jailatm.com

January 12, 2026

What JailATM.com Is

JailATM.com is a web-based service that lets friends and family of incarcerated people deposit money into an inmate’s account, pay for commissary items, and in some cases use related features like messaging or video visitation. The site is operated by a company called Tech Friends, Inc. and is used by many sheriff’s offices and detention facilities across the United States to handle inmate funds and related services.

At its core, the platform acts as a money transfer and account management system for correctional facilities. People who want to support an inmate—by putting money on their account for things like food, snacks, hygiene items, phone time, or email/video messages—can do so online using a debit or credit card. Deposits are usually available to the inmate quickly after the transaction is processed.

The system is also linked with physical kiosks sometimes located in jail lobbies, where cash or card deposits can be made directly at the facility.

How JailATM.com Works

Creating an Account

To use JailATM.com, you must first create an account on the website. You go to the site, enter your email and other required details, and then verify your account. Once registered and logged in, you can start transactions.

From the account dashboard, you’ll typically see options like:

  • Send Money Now
  • Purchase Commissary Items
  • Buy Gift Packs or Communications Credit (if supported at the facility)

Depositing Funds

When you want to deposit money for an inmate:

  1. Visit JailATM.com.
  2. Log in to your account.
  3. Choose the deposit option.
  4. Select the state and facility where the inmate is held.
  5. Enter part of the inmate’s last name or ID to find their account.
  6. Enter payment details and the amount you want to send.
  7. Confirm the transaction.

Payments are usually made with Visa or MasterCard credit or debit cards. Funds show up on the inmate’s account soon after the card transaction is processed.

Fees and Charges

Using JailATM.com is not free. There are service fees charged on every deposit, and how those fees are set depends on the facility’s arrangement with the service provider. Fees may be:

  • A flat fee per transaction set by the facility,
  • A percentage of the deposit amount,
  • Or the greater of a flat fee and a percentage.

In addition to the service fee, some credit card issuers may treat the transaction like a cash advance and apply additional fees or higher interest. JailATM itself states it is not responsible for card issuer fees, which are outside its control.

What JailATM.com Is Used For

Inmate Commissary

One of the primary purposes of JailATM is to let family or friends put money into an inmate’s commissary account. Inmates spend these funds on personal items like snacks, hygiene products, or phone time—the kinds of things that aren’t provided standard in jail. Once funds are deposited, inmates can order items through the jail’s commissary system.

Communications and Other Services

Some facilities integrate additional services through JailATM:

  • Email and video messaging services,
  • Video visitation credits,
  • Gift packs with approved items.

These features are not universally available at all facilities, so what you can do with JailATM depends on how the local jail or sheriff’s office uses the system.

Bonds and Fines (Limited)

In certain locations, the site may also allow payments toward bond fees or fines, but that depends on the facility’s specific setup. It’s not a standard feature everywhere.

How Correctional Facilities Use JailATM

Sheriff’s offices and jail administrators often partner with third-party vendors like JailATM to provide an online, automated way for people outside the facility to support an inmate’s account. This replaces or supplements older methods like mailing money orders. Many facilities also install lobby kiosks so visitors can deposit funds during public hours without staff intervention.

It’s worth noting that while many sites refer visitors to JailATM.com, the correctional facility itself usually disclaims responsibility for the website—meaning they don’t run it and are not liable for service issues. The jail simply uses it as a vendor for inmate financial services.

Consumer Protection and Fraud Prevention

The official JailATM site includes tips about protecting yourself from scams. Because the service handles real money going toward jailed individuals, there are warnings to be cautious:

  • Only send money to people you know personally,
  • Verify requests through the jail directly,
  • Be wary of anyone asking for money under false pretenses.

These fraud prevention tips are common sense but important, especially given that scammers sometimes use the names of legitimate services to mislead people.

Criticisms and Customer Feedback

Like many third-party services, JailATM has attracted both positive and negative reviews. Some users complain about:

  • High fees,
  • Poor customer support,
  • Confusion over billing or account charges.

Because the service deals with money transfers to inmate accounts—a sensitive and often urgent need—frustration can be higher when something doesn’t work smoothly. Critiques typically focus on the cost structure and customer experience rather than the concept itself.

Privacy and Data Use

JailATM’s privacy policy indicates that:

  • The site collects certain data like IP address, browser type, and cookies.
  • Transaction data and personal details may be shared with correctional authorities as necessary for processing and compliance.
  • Communications through email or video visits may be monitored by authorized personnel unless the facility grants special privileged status.

This reflects the dual nature of the service: it is both a financial service and one that operates within the rules of the correctional system.

When to Use JailATM.com

You would typically use this service if:

  • You want to support an incarcerated loved one with money for commissary or phone time.
  • You need a convenient online method instead of mailing money orders.
  • Your local jail integrates JailATM for messaging or visitation credits.

Before depositing money, it’s a good idea to check with the specific facility to understand fees, account rules, and how funds are used once they reach the inmate.

Key Takeaways

  • JailATM.com is an online service for depositing funds into inmates’ accounts and purchasing commissary items.
  • The platform is operated by Tech Friends, Inc. and used by many U.S. jails and sheriff’s offices.
  • You must create an account and log in to make deposits.
  • Deposits typically involve credit/debit card payments, with fees applied.
  • Funds are intended for inmate use, such as commissary, phone time, or messaging services.
  • The service has privacy policies and provisions for fraud prevention.
  • Customer feedback varies, with some users reporting dissatisfaction with fees or support.

FAQ

Is JailATM.com free to use?
No. Every transaction carries a service fee that varies by facility and payment method, and your card issuer might apply additional charges.

Can I deposit money for any inmate?
You can only deposit funds for inmates at facilities that partner with JailATM. Check with the specific jail or sheriff’s office first.

What happens if I deposit but there’s a problem?
Once a transaction is completed, Refunds are generally not provided through the service. Disputes over fees or charges may need resolution with the facility or card issuer.

Is it safe?
JailATM uses standard online payment processing, but you should still protect your information and confirm the legitimacy of any request for funds.

Can inmates access these funds immediately?
Most facilities post funds to the inmate’s account soon after the payment is processed online.