How to Put Money on an Inmate's Account in Kentucky

Adding Money to an Inmate’s Commissary Account in Kentucky

When a loved one is incarcerated in Kentucky, one of the most important ways you can help is by putting money on their commissary account. Commissary funds allow inmates to purchase basic necessities, food items, and personal hygiene products that are not adequately provided by the facility. The attorneys at Clark + Harris understand the challenges families face when a loved one is incarcerated and provide this practical guide for families in Lexington, Louisville, and throughout Kentucky.

What Is a Commissary Account?

A commissary account is essentially a prepaid account that an inmate can use to purchase items from the jail’s commissary store. Available items typically include snack foods and beverages, personal hygiene products such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant, writing supplies including paper, envelopes, and stamps, over-the-counter medications, reading materials, and phone credits for making calls. The prices at jail commissaries are often higher than retail prices for similar items. Understanding what is available and how much things cost can help you determine how much money to deposit.

How to Deposit Money at the Fayette County Detention Center

The Fayette County Detention Center in Lexington offers several methods for depositing funds into an inmate’s account. The facility uses an electronic deposit system that allows deposits online through the facility’s approved vendor website, by phone through an automated deposit system, through deposit kiosks located in the facility lobby, and by mail using a money order made payable to the inmate. Each deposit method may have different processing fees and processing times. Online and phone deposits are typically the fastest, with funds often available within 24 hours, while mail deposits may take several days to process.

How to Deposit Money at Louisville Metro Corrections

Louisville Metro Corrections has its own system for inmate account deposits. Similar to Fayette County, deposits can be made online through the facility’s approved vendor, by phone, through lobby kiosks, and by money order. The specific vendor and procedures may differ from Fayette County, so check the Louisville Metro Corrections website or call the facility for current instructions and approved deposit methods.

Tips for Managing Commissary Deposits

When managing commissary deposits for an incarcerated loved one, keep several things in mind. Set a realistic budget for how much you can contribute. Commissary funds are helpful but should not put a financial strain on your own household. Keep records of all deposits including amounts, dates, and confirmation numbers. Be aware of processing fees, which vary by deposit method and vendor. Online and phone deposits typically carry fees of $3 to $7 per transaction. Communicate with your loved one about their most pressing needs so deposits can be timed effectively.

Also be aware that inmates may be pressured by other inmates to share their commissary funds or purchase items for others. If your loved one reports this kind of pressure, contact the facility and their attorney, as this can constitute extortion or bullying.

Phone Account Deposits

In addition to commissary funds, you may need to deposit money into a separate phone account to allow your loved one to make calls. Jail phone calls can be expensive, often costing several dollars per call plus per-minute charges. Phone account deposits are typically managed through a different vendor than commissary deposits. Check with the specific facility for information on their phone system provider and deposit options.

Clark + Harris Works to Bring Your Loved One Home

While commissary support helps your loved one while they are incarcerated, the best outcome is bringing them home. Clark + Harris fights to get our clients released and their cases resolved favorably. Call 859-474-0001 for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I contact Clark + Harris after being charged in Kentucky?

As soon as possible. Early representation protects your rights during questioning, preserves evidence, and often leads to better outcomes. Call 859-474-0001 — we respond promptly to new inquiries.

Does Clark + Harris represent clients throughout Kentucky?

Yes. We represent clients in all 120 Kentucky counties, both state District and Circuit courts, and federal courts in the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky.

What happens during a free consultation with Clark + Harris?

We review the specific charges and evidence, discuss available defenses, explain the likely process in the relevant court, and give you a clear roadmap of next steps — at no cost to you.

Related Resources

If this information applied to your situation, the following Clark + Harris guides may also be helpful:

How to Put Money on an Inmate’s Account in Kentucky