How Much Money Is a Prisoner Allowed in the UK?
Last reviewed: June 2026.
In short: prisoners don’t carry cash. Money is held in a prison account with two parts: earnings from prison work and private cash sent in by family or friends. How much a prisoner can spend each week is capped by the incentives scheme (Basic, Standard or Enhanced) — better behaviour unlocks a higher weekly private-cash spend. The money is used for phone credit and “canteen” items. Convicted and remand prisoners have different rules, with remand prisoners able to access more of their own money.
The two pots of money
A prisoner’s account holds earnings (prison wages are small — typically only a few pounds a week from a prison job or education) and private cash sent in from outside. Prisoners cannot hold physical cash; everything goes through the account. There is also a “savings” element in some prisons to help prisoners build a small fund for release.
Spending limits and the incentives scheme
The amount of private cash a prisoner can spend each week is set by their incentive level under the national Incentives Policy Framework. The principle is that engaging with the regime and behaving well earns more privileges, including a higher spend limit:
| Incentive level | Effect on spending |
|---|---|
| Basic | Lowest weekly private-cash spend allowance. |
| Standard | A higher weekly allowance (the level most prisoners are on). |
| Enhanced | The highest allowance, earned through good behaviour and engagement. |
Remand (unconvicted) prisoners generally have more generous access to their own money than convicted prisoners. The exact weekly figures are set nationally and change over time, so check the current limits on GOV.UK.
What the money is spent on: the canteen
Most spending happens through the weekly “canteen” — an order sheet of items a prisoner can buy from their account, such as toiletries, snacks, soft drinks, stamps, phone credit, tobacco or vapes, and stationery. Orders are placed one week and delivered the next. Phone credit is a major use, because keeping in touch with family by phone is one of the things prisoners value most, and call costs eat into a limited budget quickly.
Debt — a serious risk
Because spending is capped and wages are tiny, some prisoners run short and borrow — and debt is one of the biggest causes of violence and intimidation inside. Borrowing canteen items or “double-bubble” lending (paying back double) can spiral fast. The safest approach is to live within the weekly allowance and avoid borrowing entirely.
Sending money in, and money on release
Family and friends send money through the government’s free, secure online service; it goes into the prisoner’s private-cash account, usually within a few working days — see how to send money to a prisoner and our guide to family finances. On release, money in the account is returned to the prisoner, and those leaving with little may receive a small discharge grant.
Common misunderstandings
- Thinking prisoners carry cash — they don’t; everything is account-based.
- Assuming there’s no spending limit — weekly private-cash spend is capped by incentive level.
- Believing prison wages are significant — they’re only a few pounds a week.
- Sending more than the prisoner can spend — protect your own budget; little and often is best.
- Underestimating debt — borrowing inside is dangerous and best avoided entirely.
Frequently asked questions
Can prisoners have cash?
No — money is held in a prison account, not as physical cash.
How much can a prisoner spend a week?
It depends on their incentive level (Basic, Standard or Enhanced); limits are set nationally and change, so check the current figures.
How do I send money to a prisoner?
Use the government’s free secure online service.
Do prisoners earn money?
Yes, a small amount — usually a few pounds a week — from a prison job or education.
What happens to the money on release?
It’s returned to the prisoner; those leaving with very little may receive a small discharge grant.
Related guides and official sources
See sending money to a prisoner, the incentives scheme and prison phones & credit. Official: GOV.UK send a prisoner money.
