0.99–$5.99 | Instant – 3 days | $300–$999 | Retail walk-in locations |
| Western Union | $0.99–$7.99 | Instant – 3 days | $500–$999 | Large retail network |
| Direct Deposit | $0–$1.50 (bank may charge) | 2–3 days setup, 1–2 days/transfer | $200–$1,000 (varies) | Regular monthly deposits |
| YardLink (Messaging) | Free messaging | Real-time | Unlimited (no per-message fee) | Ongoing communication, not commissary |
| USPS (Physical Mail) | $0.73/letter | 3–7 days | No limit (envelope size) | No tech required |
Instructions for the three most widely used methods.
Transfer failures cost money and cause frustration. Here's how to prevent them.
The #1 cause of rejected transfers. Always confirm the ID number directly with the facility or a family member who has visited — never rely on old paperwork or memory. JPay and GTL are non-refundable if you send to the wrong person.
If the person was moved, the money may sit in the old facility's trust account indefinitely. Call the sending service's support line immediately. For JPay: 800-546-6753. For GTL: check their support portal.
Most state DOCs cap deposits at $200–$500 per transaction. If you try to send more, the transfer will be rejected or held. Split larger amounts into multiple transactions spread over days.
Prepaid cards (Green Dot, RushCard, etc.) are frequently declined by JPay and GTL due to fraud filters. Use a traditional debit card linked to a bank account for the most reliable results.
Federal prisons (BOP) use a different deposit system than state facilities. MoneyGram and Western Union work for both, but JPay and GTL are state-specific. Know which system your person is in before choosing a method.
Most money transfer systems process on business days only. If you send Friday evening, expect the money to arrive Tuesday at the earliest — sometimes Wednesday for federal facilities.
Money transfer rules differ by state. Here are examples from five major state prison systems.
California Department of Corrections
CDCR uses JPay for deposits into inmate trust accounts. Deposit limits are $200 per transaction and $500 per month for most inmates. The process is entirely online via JPay.com. Physical MoneyGram deposits at retail locations are also accepted for CA inmates. CDCR facilities that support YardLink can receive free messages — check the California facility directory.
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
TDCJ uses GettingOut (GTL) for electronic deposits. Deposit limits are typically $200 per transaction. TDCJ allows MoneyGram and Western Union walk-in deposits as well. TDCJ has been expanding tablet programs — inmates at participating units can receive messages through YardLink. See Texas facility pages for which units support YardLink.
Florida Department of Corrections
FDC uses GTL (GettingOut) as its primary deposit method. Deposit fees are generally $3.50–$5.99 per transaction. Florida has higher-than-average transaction limits compared to most states — up to $500 per transaction in many cases. Note: FDC strictly enforces deposit limits; repeated over-limit attempts can trigger a hold on the inmate's account.
NY Dept. of Corrections and Community Supervision
New York uses JPay for deposits. The state has relatively low deposit limits ($100–$200 per transaction) compared to larger states. Direct deposit via ACH is also available through individual facility trust accounts — contact the specific facility for wiring instructions. Some NY facilities have YardLink tablet programs in pilot stages.
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Federal inmates use a centralized trust account system. MoneyGram is the primary approved method for walk-in deposits. Western Union is also accepted. Federal deposit limits vary by security level — contact the specific FDC (Federal Correctional Institution) for current limits. Federal inmates in low-security camps are more likely to have YardLink access than high-security facilities.
YardLink has pages for over 340 facilities across the US. Search by state to find yours and see which money transfer options and free messaging are available. Browse facility directory →
Common questions about sending money to incarcerated loved ones.