Question 1

How do I send money to an inmate through InmateLink?

Accepted Answer

Sending money to inmates through InmateLink is simple and secure. First, search for your loved one using our Inmate Search tool, then select 'Send Money' from their profile. Choose your payment method (credit/debit card, bank transfer, or money order), enter the amount, and complete the transaction. Funds are typically available within 24-48 hours depending on the facility.

Question 2

What payment methods are accepted for money transfers?

Accepted Answer

InmateLink accepts major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), bank transfers, and money orders. Some facilities may have specific payment method restrictions, which will be clearly displayed during the transaction process. We use secure, encrypted payment processing to protect your financial information.

Question 3

Is there a minimum or maximum amount I can send?

Accepted Answer

Yes, facilities set daily, weekly, and monthly limits for inmate accounts. Minimum amounts typically start at $5-$10, while maximum limits range from $50-$300 per transaction and $500-$1,500 per month. These limits vary by facility and are displayed when you select the specific location where your loved one is housed.

Question 4

How long does it take for money to reach the inmate's account?

Accepted Answer

Electronic transfers through credit/debit cards typically take 24-48 hours to appear in the inmate's account. Bank transfers may take 2-3 business days, while money orders can take 3-5 business days. Processing times can be longer during weekends, holidays, or if additional verification is required by the facility.

Question 5

What are the fees for sending money to inmates?

Accepted Answer

Transaction fees vary by payment method and amount. Credit/debit card transactions typically have a processing fee of $2.95-$7.95. Bank transfers may have lower fees ranging from $1.95-$4.95. Money orders have postal service fees plus a small processing fee. Exact fees are always displayed before you complete your transaction, so there are no surprises.

Question 6

Are there any hidden fees or additional charges?

Accepted Answer

No, InmateLink believes in transparent pricing. All fees are clearly displayed before you complete your transaction. The only charges are the transaction processing fee and any applicable taxes. There are no monthly fees, account maintenance fees, or hidden charges. What you see is what you pay.

Question 7

Can I get a receipt for my money transfer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you'll receive an email receipt immediately after completing your transaction. You can also view and download receipts from your InmateLink account dashboard. These receipts include transaction details, confirmation numbers, and can be used for your records or tax purposes if applicable.

Question 8

Can I view my transaction history and track transfers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your InmateLink account provides a complete transaction history including dates, amounts, fees, recipient information, and transaction status. You can filter by date range, facility, or inmate, and download statements for your records. Real-time tracking shows when transfers are processed and received.

Question 9

Can I check the inmate's account balance?

Accepted Answer

Account balance information is typically only available to the inmate for privacy and security reasons. However, some facilities may provide limited balance information to authorized family members. You can contact the facility directly to inquire about their specific policies regarding account balance disclosure.

Question 10

Can I set up recurring money transfers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, InmateLink offers recurring transfer options for your convenience. You can set up weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly automatic transfers to ensure your loved one always has funds available. You can modify or cancel recurring transfers at any time from your account dashboard.

Question 11

What happens if a transaction fails or is declined?

Accepted Answer

If a transaction fails, your payment method will not be charged, and you'll receive an immediate email notification explaining the reason. Common causes include insufficient funds, incorrect inmate information, facility restrictions, or payment method issues. You can retry the transaction once the issue is resolved.

Question 12

What happens to money if an inmate is transferred to another facility?

Accepted Answer

When an inmate is transferred, their account balance typically follows them to the new facility, but this process can take several days to complete. Some facilities may hold funds during the transfer process. Contact both the original and new facilities to confirm the transfer of funds and get updated account information.

Question 13

What happens to money when an inmate is released?

Accepted Answer

Upon release, inmates typically receive their remaining account balance as cash, a check, or a prepaid debit card, depending on the facility's policy. The facility handles this process directly with the inmate. Funds cannot be returned to the sender once the inmate is released, as the money belongs to the inmate.

Question 14

Can I send emergency funds outside normal business hours?

Accepted Answer

While you can send money 24/7 through InmateLink, facility processing may be limited to business hours. For true emergencies, contact the facility directly to inquire about expedited processing options. Some facilities offer emergency fund processing for urgent situations like medical needs or legal fees.

Question 15

Can I get a refund for a money transfer?

Accepted Answer

Refunds are generally not available once funds have been successfully transferred to an inmate's account, as the money belongs to the inmate. However, if there was a processing error, duplicate transaction, or the inmate was released before receiving the funds, contact customer support immediately for assistance.

Question 16

Is my financial information secure when sending money?

Accepted Answer

Yes, InmateLink uses bank-level security and encryption to protect your financial information. We are PCI DSS compliant and use secure payment processors. Your payment information is never stored on our servers, and all transactions are processed through encrypted connections to ensure maximum security.

Question 17

Will the inmate know who sent them money?

Accepted Answer

Yes, inmates can typically see who sent them money through their account statements or facility systems. This information helps them know who is supporting them and allows them to express gratitude. If you prefer to send money anonymously, contact the facility to ask about their anonymous transfer policies.

Question 18

Why was my money transfer rejected or returned?

Accepted Answer

Money transfers can be rejected for several reasons: incorrect inmate information, facility restrictions, account limits exceeded, payment method issues, or security holds. Check the rejection reason in your email notification, verify all information is correct, and contact customer support if you need assistance resolving the issue.

Question 19

The inmate says they didn't receive the money I sent. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

First, check your transaction history to confirm the transfer was completed successfully. Processing can take 24-48 hours, so recent transfers may still be pending. If the transfer shows as completed but the inmate hasn't received it, contact the facility directly, as they handle the final crediting to inmate accounts.

Question 20

Can I cancel a money transfer after it's been sent?

Accepted Answer

Once a money transfer has been processed and sent to the facility, it typically cannot be cancelled, as the funds are immediately credited to the inmate's account. However, if you catch the error quickly and the transfer hasn't been processed yet, contact customer support immediately for possible cancellation.

Question 21

What other financial services does InmateLink offer?

Accepted Answer

Beyond money transfers, InmateLink offers comprehensive financial support including bail bond assistance, court fee payment help, commissary ordering services, and reentry financial planning. We also provide budgeting tools and financial education resources to help families manage the costs of supporting an incarcerated loved one.

Question 22

Can I help pay for the inmate's phone calls or commissary items?

Accepted Answer

Yes, money sent to an inmate's account can typically be used for phone calls, commissary purchases, medical co-pays, and other approved expenses. Some facilities have separate accounts for different purposes, so check with the specific facility about how funds are allocated and used.

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