How to Send Money to a Prisoner in the UK
Last reviewed: June 2026.
In short: the easiest and recommended way to send money to someone in prison in England and Wales is the government’s free online service — you send it with a debit card and it usually reaches their account within about three working days. The money goes into the prisoner’s private-cash account, which they use for phone credit and canteen items. How much they can spend each week is capped by their incentive level, so there’s no benefit in overstretching yourself. You’ll need the prisoner’s full name, date of birth and prison number. Most prisons no longer accept posted cash or cheques.
The recommended way: the online service
Use the official GOV.UK “send money to someone in prison” service. It’s free, works with a debit card, and is the fastest, most reliable route — money normally arrives within around three working days, sometimes sooner. You can send to most public prisons this way; a small number of private prisons use their own system, which the service will tell you about.
What you need and how it works
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| 1. Gather the details | The prisoner’s full name, date of birth and prison number (find it via the prison or the find-a-prisoner service). |
| 2. Use the GOV.UK service | Send with a debit card — free of charge. |
| 3. Money reaches their account | Usually within about three working days. |
| 4. They spend within limits | Weekly private-cash spend is capped by their incentive level. |
Finding the prison number
You need the prisoner’s prison number (and date of birth) to send money. The prisoner can pass it to you in a letter or call, or you can use the GOV.UK find-a-prisoner service. Getting the number or name slightly wrong is the most common reason a payment is delayed or returned.
How much should you send?
Send what you can sustainably afford — little and often is best. The prisoner can only spend a capped amount each week (see how much money a prisoner is allowed), so there’s no benefit in overstretching your own budget — and protecting your own finances matters too (see our family-finances guide).
What the money is used for
Money you send funds the things that make a sentence more bearable: phone credit to call home, and canteen items such as toiletries, snacks, stamps and tobacco or vapes. You cannot hand money to a prisoner during a visit, and you cannot send gifts or food directly — the money service is the proper route.
Common mistakes
- Posting cash or cheques — most prisons no longer accept these; use the online service.
- Getting the prison number or name wrong — money can be delayed or returned.
- Trying to hand money over at a visit — this isn’t allowed and can end the visit.
- Sending more than they can spend — weekly spending is capped.
- Overstretching your own finances — little and often is better.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to send money to a prisoner?
The free GOV.UK online service, using a debit card — it’s fast and reliable.
How long does it take?
Usually around three working days to reach the prisoner’s account.
What details do I need?
The prisoner’s full name, date of birth and prison number.
Can I still post money?
Most prisons no longer accept posted cash or cheques — use the online service instead.
Related guides and official sources
See how much money a prisoner is allowed, contacting someone in prison and family finances. Official: GOV.UK send a prisoner money.
