Send Money to a Prisoner: Complete UK Guide to Payment Methods & GOV.UK System

Supporting a loved one in prison often means sending money so they can buy essentials from the prison canteen—phone credit to call home, toiletries, books, snacks, and other items they need to survive inside. But the system is confusing: there are multiple payment methods, fees vary by prison, and the GOV.UK online system doesn’t always work smoothly.

I’ve been in the prison system myself and understand how important financial support is. This complete guide on sending money to a prisoner covers every method, step-by-step instructions for GOV.UK, costs and fees, troubleshooting payment problems, and what prisoners can actually spend money on. Whether you’re sending £5 or £50, this guide has you covered.

What Is Sending Money to a Prisoner and Why Do Prisoners Need It?

Common Uses for Prisoner Money

• Phone credit: Calls cost 30p/minute; family support allows regular contact
• Toiletries: Toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, razors (not provided)
• Clothing: Extra underwear, socks, trainers beyond prison issue
• Food: Snacks, chocolate, instant noodles, energy drinks
• Books: Educational materials, novels, religious texts
• Commissary items: Stamps, envelopes, tobacco, eyeglasses, watch batteries
• Prison laundry service: Some prisons charge for washing clothes
• Gym fees: Some prisons charge for gym access
• TV rental: Prisons charge for in-cell televisions

Methods to Send Money to a Prisoner (Comparison)

Complete Comparison Table

How to Send Money via GOV.UK (Official Method, Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Access the Official System

Go to: www.sendmoneytonow.justice.gov.uk

Or search Google for “GOV.UK Send Money to a Prisoner” and click the official link.

Step 2: Find the Prisoner

Enter:

• Prisoner’s full name (exactly as in the system—check their letters)
• Prisoner’s number (8-10 digit code from their prison ID)
• Prison they’re in (search by name or location)

Important: Name and number must match the prison’s records exactly. If there’s a spelling error or wrong number, the system won’t find them.

Step 3: Enter the Amount

Most prisons have limits per week:

• Minimum: Usually £1
• Maximum: Usually £300-£500 per week (varies by prison)
• Total limit: Some prisons cap monthly totals at £1,000-£1,500

Check your specific prison’s canteen policy for exact limits. You can send multiple amounts in one week (e.g., £50 on Monday and £50 on Friday).

Step 4: Add Your Payment Details

GOV.UK accepts:

• Debit cards: Visa, Mastercard, Switch, Delta
• Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard
• PayPal: (if your account is linked)

Security note: GOV.UK uses bank-level encryption. Your card details are never stored permanently—only the transaction is processed.

Step 5: Confirm and Submit

Review:

• Prisoner name and number
• Prison name
• Amount
• Payment method

Click “Submit” and you’ll see a confirmation reference number. Save this number for your records in case there’s an issue.

Step 6: Money Arrives

Within 2-3 working days:

• The prisoner’s canteen account is credited
• They can check their balance using prison phone services
• They can spend from the account immediately at the canteen window

Tip: Send money early in the week (Monday-Tuesday) to ensure it arrives by weekend when the prisoner can use it.

Common Problems Sending Money (Troubleshooting)

Problem 1: “Prisoner Not Found in System”

Cause: Name and number mismatch, wrong prison, or prisoner recently transferred.

Solution:

1. Check the prisoner’s official documents (letter, court documents) for exact spelling
2. Verify the prisoner’s full number (all digits)
3. Confirm the correct prison (they may have been transferred)
4. Contact the prison’s visitor services: “Hi, I’m trying to send money to [name]. Can you confirm their prisoner number?”
5. Try the search again with corrected information

Problem 2: “Payment Card Declined”

Cause: Your bank blocked the transaction for fraud protection.

Solution:

1. Call your bank before attempting the GOV.UK transaction and tell them you’re sending money to a prisoner
2. Ask them to authorize GOV.UK and the Justice Department
3. Try again on GOV.UK
4. If still declined, try a different card or PayPal
5. Contact your bank to ask why the transaction is blocked (may be due to your security settings)

Problem 3: “System Error – Try Again Later”

Cause: GOV.UK server issue or maintenance.

Solution:

1. Wait 1-2 hours and try again
2. Clear your browser cache (Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data)
3. Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
4. Try from a different device (phone, tablet, computer)
5. If the issue persists, contact the Prison Service at: [contact details]

Problem 4: “Money Didn’t Arrive After 4 Days”

Cause: Processing delay, system error, or incorrect account details.

Solution:

1. Get your transaction reference number from your email/bank
2. Contact the prison’s visitor services with the reference number
3. Ask them to check if money arrived on the prisoner’s account
4. If not received, ask them to trace the payment
5. Ask about refund options if payment can’t be traced

Fees & Costs Breakdown

Cost Table

Money-saving tip: Use GOV.UK and you save £2-£3 per transaction. If you send £50/week (every week), you save £100+/year vs postal orders.

What Can Prisoners Spend Money On? (Canteen Items)

Common Canteen Items (Most Prisons)

Phone Services (most expensive):

• Phone credit: 30p/minute
• Text messages: 10p each
• Video calls: 60p/minute (some prisons)

Toiletries (essential):

• Toothpaste: £1-£1.50
• Toothbrush: £0.50-£1
• Deodorant: £1.50-£2
• Soap/shower gel: £1-£2
• Shampoo: £1.50-£2
• Razors: £2-£3 (electric razors restricted)
• Hair cream: £1.50

Clothing:

• Underwear: £1.50-£2 per item
• Socks: £1 pair
• Trainers: £15-£25
• Jumper: £12-£18
• T-shirt: £3-£5

Food & Snacks:

• Instant noodles: 50p
• Chocolate: £1-£1.50
• Crisps: 40p-£1
• Biscuits: 50p-£1
• Energy drink: £1.50

Reading/Writing:

• Paperback books: £2-£4
• Magazines: 50p-£2
• Envelopes: 25p-50p
• Stamps: 65p each
• Notepads: £0.50

Recreation/Other:

• Playing cards: £1-£2
• Earplugs: 50p
• Watch battery: £2
• Eyeglasses repair: £5-£10
• Gym access fees: £1-£2 (some prisons)

Money Limits & Restrictions by Prison

Sending Money From Abroad

Can Prisoners’ Families Receive Money Back?

FAQ: Sending Money to Prisoners

How long does it take for money to arrive?

2-3 working days via GOV.UK. 5-7 days via postal order. Same-day cash on visits (small amounts only).

Can I send money anonymously?

No. All money transfers require sender identification for security and money laundering prevention.

What if I send too much money?

If you exceed the prison’s weekly limit, GOV.UK will reject the transaction. Your card won’t be charged, and you’ll need to resend in smaller amounts.

Can someone else send money on my behalf?

Yes, but they’ll need to enter their own details. The system doesn’t allow third-party sending.

Do prisoners know who sent the money?

They can see the transaction and may receive a confirmation note. The prisoner knows money arrived, but not necessarily from whom (unless mentioned in an email or letter).

What if a prisoner is released while money is in their account?

Usually converted to a release grant (cash payment on discharge). Varies by prison policy.

Key Takeaways

• Use GOV.UK Send Money to a Prisoner for safety, speed, and zero fees. It’s the official, best method.
• Prisoner’s name and number must match the prison’s records exactly. Small errors cause rejection.
• Money arrives in 2-3 working days. Don’t expect overnight processing.
• Weekly limits vary (£300-£500). Check your specific prison for exact limits.
• Prison canteen items vary by prison. Ask your prisoner what they need most.
• Money sent is permanent—it can’t be withdrawn or refunded. Plan amounts carefully.
• All transactions are monitored for security and money laundering. Never try to send money for prohibited items.

Related Resources

Learn more about supporting prisoners:

• Email a Prisoner in the UK — Send messages through emates
• Visiting a Prisoner — In-person visits and procedures
• Prison Phone Credit — Calling prisoners from outside
• What Can You Send to Prisoners — Parcels and items guide
• Prison Sentence Calculator — Understanding sentence lengths

By Daniel Hockey
Prison Information Specialist | First-hand prison experience | Author of 4 prison guides. Read Daniel’s full author credentials

Supporting a loved one in prison is an act of kindness. Sending money helps them maintain dignity, stay in contact with family, and get through a difficult time. Use this guide to navigate the system confidently.

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