So Your Buddy's Gone Cold (Turkey on Commissary, That Is) - A Guide to Funding Their Fancy Ramen Habit in Michigan
Let's face it, jail ain't exactly a five-star resort. Unless your idea of a luxury getaway involves questionable cafeteria food and enhanced interrogation techniques (hopefully just with board games!), chances are your incarcerated acquaintance is craving a little taste of home. That's where commissary comes in - a magical land where inmates can spend hard-earned cash (or, well, your hard-earned cash) on sundries, snacks, and the finer things in, well, jail.
But how do you, the loyal friend or concerned family member (or maybe not-so-loyal frenemy, no judgment here!), put that money in their account? Fear not, for I, your friendly neighborhood guide to all things jail commissary in Michigan, am here to break it down.
Funding Freedom (Sort Of): Ways to Put Money on the Books
There are two main ways to add funds to your inmate's account in the glorious state of Michigan:
Channel Your Inner Tech Mogul: The Online Method Most counties have partnered with online providers like Touchpay or eXpress Account. You'll need the inmate's booking number and the jail's facility number (which you can usually find on the jail's website). Be warned: there might be a convenience fee, so be prepared to pony up a few extra bucks for the privilege of enabling your friend's ramen addiction.
Kiosk K-Pow! The In-Person Option Many jails have kiosks in their lobbies where you can add funds directly. This is a good option if you're uncomfortable with the internet or just enjoy the thrill of pressing buttons (hey, no judgement!). Just a heads up: These kiosks are often cash-only, so make sure to hit the ATM before your visit.
Pro Tip: Find out what the daily/weekly spending limit is for commissary before you go hog wild. You don't want to be the reason your friend gets banned from buying Funyuns for a month (although, depending on the jail food, that might be a blessing in disguise).
Frequently Asked Questions (Because Let's Be Honest, You Probably Have Some)
- How do I find out which online provider the jail uses? Check the jail's website or call them directly.
- Can I send money by mail? Nope. Most jails don't accept cash or checks through the mail for security reasons.
- What can my friend buy with commissary funds? This varies by jail, but it usually includes snacks, toiletries, writing supplies, and games (think checkers, not Grand Theft Auto).
- Can I put money in someone else's account? Probably not. Most systems are set up to only allow deposits for a specific inmate.
- Will my friend get my money if they get released? Yes! Any remaining funds will be returned to them upon release, usually in the form of a check or debit card.
So there you have it! Now you're all set to be the hero who brings back the joy of mystery meat sandwiches (or, you know, actual snacks) to your incarcerated acquaintance. Just remember, while you can't exactly bail them out, you can definitely bail them out...of flavorless jail food purgatory.
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
