Understanding the Process to Send Money to a Prisoner
When a loved one is taken into custody, the immediate priority is ensuring they have access to the basics. While the Prison Service provides food and shelter, prisoners rely on their private funds to purchase essentials such as extra toiletries, snacks, stamps, and phone credit. If you want to **send money to a prisoner** in England or Wales, the process has changed significantly in recent years. Gone are the days of posting postal orders or handing over cash at the visitor centre; today, the system is almost entirely digital.
In most cases, you will use the official government portal to ensure the funds reach the intended person safely. This guide covers the intricacies of the payment system, the rules surrounding different types of accounts, and what to do if things go wrong.
Why Prisoners Need Private Funds
It is a common misconception that everything is provided for free behind bars. While basic meals are supplied, the quality and quantity can be variable. Most prisoners find that their weekly 'canteen' (the prison shopping list) is vital for their mental and physical well-being.
Funds are typically used for:
The Official Way to Send Money to a Prisoner
Since 2020, the primary method for transferring funds is the Send Money to Someone in Prison service. This is a secure, online portal managed by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). It’s designed to be faster and more secure than previous methods, reducing the risk of money laundering and social engineering within the wings.
What Information Do You Need?
Before you start, you must have specific details ready. Without these, the payment will likely be rejected or delayed. You will need:
It’s worth noting that if you are a foreign national or do not have a UK bank account, the process can be slightly more complex. In these instances, you may need to apply for an exemption to use alternative methods, though this is increasingly rare.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Online Portal
Different Account Types: Private vs. Spends
When you send money to a prisoner, it doesn't just sit in one big 'bank account' they can access at will. The Money is split into three distinct categories: **Private, Spends, and Savings.**
1. The Spends Account
This is the account that prisoners use for their weekly canteen shop. There is a limit on how much can be transferred from 'Private' to 'Spends' each week. This limit is dictated by the prisoner’s 'IEP' (Incentives and Earned Privileges) status. A prisoner on 'Entry' or 'Basic' level will have a much lower weekly spend limit than someone on 'Enhanced' status.
2. The Private Account
When you send money via the online portal, it usually lands in the Private account first. The prisoner must then request for a portion of this to be moved to their Spends account. If a prisoner has a large sum in their Private account, they cannot simply spend it all at once; they are still restricted by their weekly allowance.
3. The Savings Account
A small portion of a prisoner’s weekly 'wages' (from prison work) is often diverted into a savings account, which they can access upon release. Private funds sent from home are rarely put here unless specifically requested for long-term saving.
Limits and Restrictions on Sending Money
While the government portal makes it easy to transfer cash, there are several red flags and restrictions you should be aware of to avoid having the funds blocked or the prisoner placed under investigation.
Weekly Spending Caps
As of 2026, typical weekly spending limits (though they vary by category of prison) are roughly:
Any money you send over these amounts will simply sit in their Private account until the following week. It is often better to send smaller, regular amounts rather than one large lump sum, as high balances can sometimes make a prisoner a target for bullying or 'taxing' by other inmates.
Red Flags for Security (NOMS/HMPPS)
Every transaction is monitored. If several different people are sending money to the same prisoner, it may trigger an investigation into potential drug debts or trading within the prison. Similarly, if you are sending money to multiple prisoners, your account may be flagged.
If you're wondering what the general environment is like regarding internal trade, you might find our article on what prison is like helpful for context.
Exemptions: When You Can’t Use the Online Service
In some specific circumstances, you might be allowed to use an alternative method. This usually applies if you are exempt from using the online service due to a lack of computer access or if you are sending money from overseas.
Postal Monies and Cheques
To send a postal order or cheque, you must first receive an exemption from the Governor of the specific prison. This is not easy to get. If granted, you will likely need to send the payment along with a specific cover sheet provided by the prison.
Sending Money During a Visit
You cannot hand over cash directly to a prisoner during a visit. This is a strict rule across the entire estate to prevent the smuggling of contraband. In some visitor centres, there may be a kiosk where you can use your debit card to upload funds, but these are being phased out in favour of the online portal. For more on visit rules, check our guide on how to book a prison visit.
Managing Money for a Prisoner's Release
When a prisoner is nearing their release date, managing their funds becomes even more critical. They will need money for travel, immediate food, and potentially a deposit for accommodation.
It’s worth noting that any balance remaining in their 'Private' or 'Spends' account on the day of release will be given to them, usually in the form of a discharge grant or a cheque/transfer to a bank account if they have one set up. However, the 'Discharge Grant' is a fixed sum provided by the government, which is often insufficient for modern living costs. Encouraging a prisoner to save a portion of the money you send can provide a vital safety net for those first few days of freedom.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
My Payment Was Successful, but the Prisoner Hasn't Received It
This is the most common complaint. Usually, the delay is internal. Once the MOJ receives the money, it must be processed by the prison’s 'Admin and Accounts' department. This department often only operates during standard business hours (Monday to Friday). If you send money on a Friday night, it likely won't show up on the prisoner's account until Tuesday or Wednesday.
Wrong Prisoner Number Used
If you accidentally send money to the wrong person, you must contact the prison accounts department immediately. If the money has already been spent by the unintended recipient, it is notoriously difficult to recover. Always double-check the prisoner number before clicking 'submit'.
The Prisoner is in a Private Prison
Most private prisons (run by companies like G4S or Serco) now use the standard gov.uk service. However, a few may still have their own internal systems. Always check the official prison list to confirm the specific requirements for the facility in question.
Financial Support for Families
Sending money regularly can be a financial strain on families. If you are struggling, you may be eligible for the **Assisted Prison Visits Scheme**. While this doesn't give you money to send to the prisoner, it can reimburse you for travel costs, helping you stay in touch without breaking the bank. You can find more information about this on the official gov.uk visits page.
How Much Should I Send?
There is no right answer, but most experienced family members suggest between **£20 and £40 per month** is sufficient for a 'Standard' or 'Enhanced' prisoner to live comfortably without attracting unwanted attention. If the prisoner is making many phone calls, this may need to be higher, as phone credits are the biggest expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
#### 1. Can I send money to a prisoner using a credit card?
No, the official government service generally only accepts debit cards. This is part of a move to prevent people from falling into debt while supporting someone in prison.
#### 2. How much can a prisoner have in their account?
There isn't usually a hard limit on the total balance of a 'Private' account, but as mentioned, there are strict limits on how much they can transfer to 'Spends' each week. Having thousands of pounds in a private account may trigger an investigation by the prison's financial intelligence unit.
#### 3. Can I send money to someone in a Young Offender Institution (YOI)?
Yes, the process for sending money to a YOI is exactly the same as sending it to an adult prison. You will still use the gov.uk portal and will need the individual's name, DOB, and prisoner number.
#### 4. Can the prisoner send money back to me?
Yes, but it isn't easy. A prisoner must put in a 'General Application' to the accounts office to have funds sent out to a bank account. This is usually only approved for legitimate reasons, such as paying a bill or supporting a family member in an emergency.
#### 5. What happens to the money if a prisoner is moved to a different prison?
When a prisoner is transferred, their 'digital' funds move with them. It usually takes 24 to 48 hours for the accounts to sync between the old prison and the new one. If they have physical cash on them during the move, this is bagged and re-logged at the new facility.
#### 6. Can I send money to a prisoner if I’m not on their visitor list?
In most cases, yes. The online service does not currently require you to be an 'Approved Visitor' to send money. However, the prison monitors who is sending money, and if they have concerns about the source of the funds, they can block the transaction.
Final Professional Advice
Maintaining a stable financial link with someone in prison is a vital part of rehabilitation. It reduces the stress of incarceration and allows the individual to keep some level of autonomy. However, it’s important to stay within your own means. The prison system is designed to be self-sufficient for basic needs; anything you send is a luxury.
Always keep your email receipts for every transaction. If there is ever a dispute with the prison accounts office, these receipts are your only proof of payment. For those dealing with the system for the first time, it can feel like a lot of bureaucracy, but once you have the prisoner number and the portal bookmarked, it becomes a routine part of 'doing the time' alongside your loved one.