A prisoner’s bank account, typically referred to as an inmate trust account or an inmate commissary account, is a specialized type of account held by correctional facilities on behalf of inmates. These accounts serve several purposes and allow inmates to manage their finances while incarcerated.

Here are some key features of a prisoner’s bank account…

1. Commissary Purchases – Inmate trust accounts are used to facilitate purchases from the prison commissary. The commissary is a facility within the prison where inmates can purchase items such as food, toiletries, clothing, and other personal items. Inmates can use funds from their trust accounts to make these purchases.
2. Phone and Email Services – Inmates may also use funds from their trust accounts to pay for phone calls, email services, or other communication services offered by the correctional facility.
3. Legal and Administrative Fees – Inmates may need to use funds from their trust accounts to pay for legal fees, court costs, fines, or other administrative expenses related to their incarceration.
4. Receiving Funds – Inmates can receive funds into their trust accounts from various sources, including family members, friends, or earnings from prison jobs or work programs. These funds are typically deposited into the inmate’s account using designated methods approved by the correctional facility, such as through electronic transfers, money orders, or cashier’s checks.
5. Withdrawals and Transfers – Inmates may be able to request withdrawals or transfers from their trust accounts for specific purposes, such as sending money to family members, paying legal fees, or purchasing items from the commissary. Withdrawal and transfer requests are typically subject to approval and may be subject to certain restrictions or limitations imposed by the correctional facility.

A prisoner’s bank account, or inmate trust account, plays a crucial role in managing an inmate’s finances and facilitating their access to essential goods and services while incarcerated.