Introduction
When loved ones are incarcerated, one of the most important ways to support them is by adding funds to their inmate’s books account. Money on books can be used by inmates to purchase various items from the prison commissary that can make their living conditions more comfortable, such as toiletries, food, and clothing. This article aims to provide a guide for beginners and non-US residents, as well as a comparison of different payment methods to make it easier for you to add money to an inmate’s books account.
Guide for Beginners: How to Put Money on Books for Inmates
Before diving further, let us first discuss what “putting money on books” means. In a nutshell, adding money to an inmate’s books account refers to a process where friends, family, and other loved ones can deposit money into a secure account on the behalf of an inmate. It is essential to deposit money to an inmate’s account since they are not allowed to have cash on their person while incarcerated.
Adding funds to an inmate’s books account can be a great way to offer support. The money in an inmate’s account can be used to buy their necessities, rather than receiving items as gifts. Another reason why it is a great idea to add funds to an inmate’s books account is that it can help reduce the risk of contraband being brought into the facility by family members or visitors.
Now that we have established why adding funds to an inmate’s account is essential let us discuss how it can be done.
Five Simple Steps to Add Money to an Inmate’s Books Account
Here are five simple steps to follow when adding money to an inmate’s books account:
Step 1: Find Out Inmate Information
First, to add funds to an inmate’s account, you must know the inmate’s ID number and the facility’s location where they are incarcerated. This information is essential and can be obtained through inmate search portals that are offered online. Some of these portals include the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ website or the Department of Corrections website.
Step 2: Choose a Payment Method
There are different methods available for adding funds to an inmate’s account, such as through a money order, online portal, phone, and wire transfer. Determine which method works best for you based on your convenience, the amount you plan to transfer, and your location.
Step 3: Provide Required Information
After you have identified the payment method that is best for you, follow the necessary prompts, provide all the required information, including information about the inmate’s ID, location, and your relationship with the inmate.
Step 4: Verify Information and Submit Payment
Once you have entered the required information, double-check to ensure that the details are accurate and that all required fields are filled. After verifying the information, you can complete your payment by transferring the funds as instructed by the provider.
Step 5: Confirm Payment and Check Inmate’s Books Balance
After submitting your payment, confirm that it was successful and check the inmate’s books account balance. Bear in mind that it may take several business days for funds to be available on the inmate’s account.
Ways to Transfer Funds to Inmate’s Books Account for Non-US Citizens or Residents
For non-US citizens or residents, adding funds to an inmate’s account can present a challenge. However, some options are available that can help you send money to an inmate’s account regardless of your location.
MoneyGram and Western Union offer online transfer options that allow people from different countries around the world to send funds to an inmate’s account. Prepaid debit cards offer a great alternative for people who cannot add funds directly to an inmate’s books account from their bank.
It is important to understand that some service providers may require you to comply with anti-money laundering laws or regulations. Ensure that you understand the documentation required to prevent undue delays or complications.
Comparison of Different Payment Methods to Add Money to Inmate’s Account
When it comes to adding funds to an inmate’s books account, different payment methods are available. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and selecting the right one depends on various factors.
One of the most popular methods for adding funds to an inmate’s books account is through online portals. These portals are often user-friendly, quick, and efficient, and you can also be sure that your funds are safe and secure. Money orders, prepaid debit cards, and phone transfers offer different features that may also be necessary depending on your preferences or circumstances.
It is essential to consider the fees charged by the service providers when choosing which payment method to use. Some providers charge higher fees than others for their services, and you need to ensure that you are aware of the charges before making any payments.
How to Add Money to an Inmate’s Books Using Technology: Online and Mobile Payments
Technology has revolutionized how people interact and handle their finances, and depositing money into the inmate’s account is no exception. With advances in online payments and mobile banking, adding funds to an inmate’s books account has never been easier and more convenient.
Many service providers offer an online payment option that allows you to deposit funds into an inmate’s account. With this method, you can transfer funds from the comfort of your home, calculate fees and view transaction history. The mobile payment option is also accessible to people who use smartphones or tablets, allowing them to send funds to the inmate’s account on the move.
It is important to note that while online and mobile payments offer convenience, they may not be available for all service providers. You may need to research different companies to find the one that offers this feature.
Tips and Things to Keep in Mind When Adding Money to an Inmate’s Books Account
Here are some essential tips and things to keep in mind when adding money to an inmate’s books account:
– Ensure that you check with the facility, your service provider, or the portal for the appropriate identification information when depositing funds.
– Check the balance on the inmate’s account to confirm that the deposits were successful.
– Be aware of the fees charged for each type of payment method and the time it takes for funds to be available in the inmate’s account.
– Only send money to the inmate’s account if you are familiar with the person you are sending the funds to and ensure that you understand the receiver’s ID number and facility location.
Conclusion
Adding funds to an inmate’s books account is an essential way of providing support to incarcerated loved ones. By following the steps provided in this guide, anyone can add funds to an inmate’s account regardless of their location or citizenship. It is important to remain vigilant when choosing a payment method, ensure to pay attention to fees, and always consider the level of support needed by your incarcerated loved one. Finally, it is important to bear in mind that little gestures can make big differences; therefore, adding money to an inmate’s account can be an impactful way to offer care and support during an incredibly challenging season.
